[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 162 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2111-E2112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SANGRE DE CRISTO NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK STUDY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2010

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

     SECTION I.--SANGRE DE CRISTO NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK STUDY.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range-San Luis Valley 
     region of Southern Colorado contains some of Colorado's 
     oldest communities and examples of America's rich Spanish-
     Hispanic history, culture and traditions.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize a 
     study to determine the most effective ways to preserve, 
     protect and interpret the Spanish-Hispanic historic and 
     cultural resources associated with the Sangre de Cristo 
     Mountain Range-San Luis Valley region of Southern Colorado.
       (c) Study.--The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall 
     conduct a special resource study of sites along or within the 
     vicinity of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic 
     Byway in the San Luis Valley to determine whether any such 
     sites may be suitable for inclusion in the National Park 
     System. Sites for study may include, but not be limited to, 
     the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center, San Luis, Costilla 
     County, Colorado; the Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de 
     Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) building, Antonito, Conejos 
     County, Colorado; the Fort Garland Museum, Fort Garland, 
     Costilla County, Colorado; and the Denver & Rio Grande 
     Antonito Depot, Antonito, Conejos County, Colorado.
       (d) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection 
     (c), the Secretary shall--
       (1) evaluate the national and international significance of 
     these sites, including--
       (A) the history of communities under Spanish rule from 1598 
     through 1821;
       (B) the history of communities under Mexican rule between 
     1821 and 1848, the date of conclusion of the Mexican American 
     War; and
       (C) the post-1848 history of the area under United States' 
     rule including the first non-native American settlements, and 
     the creation of the States of Colorado and New Mexico;
       (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of 
     designating sites as units of the National Park System;
       (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, 
     protection, and interpretation of these sites by federal, 
     State, or local governmental entities, or private and 
     nonprofit organizations;
       (4) consult with interested federal, State, or local 
     governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations or 
     any other interested individuals; and
       (5) identify cost estimates for any federal acquisition, 
     development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance 
     associated with the alternatives.
       (c) Applicable Law.--The study required under subsection 
     (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 8 of Public 
     Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. la-5).
       (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
     funds are first made available for the study under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural 
     Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that 
     describes--

[[Page E2112]]

       (1) the findings of the study; and
       (2) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.
       (e) Appropriation Authority.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
     section.

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