[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.