    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [July 19, 1996]
    [Pages 1158-1159]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the National Children's Island Act of 1995
    July 19, 1996

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 1508, the National Children's
    Island Act. This bill authorizes the transfer of Federal land to the
    District of Columbia for the development of a cultural, educational,
    family-oriented recreation park and a children's playground on two man-
    made islands in the District of Columbia's Anacostia River. The two
    islands in question, Kingman and Heritage, were created in 1916 by the
    Army Corps of Engineers from dredge material in the Anacostia. This
    project has the potential of bringing much needed development to the
    area, providing recreational space for children and families, and
    reclaiming vacant land that, at the present, is in very poor condition.
        At the same time, I am strongly committed to making sure that any
    development on these islands proceeds in an environmentally sound and
    sensitive manner. Under this legislation, all development plans for
    Children's Island--whether for the recreation park, playground, related
    structures, bridges or roads--must be reviewed and approved by both the
    District of Columbia and the National Capital Planning Commission
    (NCPC). I will be looking to the NCPC as the Federal watchdog to make
    sure that all development plans are consistent with the preservation of
    the natural and cultural resources on the site and in the vicinity. To
    this end, I have today issued a memorandum to the Chair of the NCPC
    setting forth the principles that should guide the NCPC in its review of
    plans for the development of Children's Island.
        In particular, I have asked the NCPC to take a careful look at the
    project to make sure that both environmental safeguards--including those
    contained in the original plan approved by the NCPC and the National
    Park Service--and recreational needs are met. In this regard, the NCPC
    must ensure that the level of development chosen be appropriate to the
    area with due regard to the surrounding neighborhoods, the ecosystem
    management initiatives for the Anacostia River, and preservation of the
    integrity of the nearby parkland. Moreover, the NCPC must ensure that
    development plans are consistent with the principles of environmental
    justice contained in Executive Order No. 12898 of February 11, 1994.
    Further, the National Park Service, as an adjacent landowner, should
    fully participate in the NCPC process.

    [[Page 1159]]

        In addition, I stated to the NCPC that, in conducting its review,
    the NCPC should be certain that the requirements of the National
    Environmental Policy Act be met. The NCPC should carefully consider all
    alternatives, including the no action alternative of not moving forward
    if adverse impacts are identified that are severe and unavoidable.
        I also asked the NCPC to afford the public maximum opportunity for
    comment. This will allow the proposed planning process to reflect the
    full range of views about development of the islands.
        Further, I am directing the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of
    Defense, and Administrator of General Services--all of whom are
    represented on the NCPC--to ensure that the NCPC's review of this
    project emphasize children's recreation and education, the protection
    and restoration of the Anacostia watershed, and the public interest of
    the adjacent neighborhoods.
        Should the development plans for Children's Island ultimately not
    pass muster with the NCPC or the District of Columbia, so that the park
    is not built, the Act provides that the islands will revert back to the
    National Park Service.
        It is my expectation that this legislation will promote the
    development of these islands in a manner that will serve the economic
    and recreational needs of the District of Columbia while at the same
    time preserving our important natural and cultural resources.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    July 19, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 1508, approved July 19, was assigned Public Law No. 104-163.