[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 106 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. MURKOWSKI:
  S. 1430. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a 
study of the Baranov Museum in Kodiak, Alaska, for potential inclusion 
in the National Park System; to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources.
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, the Erskine House in Kodiak, AK, which 
houses the Baranov Museum, is one of a very few Russian period 
structures remaining in the Western Hemisphere. It is of great 
historical significance not only for this reason, but also because it 
is the only surviving structure known to have been associated with both 
the Russian America Company and the Alaska Commercial Company, the 
pillars of Russian and early American administration of Alaska.
  The Erskine House/Baranov Museum is owned by the City of Kodiak and 
operated by the Kodiak Historical Society. It is a popular visitor 
attraction in Kodiak. Its collections include artifacts from the 
Russian American Company and the Alaska Commercial Company and also 
include Alaska Native, Russian and other cultural exhibits. I am told 
that the structure, although it has had many owners, maintains much of 
its original historic integrity.
  The Erskine House was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 
2, 1962. Shortly thereafter the National Park Service initiated 
consideration of including this important property in the National Park 
System. On February 11, 2000, the Department of the Interior formally 
sought funds from Congress to study the possible inclusion of the 
Erskine House in the system. The Congress responded by earmarking 
$250,000 in fiscal year 2002 appropriations for he Erskine House, some 
of which could be used to conduct the study and the remainder for 
preservation and maintenance of the facility.
  I am sad to report that the National Park Service has not initiated 
this study. The National Park Service has indicated that it cannot 
initiate the study without the express direction of Congress and that 
congressional intent to do so cannot be inferred from the language of 
the appropriation. However, the good news is that a sufficient portion 
of the $250,000 appropriation remains unexpended and I understand that 
it is available to be expended on the study. The expenditure of funds 
on the study will not interfere with plans to spend other portions of 
the $250,000 appropriation to rehabilitate the structure. The City of 
Kodiak and the Kodiak Historical Society have expressed support for the 
study. What we need is for Congress to authorize the study.
  The legislation that I am introducing today would do just that. It 
directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the Erskine 
House/Baranov Museum for the purpose of determining the suitability and 
feasibility of designating the museum as a unit of the National Park 
Service. I would like to see this study proceed with all deliberate 
speed. Accordingly, the legislation also requires that the Secretary 
report to appropriate committees of the Congress on the findings of the 
study and the Secretary's conclusions and recommendations within one 
year of the date upon which this legislation is enacted.
  I want to commend the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Historical 
Society for their loving care of this important structure. Perhaps this 
excerpt, from a July 7, 2003 letter that I received from Stacey 
Becklund, Director of the Kodiak Historical Society states it best, and 
I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the excerpt from the letter was ordered to 
be printed in the Record, as follows:

       The [Erskine House and the Baranov Museum] are some of 
     Kodiak's most cherished treasures. both assets have matured 
     through labors and love of staff, volunteers and members of 
     the community. We, at all levels of government and community, 
     will benefit from a thorough and accurate study to assess the 
     future ownership of this structure.

  I am privileged to lend my voice to the voices of the people of 
Kodiak, many of whom believe that this very important historic site is 
a national treasure, as well as a local one. I hope that this 
legislation will receive expeditious consideration.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1430

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Baranov Museum Study Act''.

     SEC. 2. STUDY AND REPORT.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in 
     this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall conduct a study of the 
     Baranov Museum in Kodiak, Alaska, to determine the 
     suitability and feasibility of designating the museum as a 
     unit of the National Park System.
       (b) Criteria.--In conducting the study under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall use the criteria for the study of 
     areas for potential inclusion in the National Park System 
     under section 8 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 
     report that describes--
       (1) the findings of the study; and
       (2) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this Act.

                          ____________________