[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SKI AREA RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
765, the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011, which 
updates the Ski Area Permit Act to reflect the wide range of 
recreational activities that are taking place at ski areas on National 
Forest System lands.
  Having previously introduced similar legislation and as a cosponsor 
of H.R. 765, I have long supported this commonsense permit reform. 
Giving ski resorts on National Forest lands the opportunity to offer 
alternatives to traditional winter downhill activities year-round will 
help grow the economies of local communities and create jobs.
  For instance, in Eastern Washington nestled among 2,450 acres of the 
Northwest Rockies, 49 North Mountain Resort--Eastern Washington's most 
family friendly resort--will be able to offer year-round family 
friendly opportunities. At zero cost to the taxpayers, this bill is an 
easy way to help increase the productivity of businesses on National 
Forest System lands.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense 
reform that will help grow our economy while maintaining careful 
stewardship of our National Forest System lands.

                          ____________________