[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1641-E1642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 2004

  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2457, the Castillo 
de San Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education Act; 
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 
2004.
  The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest existing 
permanent seacoast fortification in the continental United States. This 
is not only a unique National Park, but also a national treasure.
  This 16th Century fortress is the most complete and unique historic 
fortification in the United States.

[[Page E1642]]

  The star-shaped fort, surrounding moat, and earthworks were 
constructed between 1672-1756 to protect Spanish territory in Florida 
and the shipping routes along the Florida coast.
  This National Monument was the focus of the struggle between Great 
Britain and Spain for regional supremacy during the 17th and 18th 
centuries.
  It was also the site of a British garrison during the American 
Revolution, and was last employed for defensive purposes in 1898 during 
the Spanish-American War.
  Madam Speaker, more than 1.5 million tourists visit this National 
Monument each year. This 16th Century fortress, that has never been 
conquered, is straining under modern day requirements to accommodate 
its growing visitors' population.
  I have been working with the Colonial St. Augustine Preservation 
Foundation, the City of St. Augustine and the National Park Service to 
improve and expand educational resources and public accommodations at 
the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
  As you can imagine, adapting a 4-century old structure with adequate 
public facilities, meeting handicap and disability standards, and 
visitor educational facility standards are not an easy task.
  H.R. 2457 authorizes Federal funding for both museum, educational and 
visitor facilities to compliment and serve this 16th Century fortress 
without destroying a historic structure.
  For the first time, this legislation appropriately authorizes federal 
funds to construct a visitor and educational resource center for the 
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
  Not only will this new visitors center assist the fort in maintaining 
its historical integrity, but it will accommodate visitors' needs and 
provide a great educational experience.
  In addition to this bill, the National Park Service is expected to 
complete a General Management Plan in the following months which will 
include design, planning and construction options at a required 
facility at the National Monument.
  This legislation will properly authorize a long overdue major 
infrastructure improvement for the National Park Service.
  Finally, this bill will preserve for future generations this historic 
fortress and will add to the enjoyment and education of both visitors 
and local citizens.
  I would like to thank Chairman Radanovich for his support of this 
bill. I also would like to thank House Resources Committee Chairman 
Richard Pombo for his support of this much needed measure.
  Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 2457.

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