[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BENNETT:
  S. 277. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 
construct an education and administrative center at the Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge in Box Elder County, Utah; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge Visitor Center Act.
  Long a haven for migratory birds, the Bear River marshes provide 
millions of birds with habitat and food. In 1928, in response to a 
series of devastating outbreaks of avian botulism, which killed 
thousands of birds along the river, Congress established the Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge. It serves to provide habitat for waterfowl, 
protect waterfowl from botulism outbreaks, and provide recreational and 
education opportunities to the public.
  In 1983, floods breached the refuge dikes, destroyed the visitor 
center, and contaminated the rich wildlife habitat. Thanks to the great 
efforts of Al Trout, the refuge manager, refuge employees, and numerous 
volunteers, an increasing number of both waterfowl and humans are 
visiting the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge each year. Today, the 
Bear River Refuge encompasses 74,000 acres and has provided refuge for 
over 220 recorded waterfowl species. However, a new visitor center for 
the refuge has yet to be built. As such, rich educational opportunities 
associated with visitor center programs and exhibits are not available 
to the public. Aware of the benefits of such a center, a number of 
local communities, the Friends of Bear River Bird Refuge, and other 
nonprofit organizations have raised over $1.5 million for the project.
  This legislation would authorize $11 million to be used for the 
construction of an Education Center and Administrative Facility. Such a 
facility would both generate much needed public awareness of our 
national wildlife refuge system and significantly enhance the visiting 
public's refuge experience. A visitor center at the Bear River 
Migratory bird Refuge will result in a more meaningful, educational, 
and accessible experience for the visiting public.
  I believe that this legislation is an exciting opportunity to 
showcase the many wildlife and natural treasures that Utah's Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge contains. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation this session.
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