[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E765-E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF FERN LAKE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION ACT

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                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today, I am joined by 
Congressman Zach Wamp in reintroducing legislation to protect Fern 
Lake, an important part of our shared scenic heritage. Senator Mitch 
McConnell will be introducing identical legislation in the U.S. Senate 
today.

[[Page E766]]

  This legislation will allow the National Park Service to purchase 
Fern Lake and incorporate these lands into the Cumberland Gap National 
Historic Park boundary. Further, this legislation will secure a clean 
and reliable water source for the city of Middlesboro, Kentucky.
  This bill authorizes the purchase of land now neighboring the Gap 
boundary and the 150-acre lake. The measure would also allow the Park 
Service to acquire another 4,500 acres of adjoining watershed from 
willing sellers if funds become available. By buying this property, we 
will protect this important national passageway for generations and 
address the resource needs of our local communities today.
  This legislation began with a petition, delivered to me by Ben 
Hickman, the mayor of Middlesboro. From there, we sat down with the 
National Park Service and brought them together with local officials to 
create this win-win opportunity for the park and the entire region both 
in Kentucky and Tennessee.
  This important acquisition fits into our efforts to create jobs, 
protect our environmental resources, and promote economic development 
by enhancing our potential for tourism. I am proud to have the support 
of Congressman Wamp and look forward to its passage at a later date.

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