[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H2014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   AMERICA'S RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

  (Mr. COTTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COTTON. Yesterday, I introduced the LOCAL Act, a bill allowing 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore joint management programs 
with local nonprofit organizations to construct, operate, and maintain 
recreational facilities at lakes and reservoirs across the country.
  Despite years of successful operation, the Corps recently determined 
they lacked the authority to continue these joint management programs 
and are in the process of suspending all local partnerships.
  Arkansans know better than anyone how to manage our lands, and cuts 
to the Corps' budget shouldn't dictate our ability to enjoy these 
facilities. For years, these partnerships have allowed local groups, 
like the Friends of Lake Ouachita, to successfully maintain 
recreational facilities across our State.
  Arkansas is known as the Natural State. One of our greatest points of 
pride is access to public lands and water. The LOCAL Act will ensure 
that facilities like Lake Ouachita and Beaver Lake remain easily 
accessible to future generations.

                          ____________________