[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 139 (Thursday, October 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        CALIFORNIA DELEGATION INTRODUCES LANDMARK MISSIONS BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill 
with a majority of the California Congressional Delegation to preserve 
the 21 historic California missions.
   This is the first time such a comprehensive effort has been 
undertaken at the Federal level. It is time we participated in the 
effort to protect these national treasures, the oldest of which dates 
to 1769.
   Until recent efforts by the California Missions Foundation, little 
had been done to preserve the mission's structures and art. Because of 
this long-term neglect, many of the missions are now in dire need of 
structural attention and major rehabilitation.
  The legislation would provide $10 million for the restoration effort 
in a Department of the Interior grants program to be administered over 
five years. This funding would supplement a statewide private campaign, 
as well as State funding, to ensure the future of the missions.
   The California missions are the most visited historic attractions in 
the State, drawing over 5.5 million tourists a year. They account for a 
sizable contribution to the State economy from millions of tourists, 
including a large number of international visitors.
   The missions also play an integral role in educating fourth grade 
school children under the State's history curricula which includes the 
missions in the study of western history. This serves an important 
education function in teaching young students about the role of the 
missions in the history of our Nation.

                          ____________________