[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4527-S4529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself and Mr. Blumenthal):
  S. 1347. A bill to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in 
the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the 
Coltsville National Historical Park Act, and express my strong support 
for the designation of the Coltsville Historical District in Hartford, 
Connecticut as a National Park. I thank my colleague Senator Blumenthal 
for joining me as an original cosponsor of this legislation, and also 
wish to thank my longtime friend and colleague, Congressman John 
Larson, who recently introduced an identical version of this bill in 
the House.
  In 1990, I had the privilege of introducing and successfully fighting 
for the legislation that established the Weir Farm National Historic 
Site as Connecticut's first and, as yet, only contribution to the 
National Park System. Over two decades later, I am honored to strive 
for the same outcome for Coltsville.
  Located on the banks of the Connecticut River in Hartford, Coltsville 
is at the heart of a cluster of historical landmarks of great 
significance for Connecticut and our entire Nation. A newly established 
national park in Coltsville would span more than 200 acres and beckon 
tourists to such Hartford destinations as the homes of Mark Twain and 
Harriet Beecher Stowe, as well as to the great events organized by 
Riverfront Recapture, along our beautiful waterfront.
  Coltsville's past is as compelling as its future possibilities. 
Samuel Colt, born in Hartford, was first famous for developing the 
revolving-breech pistol, which became one of the standard small arms of 
the world in the last half of the nineteenth century. Production of 
that firearm helped build a model town on the banks of the Connecticut 
River, including the Colt Armory, workers' housing, Colt Park, the 
Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Colt family home, known as 
``Armsmear.'' At its peak during the twentieth century, the factory at 
Coltsville employed over 10,000 people and made a significant 
contribution to the country's war effort.
  But the legacy of the Colt operation goes well beyond the 
manufacturing of guns. Colt himself invented a submarine battery used 
in harbor defense, a submarine telegraph cable, and other innovations. 
The success of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's precision firearms business 
led to other industrial advancements in Connecticut and throughout New 
England, including the manufacture of sewing machines and typewriters. 
Ultimately, the spirit of innovation fostered at Coltsville was crucial 
to establishing Connecticut's proud tradition of manufacturing 
everything from small arms to jet engines, and even the submarines that 
our servicemembers use to defend our freedoms.
  The early industrial innovators represented the same pioneering 
spirit of American ingenuity that we see today in defense, information, 
and biotechnology firms. Today, we sometimes take this innovation for 
granted. In Samuel Colt's day, every ingenious development was a grand 
achievement and a small revelation.
  The industrial revolution transformed our nation culturally and 
economically like no other force ever has. People moved into the 
cities. Living standards rose. The middle class grew and economic 
growth intensified.
  Unfortunately, Hartford has not been immune to the economic hardships 
the country is facing. That is why Coltsville must be a beacon to our 
nation of what once was and can be again, the center of industry, 
innovation, and prosperity. Just as Coltsville did for Hartford during 
the Industrial Revolution, the designation of a National Park will 
serve as a catalyst for growth in a struggling city.
  I believe that memorializing Sam and Elizabeth Colt and their 
movement is particularly important as Americans struggle to emerge from 
a deep recession. The way we are going to revitalize our economy is to 
invest in people, to invest in and inspire innovation that will pioneer 
new industries that will create millions of new jobs. Coltsville is a 
historic landmark and a living reminder of the extraordinary advances 
in technology and innovation that have been America's story for over 
400 years.
  I thank Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Larson for their work and 
dedication to advance Coltsville's status as a National Historical 
Park. I reaffirm my strong support today for recognizing these values, 
and I look forward to working cooperatively with my colleagues in 
making it happen.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.

[[Page S4528]]

  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1347

       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 ``Coltsville National 
     Historical Park Act''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       For the purposes of this Act:
       (1) City.--The term ``city'' means the city of Hartford, 
     Connecticut.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the 
     Coltsville National Historical Park Advisory Commission 
     established by subsection 6(a).
       (3) Historic district.--The term ``Historic District'' 
     means the Coltsville Historic District.
       (4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map titled 
     ``Coltsville National Historical Park--Proposed Boundary'', 
     numbered T25/102087, and dated May 11, 2010.
       (5) Park.--The term ``park'' means the Coltsville National 
     Historical Park in the State of Connecticut.
       (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (7) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of 
     Connecticut.

     SEC. 3. COLTSVILLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there is 
     established in the State a unit of the National Park System 
     to be known as the ``Coltsville National Historical Park''.
       (2) Conditions for establishment.--The park shall not be 
     established until the date on which the Secretary determines 
     that--
       (A) the Secretary has acquired by donation sufficient land 
     or an interest in land within the boundary of the park to 
     constitute a manageable unit;
       (B) the State, city, or private property owner, as 
     appropriate, has entered into a written agreement with the 
     Secretary to donate at least 10,000 square feet of space in 
     the East Armory which would include facilities for park 
     administration and visitor services;
       (C) the Secretary has entered into a written agreement with 
     the State, city, or other public entity, as appropriate, 
     providing that--
       (i) land owned by the State, city, or other public entity 
     within the Coltsville Historic District shall be managed 
     consistent with this section; and
       (ii) future uses of land within the historic district shall 
     be compatible with the designation of the park and the city's 
     preservation ordinance; and
       (D) the Secretary has reviewed the financial resources of 
     the owners of private and public property within the boundary 
     of the proposed park to ensure the viability of the park 
     based on those resources.
       (b) Boundaries.--The park shall include and provide 
     appropriate interpretation and viewing of the following 
     sites, as generally depicted on the map:
       (1) The East Armory.
       (2) The Church of the Good Shepherd.
       (3) The Caldwell/Colt Memorial Parish House.
       (4) Colt Park.
       (5) The Potsdam Cottages.
       (6) Armsmear.
       (7) The James Colt House.
       (c) Collections.--The Secretary shall enter into a written 
     agreement with the State of Connecticut State Library, 
     Wadsworth Atheneum, and the Colt Trust, or other public 
     entities, as appropriate, to gain appropriate access to Colt-
     related artifacts for the purposes of having items routinely 
     on display in the East Armory or within the park as 
     determined by the Secretary as a major function of the 
     visitor experience.

     SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the park in 
     accordance with--
       (1) this Act; and
       (2) the laws generally applicable to units of the National 
     Park System, including--
       (A) the National Park Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et 
     seq.); and
       (B) the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
       (b) State and Local Jurisdiction.--Nothing in this Act 
     enlarges, diminishes, or modifies any authority of the State, 
     or any political subdivision of the State (including the 
     city)--
       (1) to exercise civil and criminal jurisdiction; or
       (2) to carry out State laws (including regulations) and 
     rules on non-Federal land located within the boundary of the 
     park.
       (c) Cooperative Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--As the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate to carry out this Act, the Secretary may enter 
     into cooperative agreements with the owner of any property 
     within the Coltsville Historic District or any nationally 
     significant properties within the boundary of the park, under 
     which the Secretary may identify, interpret, restore, 
     rehabilitate, and provide technical assistance for the 
     preservation of the properties.
       (2) Right of access.--A cooperative agreement entered into 
     under paragraph (1) shall provide that the Secretary, acting 
     through the Director of the National Park Service, shall have 
     the right of access at all reasonable times to all public 
     portions of the property covered by the agreement for the 
     purposes of--
       (A) conducting visitors through the properties; and
       (B) interpreting the properties for the public.
       (3) Changes or alterations.--No changes or alterations 
     shall be made to any properties covered by a cooperative 
     agreement entered into under paragraph (1) unless the 
     Secretary and the other party to the agreement agree to the 
     changes or alterations.
       (4) Conversion, use, or disposal.--Any payment by the 
     Secretary under this subsection shall be subject to an 
     agreement that the conversion, use, or disposal of a project 
     for purposes contrary to the purposes of this section, as 
     determined by the Secretary, shall entitle the United States 
     to reimbursement in an amount equal to the greater of--
       (A) the amounts made available to the project by the United 
     States; or
       (B) the portion of the increased value of the project 
     attributable to the amounts made available under this 
     subsection, as determined at the time of the conversion, use, 
     or disposal.
       (5) Matching funds.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of the receipt of funds 
     under this subsection, the Secretary shall require that any 
     Federal funds made available under a cooperative agreement 
     shall be matched on a 1-to-1 basis by non-Federal funds.
       (B) Form.--With the approval of the Secretary, the non-
     Federal share required under subparagraph (A) may be in the 
     form of donated property, goods, or services from a non-
     Federal source, fairly valued.
       (d) Acquisition of Land.--The Secretary is authorized to 
     acquire land or interests in land by donation, purchase with 
     donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. Land or interests 
     in land owned by the State or any political subdivision of 
     the State may be acquired only by donation.
       (e) Technical Assistance and Public Interpretation.--The 
     Secretary may provide technical assistance and public 
     interpretation of related historic and cultural resources 
     within the boundary of the historic district.

     SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 fiscal years after the 
     date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, 
     the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, shall 
     complete a management plan for the park in accordance with--
       (1) section 12(b) of Public Law 91-383 (commonly known as 
     the National Park Service General Authorities Act) (16 U.S.C. 
     1a-7(b)); and
       (2) other applicable laws.
       (b) Cost Share.--The management plan shall include 
     provisions that identify costs to be shared by the Federal 
     Government, the State, and the city, and other public or 
     private entities or individuals for necessary capital 
     improvements to, and maintenance and operations of, the park.
       (c) Submission to Congress.--On completion of the 
     management plan, the Secretary shall submit the management 
     plan to--
       (1) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate.

     SEC. 6. COLTSVILLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ADVISORY 
                   COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established a Commission to be 
     known as the Coltsville National Historical Park Advisory 
     Commission.
       (b) Duty.--The Commission shall advise the Secretary in the 
     development and implementation of the management plan.
       (c) Membership.--
       (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 11 
     members, to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom--
       (A) 2 members shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by the Governor of the State;
       (B) 1 member shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by the State Senate President;
       (C) 1 member shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by the Speaker of the State House 
     of Representatives;
       (D) 2 members shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by the Mayor of Hartford, 
     Connecticut;
       (E) 2 members shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by Connecticut's 2 United States 
     Senators;
       (F) 1 member shall be appointed after consideration of 
     recommendations submitted by Connecticut's First 
     Congressional District Representative;
       (G) 2 members shall have experience with national parks and 
     historic preservation;
       (H) all appointments must have significant experience with 
     and knowledge of the Coltsville Historic District; and
       (I) 1 member of the Commission must live in the Sheldon/
     Charter Oak neighborhood within the Coltsville Historic 
     District.
       (2) Initial appointments.--The Secretary shall appoint the 
     initial members of the Commission not later than the earlier 
     of--
       (A) the date that is 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary has received all of the recommendations for 
     appointments under paragraph (1); or
       (B) the date that is 30 days after the park is established.
       (d) Term; Vacancies.--
       (1) Term.--
       (A) In general.--A member shall be appointed for a term of 
     3 years.

[[Page S4529]]

       (B) Reappointment.--A member may be reappointed for not 
     more than 1 additional term.
       (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
       (e) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of--
       (1) the Chairperson; or
       (2) a majority of the members of the Commission.
       (f) Quorum.--A majority of the Commission shall constitute 
     a quorum.
       (g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson 
     and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Vice chairperson.--The Vice Chairperson shall serve as 
     Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
       (3) Term.--A member may serve as Chairperson or Vice 
     Chairperson for not more than 1 year in each office.
       (h) Commission Personnel Matters.--
       (1) Compensation of members.--
       (A) In general.--Members of the Commission shall serve 
     without compensation.
       (B) Travel expenses.--Members of the Commission shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from the home or regular place of business 
     of the member in the performance of the duty of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide the Commission 
     with any staff members and technical assistance that the 
     Secretary, after consultation with the Commission, determines 
     to be appropriate to enable the Commission to carry out the 
     duty of the Commission.
       (B) Detail of employees.--The Secretary may accept the 
     services of personnel detailed from the State or any 
     political subdivision of the State.
       (i) FACA Nonapplicability.--Section 14(b) of the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
     Commission.
       (j) Termination.--
       (1) In general.--Unless extended under paragraph (2), the 
     Commission shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) Extension.--Eight years after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, the Commission shall make a recommendation to 
     the Secretary if a body of its nature is still necessary to 
     advise on the development of the park. If, based on a 
     recommendation under this paragraph, the Secretary determines 
     that the Commission is still necessary, the Secretary may 
     extend the life of the Commission for not more than 10 years.

                          ____________________