[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself and Mr. Allard):
  S. 1449. A bill to establish the Rocky Mountain Science Collections 
Center to assist in preserving the archeological, anthropological, 
paleontological, zoological, and geologic artifacts and archival 
documentation from the Rocky Mountain region through the construction 
of an on-site, secure collections facility for the Denver Museum of 
Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, today Senator Allard and I introduced the 
``Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center Act of 2007,'' a bill to 
establish a secure collections facility and education center for 
archeological, anthropological, paleontological, zoological, and 
geological artifacts and archival documentation from throughout the 
Rocky Mountain region at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, 
Colorado.
  Our bill would authorize $15 million, subject to appropriations, for 
the Secretary of Interior to provide grants to pay the Federal share, 
50 percent of the cost of constructing appropriate, museum-standard 
facilities to house the collections of the Museum.
  Since its founding in 1900, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has 
been the principal natural history museum between Chicago and Los 
Angeles and has educated more than 70 million visitors. The Museum 
holds more than a million objects in public trust. Together, the 
Museum's collections, library, and archives provide the foundation for 
understanding science and the natural and cultural history of the 
region and serve as the primary resource for informal science education 
to Colorado school and general audiences. The Museum is a world leader 
in creating opportunities that allow the general public to participate 
in authentic collection based scientific research.
  The majority of the collections that the Museum maintains in 
perpetuity are acquired through federal authorization, are cared for on 
behalf of Federal agencies, or are controlled by federal legislation. 
Of the more than 840,000 items in the Museum's collection, more than 
half were recovered from federally managed public land. Construction of 
on-site collection facilities, exhibition facilities and an education 
center for the Museum will provide a secure facility for the collection 
and ensure that it is accessible to members of the public, universities 
and research scientists alike. The Federal cost share will help pay for 
construction as well as the costs of design, planning, furnishing, 
equipping and supporting the Museum.
  For the benefit of my colleagues, here is a summary of the bill's 
provisions:
  Section 1. Short Title. The Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center 
Act of 2007.
  Section 2. Findings. Recites several of the findings of Congress, 
including the size and breadth of the collections held by the Denver 
Museum of Nature and Science and the finding that significant portions 
of these collections were recovered from public lands managed by 
various Federal agencies. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is 
the federally designated repository for these collections and as such 
is governed by various Federal statutes and regulations in carrying out 
its trustee responsibilities.
  Section 3. Definitions. The term ``Museum'' in the Act refers to the 
Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The term ``Secretary'' in the Act 
refers to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
  Section 4. Grant to the Museum. This section provides that the 
Secretary may provide grants to pay for the Federal share of the cost 
of constructing appropriate, Museum standard facilities to house the 
collections of the Museum. The Federal share reflects the continuing 
Federal ownership of the artifacts and other scientifically significant 
materials held by the Museum in a trust responsibility. This section 
authorizes the use of any grant funds for construction, design, 
engineering, plans, equipment, furnishing and other services or goods 
in furtherance of the construction of the Collections Center.
  Subsection 4 (b). Application. The subsection provides an application 
process whereby the Museum provides the Secretary with the necessary 
documentation and information to assure the Secretary that grant 
proceeds are expended for the intended result.
  Subsection 4 (c). Matching Funds. This subsection requires the Museum 
to provide a match for any amounts granted under the section and allows 
the Museum to use cash, in-kind donations and/or services in 
satisfaction of the match requirement.
  Subsection 4 (d). Authorization. The Act authorizes $15,000,000 to be 
appropriated to the Secretary in carrying out the Act; such funds to 
remain available until expended.
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