[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Ms. Harris):
  S. 774. A bill to adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains 
National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the ``Rim of 
the Valley Corridor Preservation Act.'' This legislation would expand 
the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 
by 191,000 acres.
  This legislation would provide surrounding communities with much-
needed access to nature and open space, while maintaining private 
property rights and existing local land-use authorities.
  The proposed expansion is based upon findings of the National Park 
Service after a six-year special resource study of the area.
  This study was directed by Congress in the Rim of the Valley Corridor 
Study Act, passed in 2008.
  The National Park Service's recommendation takes into account over 
2,000 comments received from the public, elected officials, local 
organizations, and other stakeholders.
  This bill would add an additional 191,000 acres, known as the Rim of 
the Valley Unit, to the existing Santa Monica Mountains National 
Recreation area to provide members of the local community with improved 
recreational and educational opportunities.
  The proposed expansion would also better protect natural resources 
and habitats, including valuable habitat for endangered wildlife, such 
as the California red-legged frog, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, 
badgers, coyotes, and deer.
  Notably, the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' would 
only allow the Department of the Interior to acquire non-Federal land 
within the new boundaries through exchange, donation, or purchase from 
willing sellers.
  I want to highlight that this legislation will not create any 
additional liability or restrictions for private property owners.
  This legislation will significantly expand outdoor recreational 
opportunities for residents of Los Angeles County, one of the most 
densely populated and park-poor areas in California.
  In fact, 47% of Californians--that's six percent of the total U.S. 
population--live within two hours of the proposed expansion area. 
Enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, at no 
cost to U.S. taxpayers, will provide these communities with increased 
access to public lands and boost the local economy.
  This bill enjoys the support of more than 50 local municipalities, 
community groups, and elected officials. It is the product of 
significant public engagement in the legislative process.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for 
re-introducing this legislation in the House.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the ``Rim of the 
Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' as quickly as possible.
  Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.
                                 ______