[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 118 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H8193-H8194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL LAND CONVEYANCE
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 761) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to
the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor
Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis
and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as a
historical interpretive site along the trail, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 761
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. LAND CONVEYANCE, LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC
TRAIL, NEBRASKA.
(a) Conveyance Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior
may convey, without consideration, to the Missouri River
Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center
Foundation, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
with operational headquarters at 100 Valmont Drive, Nebraska
City, Nebraska 68410), all right, title, and interest of the
United States in and to the federally owned land under
jurisdiction of the Secretary consisting of two parcels as
generally depicted on the map titled ``Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail'', numbered 648/80,002, and dated
March 2006.
(b) Survey; Conveyance Cost.--The exact acreage and legal
description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the
Secretary. The cost of the survey and all other costs
incurred by the Secretary to convey the land shall be borne
by the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive
Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc.
(c) Condition of Conveyance, Use of Conveyed Land.--The
conveyance authorized under subsection (a) shall be subject
to the condition that the Missouri River Basin Lewis and
Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc.
use the conveyed land as an historic site and interpretive
center for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
(d) Discontinuance of Use.--If Missouri River Basin Lewis
and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation,
Inc. determines to discontinue use of the land conveyed under
subsection (a) as an historic site and interpretive center
for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Missouri
River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor
Center Foundation, Inc. shall convey lands back to the
Secretary without consideration.
(e) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may
require such additional terms and conditions in connection
with the conveyance under subsection (a) or the conveyance,
if any, under subsection (d) as the Secretary considers
appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Through a written agreement with the Foundation, the National
Park Service shall ensure that the operation of the land
conveyed under subsection (a) is in accordance with National
Park Service standards for preservation, maintenance, and
interpretation.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--To assist with the
operation of the historic site and interpretive center, there
is authorized to be appropriated $150,000 per year for a
period not to exceed 10 years.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs.
McMorris Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
General Leave
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and include extraneous
material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arizona?
There was no objection.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 761, sponsored by Representative
Fortenberry of Nebraska, would transfer to a nonprofit foundation an
existing visitor center for the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail in
Nebraska. The legislation turns the site over to the nonprofit entity
which currently manages the facility in partnership with the National
Park Service.
This measure includes a reversionary clause and other safeguards to
protect the Federal investment in the center.
We have no objection to H.R. 761 and support its passage by the House
today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 761 and
yield myself such time as I may consume.
H.R. 761 has been adequately explained by the majority. I am pleased
that Mr. Fortenberry has brought us this legislation that will benefit
both his constituents and taxpayers across the Nation.
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues from
Nebraska, I am pleased to offer my support for H.R. 761, a bill that
would authorize the conveyance of certain federal lands by the
Secretary of Interior to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark
Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. and authorize
the appropriation of annual funds to operate the Center.
The journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark does not belong to
Nebraska, but to all of America.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center features descriptions of 178
plants and 122 animals recorded by Lewis and Clark during their
explorations.
This center should be a destination for any person who is interested
in American history, in the species of flora and fauna then found in
the unexplored regions of our country, or in the spirit of expansion
that helped form our country.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill authorizing
the transfer of Federal lands associated with the Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail in Nebraska to the private nonprofit
foundation. It is a valuable resource for every American.
Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer my strong support
for H.R. 761, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
convey a Lewis and Clark visitor center in my district from the
National Park Service to a well-respected non-profit organization. As
the sponsor of this bill, I encourage my colleagues to support this
important legislation.
I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the
distinguished gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the Chairman
of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the distinguished
gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the Ranking Member on the Committee,
as well as the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva), the
Chairman of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee,
and the distinguished gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), the Ranking
Member on the Subcommittee for their outstanding work in bringing this
legislation to the Floor.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center is the
culmination of a vision that was outlined 20 years ago. Starting with
the efforts of former Congressman Doug Bereuter, the Center's
completion required a great deal of hard work and dedication for which
the entire Nebraska City community should be proud.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to
Nancy Hoch from Nebraska City, who has played such a key role in the
construction of the visitor center and its ongoing operation. Her
vision and leadership have been instrumental in making the center such
an outstanding success.
The bill is very straightforward. It would simply convey certain
federal land near Nebraska City associated with the Missouri River
Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center to the
related non-profit group, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark
Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. The bill also
authorizes $150,000 annually for 10 years to operate the facility. This
legislation would actually save the federal government about $50,000 a
year since the National Park Service currently provides about $200,000
for the center.
It is important to note that I worked with the National Park Service
in drafting the language for the bill and this proposed conveyance fits
with the long-range plans for the center. I also believe that it would
be the most cost-effective option for the Park Service.
H.R. 761 is cosponsored by both of my colleagues from Nebraska,
Representatives Lee Terry and Adrian Smith. A companion bill in the
Senate, S. 471, has the support of both Nebraska senators, Chuck Hagel
and Ben Nelson.
The Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center is an outstanding resource
and impressive facility. The non-profit organization associated with it
includes a committed group of individuals who have spent many years
making the center a reality and ensuring that it provides a meaningful
and educational experience for those who visit. This legislative action
is needed to fulfill the original plan for operating the visitor
center.
The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is truly
unique. It is the only visitor center or museum in the United States to
focus on the flora and fauna and scientific discoveries recorded by
Lewis and Clark.
[[Page H8194]]
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a watershed mark in American
history. Two centuries later, the courageous story of these two
outstanding explorers and the Corps of Discovery continues to inspire
Americans of all ages. This legislation will help ensure that future
generations will have the opportunity to learn about this remarkable
journey.
Again Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 761.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 761, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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