[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6509-H6514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1630
GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
Senate bill (S. 941) to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area in the State of California, to extend the term
of the advisory commission for the recreation area, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
S. 941
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
TITLE I--GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
SEC. 101. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.
Section 2(a) of Public Law 92-589 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-1(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``(a)'' and inserting ``(a) Recreation Area
Lands.--'';
(2) by striking ``The recreation area shall comprise'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The recreation area shall comprise'';
and
(3) by striking ``The following additional lands are also''
and all that follows through the period at the end of the
paragraph and inserting the following:
``(2) Additional land.--In addition to the land described
in paragraph (1), the recreation area shall include--
``(A) the parcels numbered by the Assessor of Marin County,
California, 119-040-04, 119-040-05, 119-040-18, 166-202-03,
166-010-06, 166-010-07, 166-010-24, 166-010-25, 119-240-19,
166-010-10, 166-010-22, 119-240-03, 119-240-51, 119-240-52,
119-240-54, 166-010-12, 166-010-13, and 119-235-10;
``(B) land and water in San Mateo County generally depicted
on the map entitled `Sweeney Ridge Addition, Golden Gate
National Recreation Area', numbered NRA GG-80,000-A, and
dated May 1980;
``(C) land acquired under the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area Addition Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-1 note;
Public Law 10-299);
``(D) land generally depicted on the map entitled
`Additions to Golden Gate National Recreation Area', numbered
NPS-80-076, and dated July 2000/PWR-PLRPC; and
``(E) land generally depicted on the map entitled `Rancho
Corral de Tierra Additions to the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area', numbered NPS-80,079A and dated July 2001.
``(3) Acquisition authority.--The Secretary may acquire
land described in paragraph (2)(E) only from a willing
seller.''.
TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
SEC. 201. GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ADVISORY
COMMISSION.
Section 5 of Public Law 92-589 (16 U.S.C. 460bb-4) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``(b) The Commission'' and inserting the
following:
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission'';
(B) by striking ``Provided, That the'' and all that follows
through the period; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated by
subparagraph (A)) the following:
``(2) Considerations.--In appointing members to the
Commission, the Secretary shall ensure that the interests of
local, historic recreational users of the recreation area
shall be represented.''; and
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``thirty years after the
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``on December 31,
2012''.
SEC. 202. MANZANAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ADVISORY
COMMISSION.
Section 105(h) of Public Law 102-248 (16 U.S.C. 461 note)
is amended by striking ``10 years after the date of enactment
of this title'' and inserting ``on December 31, 2012''.
TITLE III--YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
SEC. 301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The three elementary schools serving the children of
employees of Yosemite National Park are served by the Bass
Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa
Unified School District.
(2) The schools are in remote mountainous areas and long
distances from other educational and administrative
facilities of the two local educational agencies.
(3) Because of their remote locations and relatively small
number of students, schools serving the children of employees
of the Park provide fewer services in more basic facilities
than the educational services and facilities provided to
students that attend other schools served by the two local
educational agencies.
(4) Because of the long distances involved and adverse
weather and road conditions that occur during much of the
school year, it is impractical for the children of employees
of the Park who live within or near the Park to attend other
schools served by the two local educational agencies.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and
other services that are necessary to assist the State of
California or local educational agencies in California in
providing educational services for students attending schools
located within the Park.
SEC. 302. PAYMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
(a) Authority to Provide Funds.--For fiscal years 2003
through 2007, the Secretary may provide funds to the Bass
Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa
Unified School District for educational services to students
who are dependents of persons engaged in the administration,
operation, and maintenance of the Park or students who live
at or near the Park upon real property of the United States.
(b) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Payments made by the
Secretary under this section may not be used for new
construction, construction contracts, or major capital
improvements, and may be used only to pay public employees
for services otherwise authorized by this title.
(c) Limitation on Amount of Funds.--Payments made under
this section shall not exceed the lesser of $750,000 in any
fiscal year or the amount necessary to provide students
described in subsection (a) with educational services that
are normally provided and generally available to students who
attend public schools elsewhere in the State of California.
(d) Adjustment of Payments.--Subject to subsection (c), the
Secretary is authorized to adjust payments made under this
section if the State of California or the appropriate local
educational agencies do not continue to provide funding for
educational services at Park schools
[[Page H6510]]
at per student levels that are equivalent to or greater than
those provided in the fiscal year prior to the date of
enactment of this title.
(e) Source of Payments.--
(1) Authorized sources.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), in order to make payments under this section, the
Secretary may use funds available to the National Park
Service from appropriations, donations, or fees.
(2) Exceptions.--Funds from the following sources may not
be used to make payments under this section:
(A) Fees authorized and collected under the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq,).
(B) The recreational fee demonstration program under
section 315 of the Department of the Interior and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (as contained in section
101(c) of Public Law 104-134; 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a note).
(C) The national park passport program established under
section 602 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of
1998 (16 U.S.C. 5992).
(D) Emergency appropriations for Yosemite flood recovery.
(f) Definitions.--For the purposes of this title, the
following definitions apply:
(1) Local educational agencies.--The term ``local
educational agencies'' has the meaning given that term in
section 9101(26) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965.
(2) Educational services.--The term ``educational
services'' means services that may include maintenance and
minor upgrades of facilities and transportation to and from
school.
(3) Park.--The term ``Park'' means Yosemite National Park.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 303. AUTHORIZATION FOR PARK FACILITIES TO BE LOCATED
OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL
PARK.
Section 814(c) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 346e) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by inserting ``and Yosemite National Park'' after
``Zion National Park''; and
(B) by inserting ``transportation systems and'' before
``the establishment of''; and
(2) by striking ``park'' each place it appears and
inserting ``parks''.
TITLE IV--ESTABLISHMENT OF GOLDEN CHAIN HIGHWAY AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE
CORRIDOR STUDY
SEC. 401. STUDY; REPORT.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date that
funds are first made available for this section, the
Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the affected
local governments, the State government, State and local
historic preservation offices, community organizations, and
the Golden Chain Council, shall complete a special resource
study of the national significance, suitability, and
feasibility of establishing Highway 49 in California, known
as the ``Golden Chain Highway'', as a National Heritage
Corridor.
(2) Contents.--The study shall include an analysis of--
(A) the significance of Highway 49 in American history;
(B) options for preservation and use of the highway;
(C) options for interpretation of significant features
associated with the highway; and
(D) private sector preservation alternatives.
(3) Boundaries of study area.--The area studied under this
section shall be comprised of Highway 49 in California
extending from the city of Oakhurst in Madera County to the
city of Tuttletown in Tuolumne County, and lands, structures,
and cultural resources within the immediate vicinity of the
highway.
(b) Report.--Not later than 30 days after completion of the
study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit
a report describing the results of the study to the Committee
on Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
TITLE V--JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT
SEC. 501. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.
(a) Boundary.--The boundary of the John Muir National
Historic Site is adjusted to include the lands generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Boundary Map, John Muir
National Historic Site'' numbered PWR-OL 426-80,044a and
dated August 2001.
(b) Land Acquisition.--The Secretary of the Interior is
authorized to acquire the lands and interests in lands
identified as the ``Boundary Adjustment Area'' on the map
referred to in subsection (a) by donation, purchase with
donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or otherwise.
(c) Administration.--The lands and interests in lands
described in subsection (b) shall be administered as part of
the John Muir National Historic Site established by the Act
of August 31, 1964 (78 Stat. 753; 16 U.S.C. 461 note).
TITLE VI--SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHEDS STUDY
SEC. 601. AUTHORIZATION OF STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter
in this title referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall conduct
a special resource study of the following areas:
(1) The San Gabriel River and its tributaries north of and
including the city of Santa Fe Springs.
(2) The San Gabriel Mountains within the territory of the
San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy (as defined in section 32603(c)(1)(C) of the
State of California Public Resource Code).
(b) Study Conduct and Completion.--Section 8(c) of Public
Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5(c)) shall apply to the conduct and
completion of the study required by this section.
(c) Consultation With Federal, State, and Local
Governments.--In conducting the study authorized by this
section, the Secretary shall consult with the San Gabriel and
Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and other
appropriate Federal, State, and local governmental entities.
(d) Considerations.--In conducting the study authorized by
this section, the Secretary shall consider regional flood
control and drainage needs and publicly owned infrastructure,
including, but not limited to, wastewater treatment
facilities.
SEC. 602. REPORT.
Not later than 3 years after funds are made available for
this title, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee
on Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the
findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentleman from West Virginia
(Mr. Rahall) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen).
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. HANSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks and include extraneous material.)
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, S. 941, as ordered reported by the Committee
on Resources, not only authorizes the expansion of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area and a 10-year extension of the Manzanar
National Historic Site Commission, but it also incorporates the
following four new titles:
title III is the text of H.R. 3421 as passed by the House of
Representatives authorizing financial assistance for Yosemite National
Park schools;
title IV is the amended text of H.R. 3425 as approved by the
Committee on Resources authorizing a National Park Service suitability
study on a portion of Highway 49 in California;
title V is the text of H.R. 3942 as adopted by the Committee on
Resources authorizing a boundary adjustment for the John Muir National
Historic Site; and
title VI is the text from H.R. 2534 as adopted by the Committee on
Resources authorizing a National Park Service special resource study of
the San Gabriel River Watershed in California.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is supported by the majority and minority of
the committee as well as the administration. I urge my colleagues to
support S. 941 as reported.
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, September 23, 2002.
Hon. James V. Hansen,
Chairman, Committee on Resources,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 941, an act to
revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation
Area in the state of California, to extend the term of the
advisory commission for the recreation area, and for other
purposes.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Deborah
Reis and Megan Carroll, who can be reached at 226-2860.
Sincerely,
Barry B. Anderson
(For Dan L. Crippen, Director).
Enclosure.
S. 941--An act to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area in the state of California, to
extend the term of the advisory commission for the
recreation area, and for other purposes
Summary: S. 941 would adjust the boundaries of two units of
the National Park System, require the National Park Service
(NPS) to conduct two studies of potential additions to the
park system or its affiliated areas, and authorize the NPS to
make payments to certain school districts in California.
Assuming appropriation of the necessary or authorized
amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the legislation
would cost about $21 million over the next five years.
Because enactment of title III could increase direct
spending, pay-as-you-go procedures would apply, but we
estimate that any such increase would be less than $500,000 a
year.
Title V of the legislation may contain an intergovernmental
or private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (UMRA), but CBO estimates that the costs of any
such mandate would not be significant and would fall well
below the thresholds established in UMRA. The thresholds in
2002 are $58 million and $115 million per year, respectively,
for intergovernmental
[[Page H6511]]
and private-sector mandates, adjusted annually for inflation.
Estimated Cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of S. 941 is summarized in the following
table. The costs of this legislation fall within budget
function 300 (natural resources and environment).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal yesr, in millions of
dollars--
----------------------------------
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION \1\
Estimated authorization level........ 17 1 1 1 1
Estimated outlays.................... 9 9 1 1 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Enacting S. 941 could also affect direct spending, but CBO estimates
that such effects would be less than $500,000 a year.
Basis of estimate
Most of the legislation's budgetary effects would stem from
changes in discretionary spending. In total, we estimate that
implementing those changes would cost about $21 million over
the 2003-2007 period.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Boundary
Adjustment
Title I would expand the boundary of the GGNRA in
California to include the 4,262-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra
and the 500-acre Devil's Slide area.
Based on information provided by the NPS and assuming
appropriation of the necessary amounts. CBO estimates that
one-time costs to implement this title would be $15.5 million
over the next few years. Of this amount, we estimate that the
federal government would spend $15 million to purchase the
Rancho Corral de Tierra from a local nonprofit organization.
CBO estimates that acquisition of the Devil's Slide area
would not have any impact on federal spending because we
expect that this acreage would be donated to the NPS by
California. The balance of one-time costs--about $0.5
million--would be incurred to develop the property acquired.
Finally, we estimate that annual costs to administer the new
lands would be between $0.1 million and $0.2 million (or
about $1 million in total over the next five years), also
assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.
Yosemite National Park Education Improvement
For each of fiscal years 2003 through 2007, title III would
authorize the NPS to pay a total of up of $750,000 to two
California school districts that serve the families of
Yosemite National Park employees. To make those payments, the
title would authorize the agency to use appropriated
funds, donations, or offsetting receipts from certain fees
that it collects.
Assuming that the NPS would principally rely on
appropriated funds to make the authorized payments (because
very few collections and donations are available to spend on
new activities), CBO estimates that implementing title III
would cost $750,000 a year over the next five years, assuming
the availability of appropriated funds. That annual
discretionary amount could be lower if the NPS would choose
to use funds from other authorized sources (such as fees and
donations) to make the payments; if so, direct spending could
increase. According to the NPS, the agency already has
authority to spend nearly all such collections; hence, we
estimate that any increase in direct spending of such fees
under the legislation would be less than $500,000 a year.
Highway 49 Study
Title IV would require the NPS to prepare a special
resource study of Highway 49, in California, to determine the
suitability and feasibility of establishing it as a national
heritage corridor. The legislation would require the agency
to complete the study within one year of receiving funding
and to report to the Congress on its findings 30 days later.
Based on information provided by the NPS and assuming the
availability of appropriated funds, CBO estimates that
completing the required study and report would cost the
federal government $200,000, mostly in 2003.
John Muir National Historic Site Boundary Adjustment
Title V would adjust the boundary of the John Muir National
Historic Site and authorize the NPS to acquire the added 0.2-
acre parcel of land by purchase, donation, or exchange. Based
on information provided by the NPS, we expect the agency to
condemn the small tract to establish its current ownership,
which is unknown. Depending on the outcome of the
condemnation proceeding, CBO expects that the NPS would then:
(1) annex the property without further cost to the government
(if no owner is located), (2) accept donation of the tract
(if the owner is another government agency), or (3) purchase
the property (if a private owner is located). In any event,
CBO estimates that the cost of acquiring the property
(including legal expenses) would be less than $50,000,
assuming the availability of appropriated funds.
San Gabriel River Watersheds Study
Title VI would direct the NPS to conduct a study of two
areas to determine the suitability and feasibility of
establishing them collectively as a unit of the National Park
System. The study areas are composed of certain segments of
the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Gabriel River and
tributaries in California. The bill would require the
department to report findings and recommendations within
three years of receiving funding for the study.
Assuming the availability of appropriated funds, CBO
estimates that implementing title VI would cost the federal
government less than $500,000 over the next three years to
complete the required study and report.
Pay-as-you-go considerations: The Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act sets up pay-as-you-go
procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or
receipts. Title III of this legislation, which would
authorize the NPS to make payments to certain school
districts from available donations or fees, could result in
additional direct spending. CBO expects, however, that most
of the funding would come from appropriations because very
few receipts would be available for this purpose. In any
case, we estimate that any increase in direct spending would
be less than $500,000 a year.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: Title IV of S.
941 may contain an intergovernmental or private-sector impact
as defined in UMRA, but CBO estimates that the costs of any
such mandate would not be significant and would fall well
below the thresholds established in that act. The annual
thresholds in 2002 are $58 million and $115 million,
respectively, for intergovernmental and private-sector
mandates, adjusted annually for inflation.
Title IV would authorize the NPS to acquire a 0.2-acre
parcel of land. Because the owner of this parcel cannot be
found, condemnation may be the only course of action for the
NPS to gain title. CBO has generally found that when
legislation is expected to result in condemnation of
property, it contains a mandate. The cost of such a mandate
generally is equal to the value of the property. However,
because in this case the NPS cannot identify the current
owner of the parcel, CBO cannot determine whether this
mandate would fall on a government, on the private sector, or
on both. In any event, based on information provided by the
NPS, CBO estimates that the value of the property is less
than $50,000.
The other titles of this act contain no intergovernmental
or private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA and would
impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
Previous CBO estimate: CBO has prepared cost estimates for
legislation nearly identical to all six titles of S. 941. On
August 21, 2001, we submitted an estimate for S. 941 as
ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources on August 2, 2001. The Senate version of S.
941 contained language very similar to titles I and II of the
House version, and the estimated costs for the two versions
are identical. We have also prepared cost estimates for four
bills as ordered reported by the House Committee on
Resources: H.R. 3421, the Yosemite National Park Education
Improvement Act, as ordered reported on March 20, 2002 (cost
estimated transmitted on April 8, 2002); H.R. 3425, a bill to
direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability
and feasibility of establishing Highway 49 in California,
known as the ``Golden Chain Highway,'' as a National Heritage
Corridor, as ordered reported on March 20, 2002 (transmitted
on March 28, 2002); H.R. 3942, the John Muir National
Historic Site Boundary Adjustment Act, as ordered reported on
May 22, 2002 (transmitted on June 14, 2002), and the San
Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act of 2002, as ordered
reported on July 24, 2002 (transmitted on July 31, 2002). The
estimated costs of these earlier versions of legislation are
the same as the provisions included in S. 941.
Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Deborah Reis and Megan
Carroll (226-2860); impact on state, local, and tribal
governments: Marjorie Miller (225-3220); impact on the
private sector: Lauren Marks (226-2940).
Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Radanovich), the chairman of the Subcommittee on
National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands to explain the bill
further.
Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
the time.
Mr. Speaker, S. 941, as reported by the Committee on Resources,
incorporates a number of legislative initiatives affecting California,
as just described by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). For me and
my constituents, however, S. 941 is very important for it includes
language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide
supplemental funding and other educational services for Yosemite
Valley, El Portal Elementary, and Wawona Elementary Schools located in
or within Yosemite National Park.
Since the devastating 1997 Merced River flood, there has been a
dramatic reduction in park employees, and thus, fewer school children
attending these schools, and fewer State dollars are committed. The
result is that the superintendent for Yosemite National Park and the
concessionaire serving park visitors cannot attract first-class
candidates to work in the parks because families are not provided
adequate schools.
Also included in S. 941 is language authorizing the Secretary of the
Interior to locate facilities, including
[[Page H6512]]
transportation systems, outside the boundaries of Yosemite National
Park. This important provision will help continue the successful
operations of the Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System, otherwise known
as YARTS, which operates in three counties surrounding Yosemite
National Park and provides visitors with a convenient alternative
transportation system to and from Yosemite National Park.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the other important part of S. 941 is language
authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility and
suitability study of a portion of State Highway 49 in Madera, Mariposa,
and Tuolumne Counties, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, as a
national heritage corridor.
I urge my colleagues to support S. 941, as amended. I also want to
thank Senator Feinstein for her work on this bill in the other body,
and again I thank the chairman for yielding me the time.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
The measure has already been explained by the majority, but I simply
want to note that this important legislation is sponsored by our
colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) and the
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Solis) for her comments and commend her for her
excellent leadership on this legislation.
(Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her
remarks.)
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 491,
the Rancho Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Boundary Adjustment Act; and in particular, I am very pleased at the
efforts made to include my bill, H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River
Watersheds Study Act, to be included in this package.
If passed, the bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways
for the more than 2 million people to benefit from a potential
recreational and rehabilitated area in the San Gabriel Valley along the
San Gabriel River.
I want to personally thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller), and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Radanovich) and also the committee staff and in particular my staff
person, Heather Taylor, for working tirelessly on this issue. I know
that this took a lot of discussion and time, working with the ranking
member and the different members of the committee, but it is something
that I truly believe will help provide environmental justice to those
communities that are currently underserved and would like to see a bit
more of open space made available to those communities that are
currently underserved.
I encourage Members to support Senate bill 941.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 941, the Rancho
Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary
Adjustment Act.
In particular, I am very pleased of the efforts to include my bill,
H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act to this important
legislation.
If passed, this bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways
for the more than 2 million people that reside in the San Gabriel
Valley to preserve, restore and create recreational space along the San
Gabriel River.
With more people and less space, we have to start planning so that we
don't look around one day and realize that all we see are concrete
buildings and unwanted development encroaching upon our open space.
This would not only be detrimental to the environmental landscape, it
would also hurt the health of the surrounding communities and future
generations.
It is time for us to look at ways to make sure that everyone has
access to open and recreational space regardless of their socioeconomic
background and ethnicity.
This bill is a community effort and benefits an area that is
desperately in need of a restored and healthy environmental landscape.
As we move forward with this study, we realize that the road to
restore our environment in the San Gabriel Valley will be a long one.
But the destination will be well worth the trip.
I'd like to thank Chairman Hansen, Ranking Member Rahall, Congressmen
Miller and Radanovich for helping me advance this bill in the interest
of my community.
I also thank Senators Boxer and Feinstein for their support of this
measure and the people of San Gabriel Valley.
In addition, I'd like to thank my personal staff, Heather Taylor and
Yvette Martinez and the Committee Staff--particularly Jim Zoia, Rick
Healy, and David Watkins.
And community members like Lara Blakely of the San Gabriel Rivers and
Mountains Conservancy and many other leaders that have stepped forward
in support of this bill.
I encourage members to support S. 941 and reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
(Mr. LANTOS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend for yielding me
the time.
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to make a few comments about this
legislation.
My legislation adds about 5,000 acres to the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area. The beauty of this region is beyond description. A
person's soul will sore when they see it. It is stunning panoramic
scenery containing flora and ecosystems found nowhere else on the face
of this planet.
The legislation will provide recreational opportunities for millions
of our Bay Area citizens and visitors. It will link existing county,
State, and Federal parklands into a 6,700 acre contiguous, publicly-
accessible land. It will link miles of public hiking trails. It will
protect four sensitive watersheds containing steelhead trout and coho
salmon. It will protect rare and endangered plant and animal species.
It will prevent development along our uniquely scenic California
coastline, and it will protect sweeping panoramic coastal views and
stunning headland scenery.
The legislation will be financed through a public-private
partnership: 50 percent Federal funding, 50 percent private and State
funding.
It is widely supported throughout our region. Our entire Bay Area
congressional delegation are cosponsors of my legislation, as are both
California United States Senators.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Park Service, the San
Mateo County Board of Supervisors, the Golden Gate National Recreation
Area, and Point Reyes National Seashore Advisory Commission and
national and local environmental, conservation and civic groups.
I want to express my deep appreciation to my good friend from Utah,
the chairman, and to my good friend who is the ranking member; and they
have been so helpful in bringing this legislation forward. I want to
thank all of my colleagues who have played a role in making this a
reality.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act. I
am the principal sponsor of companion legislation introduced in the
U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1953) which adds approximately
5,000 acres of pristine natural lands to one of our nation's most
visited national parks, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
(GGNRA). The legislation is sponsored in the U.S. Senate by both
California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and has the
strong and enthusiastic cosponsorship of the entire Bay Area
Congressional Delegation.
Mr. Speaker, the GGNRA is a true national treasure. It provides open
space and recreation in the midst of a densely populated urban area.
The new addition to the GGNRA covered by this legislation will be
accessible to more than 6 million people who live within a one hour's
drive of the park and will provide national park programs and
experiences to millions of national and international visitors.
The Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Boundary Adjustment Act will adjust the boundary of the GGNRA to permit
the inclusion of breathtakingly beautiful lands along the Pacific
Ocean. When combined with already existing state and county parkland it
will create 6,700 contiguous acres of publicly accessible land for
recreational use. These lands are marked by topographical extremes.
They include a dramatic ascent from the Pacific Ocean, 2000 feet high
in just over 1 mile--a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else
in the Park and in few other places on the California coast. The upper
parcels of land offer spectacular vistas, sweeping coastal and bay
views and stunning headland scenery. On a clear
[[Page H6513]]
day you can see the San Francisco Bay, the Marin headlands, Mt.
Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton, the Farrallon Islands, Pillar
Point and Pigeon Point. Inclusion of these lands would also protect the
important habitats of several species of rare, threatened or endangered
plants and animals.
This legislation contains three important additions to the GGNRA. The
largest parcel, the Rancho Corral de Tierra addition, is one of the
largest undeveloped parcels on the San Mateo coast. It is comprised of
the four main peaks of Montara Mountain and rises 2,000 feet from sea
level. This 4,262-acre property includes a panorama of amazing views,
important watersheds, miles of public trails, and an incredible array
of wildlife and plantlife. The Rancho Corral de Tierra shares three
miles of boundary with the GGNRA. Its relatively untouched upper
elevations preserve rare habitat for several threatened and endangered
plant and animal species. The property also contains four important
coastal watersheds, which proved riparian corridors for steel head
trout, coho salmon and other aquatic species.
This legislation also authorizes the National Park Service to include
within the GGNRA the Martini Creek-Devil's Slide Bypass right-of-way,
which was purchased by the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) to build a highway across Montara Mountain. When San Mateo
voters overwhelmingly decided in a local referendum in favor of
building the Devil's Slide tunnel rather than the Martini Creek Bypass,
this right-of-way became obsolete. This property covers approximately
300 acres and divides the Rancho Corral de Tierra property and connects
the proposed additions to the GGNRA to existing State parkland,
creating a seamless belt of parkland. Once the GGNRA boundary is
adjusted through this legislation to include this right-of-way,
Caltrans will be able to donate the property to the National Park
Service.
The legislation authorizes the National Park Service to include
within the GGNRA boundaries approximately 500 acres of land along the
Devil's Slide section of Coastal Highway 1, the scenic highway that
winds its way along the entire California coast. These properties will
make a logical addition to the park by filling in gaps to adjacent and
existing State and Federal parkland. Caltrans either already owns or
will acquire these lands when it builds the Devil's Slide tunnel and
will then donate these properties for open space use after the tunnel
is built. It is not the intention of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, to
interfere with Caltran's responsibility for building the tunnel at
Devil's Slide. This legislation will simply make it possible for
Caltrans or any other state or local agency to donate these properties
to the National Park Service when the Devil's Slide tunnel is completed
and when the National Park Service has determined that the acquisition
of these lands is appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, the Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National
Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act provides the federal government
a unique opportunity to place approximately 5,000 acres of pristine
land under permanent protection for the enjoyment of Bay Area residents
and visitors. The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired the 4,262
acre Rancho Corral de Tierra site for $29.75 million to save the site
from development and to preserve it as a natural area. POST is a local
land conservancy trust in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a
remarkable track record in working with and assisting the federal
government with the protection of other important open space in the Bay
Area. In 1994, POST negotiated the acquisition and inclusion of the
1,300 acre second-growth redwood-forest Phleger Estate within the
GGRNA. POST provided one-half the purchase price of the Phleger Estate
through private donations. POST also assisted the federal government
with the protection and acquisition of Bair Island, an important
wildlife refuge in San Francisco Bay that is now managed by the US Fish
and Wildlife Service.
Mr. Speaker, we can accomplish permanent protection of these lands
through a unique public-private partnership. Under this legislation,
Rancho Corral de Tierra will be preserved through a tripartite
partnership between the National Park Service, California State Parks
and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. For the Rancho Corral de Tierra
property, we will seek 50% of the acquisition from the federal
government and 50% through state and private contributions. POST has
offered to donate a significant amount towards the federal acquisition
of the Rancho Corral de Tierra property through private donations.
Mr. Speaker, the inclusion of these lands on the San Mateo Coastside
enjoys strong local support. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory Commission adopted
a resolution endorsing this legislation after holding a public hearing
and receiving public comment from local residents. The San Mateo County
Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution supporting enactment of
this legislation. The legislation also has the strong support of local
environmental advocacy and preservation groups. The proposed additions
were studied by POST in accordance with National Park Service criteria
and in consultation with National Park Service staff. The study found
that the three tracts of land meet the criteria for additions to units
of the National Park Service. The study found that the properties will
preserve significant natural, scenic and recreational resources that
are equal to or unparalleled in the Golden Gate National Recreation
Area. The National Park Service testified before Congress that it
supports adjusting the boundary of the GGRNA to include these lands.
This legislation will also reauthorize the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory
Commission for an additional 10 years. The Advisory Commission has been
an invaluable resource for park management since its inception in 1972.
It provides an important forum for the gathering and receipt of public
input, public opinion and public comment and allows the park to
maintain constructive and informal contacts with both the private
sector and other federal, state and local public agencies. The Advisory
Commission aids in strengthening the spirit of cooperation between the
National Park Service and the public, encourages private cooperation
with other public agencies, and assists in developing and ensuring that
the park's general management plan is implemented.
Mr. Speaker, preserving our country's unique natural areas must be
one of our highest national priorities, and it is one of my highest
priorities as a Member of Congress. We must preserve and protect these
unique and rare areas for our children and grandchildren today or they
will be lost forever. Adding these news lands to the GGNRA will provide
greater recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy and will
allow us to protect these fragile natural areas from encroaching
development or other inappropriate uses which would destroy the scenic
beauty and natural character of this key part of the California coast.
The California coast is a true national treasure and passage of this
important legislation will preserve it for the generations that follow
us. I urge my colleague's support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act of
2001.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 941, the
Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary
Adjustment Act. I am the principal sponsor of companion legislation
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1953) which adds
approximately 5,000 acres of pristine natural lands to one of our
nation's most visited national parks, the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area (GGNRA). The legislation is sponsored in the U.S.
Senate by both California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer
and has the strong and enthusiastic cosponsorship of the entire Bay
Area Congressional Delegation.
Mr. Speaker, the GGNRA is a true national treasure. It provides open
space and recreation in the midst of a densely populated urban area.
The new additions to the GGNRA covered by this legislation will be
accessible to more than 6 million people who live within a one hour's
drive of the park and will provide national park programs and
experiences to millions of national and international visitors.
The Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Boundary Adjustment Act will adjust the boundary of the GGNRA to permit
the inclusion of breathtakingly beautiful lands along the Pacific
Ocean. When combined with already existing state and county parkland it
will create 6,700 contiguous acres of publicly accessible land for
recreational use. These lands are marked by topographical extremes.
They include a dramatic ascent from the Pacific Ocean, 2,000 feet high
in just over 1 mile--a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else
in the Park and in few other places on the California coast. The upper
parcels of land offer spectacular vistas, sweeping coastal and bay
views and stunning headland scenery. On a clear day you can see the San
Francisco Bay, the Marin headlands, Mr. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, Mt.
Hamilton, the Farrallon Islands, Pillar Point and Pigeon Point.
Inclusion of these lands would also protect the important habitats of
several species of rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals.
This legislation contains three important additions to the GGNRA. The
largest parcel, the Rancho Corral de Tierra addition, is one of the
largest undeveloped parcels on the San Mateo coast. It is comprised of
the four main peaks of Montara Mountain and rises 2,000 feet from sea
level. This 4,262-acre property includes a panorama of amazing views,
important watersheds, miles of public trails, and an incredible array
of wildlife and plantlife. The Rancho Corral de Tierra shares 3 miles
of boundary with the GGNRA. Its relatively untouched upper elevations
preserve rare habitats for several threatened and endangered plant and
animal
[[Page H6514]]
species. The property also contains four important coastal watersheds,
which proved riparian corridors for steelhead trout, coho salmon and
other aquatic species.
This legislation also authorizes the National Park Service to include
within the GGNRA the Martini Creek-Devil's Slide Bypass right-of-way,
which was purchased by the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) to build a highway across Montara Mountain. When San Mateo
voters overwhelmingly decided in a local referendum in favor of
building the Devil's Slide tunnel rather than the Martini Creek Bypass,
this right-of-way became obsolete. This property covers approximately
300 acres and divides the Rancho Corral de Tierra property and connects
the proposed additions to the GGNRA to existing State parkland,
creating a seamless belt of parkland. Once the GGNRA boundary is
adjusted through this legislation to include this right-of-way,
Caltrans will be able to donate the property to the National Park
Service.
The legislation authorizes the National Park Service to include
within the GGNRA boundaries approximately 500 acres of land along the
Devil's Slide section of Coastal Highway 1, the scenic highway that
winds its way along the entire California coast. These properties will
make a logical addition to the park by filing in gaps to adjacent and
existing State and Federal parkland. Caltrans either already owns or
will acquire these lands when it builds the Devil's Slide tunnel and
will then donate these properties for open space use after the tunnel
is built. It is not the intention of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, to
interfere with Caltrans' responsibility for building the tunnel at
Devil's Slide. This legislation will simply make it possible for
Caltrans or any other state or local agency to donate these properties
to the National Park Service when the Devil's Slide tunnel is completed
and when the National Park Service has determined that the acquisition
of these lands is appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, the Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National
Recreational Area Boundary Adjustment Act provides the federal
government a unique opportunity to place approximately 5,000 acres of
pristine land under permanent protection for the enjoyment of Bay Area
residents and visitors. The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired
the 4,252 acre Rancho Corral de Tierra site for $29.75 million to save
the site from development and to preserve it as a natural area. POST is
a local land conservancy trust in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a
remarkable track record in working with and assisting the federal
government with the protection of other important open space in the Bay
Area. In 1994, POST negotiated the acquisition and inclusion of the
1,300 acre second-growth redwood-forest Phleger Estate within the
GGNRA. POST provided one-half the purchase price of the Phleger Estate
through private donations. POST also assisted the federal government
with the protection and acquisition of Bair Island, an important
wildlife refuge in San Francisco Bay that is now managed by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mr. Speaker, we can accomplish permanent protection of these lands
through a unique public-private partnership. Under this legislation,
Rancho Corral de Tierra will be preserved through a tripartite
partnership between the National Park Service, California State Parks
and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. For the Rancho Corral de Tierra
property, we will seek 50% of the acquisition from the federal
government and 50% through state and private contributions. POST has
offered to donate a significant amount towards the federal acquisition
of the Rancho Corral de Tierra property through private donations.
Mr. Speaker, the inclusion of these lands on the San Mateo Coastside
enjoys strong local support. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory Commission adopted
a resolution endorsing this legislation after holding a public hearing
and receiving public comment from local residents. The San Mateo County
Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution supporting enactment of
this legislation. The legislation also has the strong support of local
environmental advocacy and preservation groups. The proposed additions
were studied by POST in accordance with National Park Service criteria
and in consultation with National Park Service staff. The study found
that the three tracts of land meet the criteria for additions to units
of the National Park Service. The study found that the properties will
preserve significant natural, scenic and recreational resources that
are equal to or unparalleled in the Golden Gate National Recreation
Area. The National Park Service testified before Congress that it
supports adjusting the boundary of the GGRNA to include these lands.
This legislation will also reauthorize the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory
Commission for an additional 10 years. The Advisory Commission has been
an invaluable resource for park management since its inception in 1972.
It provides an important forum for the gathering and receipt of public
input, public opinion and public comments and allows the park to
maintain constructive and informal contracts with both the private
sector and other federal, state and local public agencies. The Advisory
Commission aids in strengthening the spirit of cooperation between the
National Park Service and the public, encourages private cooperation
with other public agencies, and assists in developing and ensuring that
the park's general management plan is implemented.
Mr. Speaker, preserving our country's unique natural areas must be
one of our highest national priorities, and it is one of my highest
priorities as a Member of Congress. We must preserve and protect these
unique and rare areas for our children and grandchildren today or they
will be lost forever. Adding these news lands to the GGNRA will provide
greater recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy and will
allow us to protect these fragile natural areas from encroaching
development or other inappropriate uses which would destroy the scenic
beauty and natural character of this key part of the California coast.
The California coast is a true national treasure and passage of this
important legislation will preserve it for the generations that follow
us. I urge my colleague's support of S. 941, the Rancho Corral de
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act of
2001.
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 941, the Rancho
Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary
Adjustment Act, which will add approximately 5,000 acres to the Golden
Gate National Recreation Area, also known as the GGNRA.
First, I thank Chairman Radanovich for his work in moving this bill
along.
As I've told him any times, this bill is very important to my
constituents and all residents of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The strong local support is reflected by the fact that every member
of the Bay Area delegation has cosponsored the House companion measure,
H.R. 1953, introduced by Representative Lantos whom I thank for
bringing this bill to the floor.
As the Bay Area has grown, our constituents have recognized how
precious open, recreational spaces are to the community. Our past
leaders had the foresight to create the GGNRA for this purpose.
These ventures don't just happen. It takes people of vision at the
local level to recognize the need, to develop a response, and rally
support. I'm proud that we have the best . . . Audrey Rust, the
President of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). I've had the
privilege of working with Ms. Rust on two other major land acquisitions
in the Bay Area--the Phleger Estate and Bair Island.
This bill, like the other efforts, is the result of Audrey's
leadership and initiative. She spurred the effort to negotiate a deal
to purchase land from willing sellers and she gathered community
support. She deserves our commendation and our lasting gratitude.
Today, we have the relatively simple task of approving a boundary
extension for the Golden Gate recreation area because the hard work was
done at the local level.
It's critical that we do so. When we do, we will ensure that adequate
recreational space is provided for the public because more than 6
million Bay Area residents live within an hour of the GGNRA.
It's also important to the local environment to acquire this land
which is a habitat for ten threatened, endangered, and rare species.
With this bill, we can do that. We need to seize this chance or risk
losing it, perhaps forever.
Lastly, I note that a number of extraneous provisions, including one
regarding Yosemite National Park, have been added to this bill. This
means that the bill must go back to the Senate once more. I hope that
these new provisions will not mar the laudable Golden Gate provisions.
I'm very pleased, Mr. Speaker, that this bill has been brought to the
floor today and I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for it.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the Senate bill, S. 941, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate bill, as amended, was
passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________