[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 24, 1992]
[Pages 300-301]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Omnibus Insular Areas Act of 1992

February 24, 1992
    It is with great pleasure that I sign into law H.R. 2927, the 
``Omnibus Insular Areas Act of 1992.'' This Act creates a new unit of 
the National Park System known as the Salt River Bay National Historical 
Park and Ecological Preserve.
    By signing this bill into law today, we make a significant 
contribution to the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of 
Christopher Columbus' voyages to the New World. We also protect an 
environment that is important to all citizens of the United States.
    Located on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, this new 
park is important for several reasons:
    --It is the only known site where, 500 years ago, members of a 
        Columbus party set foot on what is now territory of the United 
        States.
    --It presents an outstanding opportunity to preserve and interpret 
        Caribbean history and culture, including the impact of European 
        exploration and settlement.
    --It contains a wealth of natural features ranging from wooded 
        hillsides and mangrove forests to tropical reefs and a

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        biologically rich submarine canyon.
    --It is a refuge for migratory birds and a vital nursery for many of 
        the marine animals that inhabit the beautiful waters of St. 
        Croix.
    --It will be planned and managed in full partnership with the 
        Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    It is indeed exciting to take this major step toward preserving the 
natural and cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, a heritage that has 
meaning for all Americans. I want to thank all of those who played a 
part in fashioning this innovative partnership between the Federal 
Government and the Virgin Islands Government.
    My action here today is but one example of my Administration's 
commitment to protect the environment and America's heritage. This is 
the sixth time I have signed legislation creating a new unit of the 
National Park System. In the past 3 years, we have acquired 57,000 acres 
of environmentally sensitive and historically significant lands for the 
National Park System.
    Finally, I note that H.R. 2927 authorizes new technical assistance 
for insular areas after major storms. To ensure that hazard mitigation 
measures truly reduce future loss of life and property, all projects 
must be cost-effective, cooperative ventures between the Federal 
Government and the insular areas. The Act will not change this policy, 
diminish any existing matching share requirements, or change procedures 
for Presidential disaster declarations.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
February 24, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 2927, approved February 24, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-247.