Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to respond to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), and to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) that those perfecting amendments they were talking about were, of course, removing the restrictions for the limitation of using this property only as a school site and also to remove the restriction of a reversionary clause, which would be that, if it were not used for a school, it would be reverted back to the Federal Government. Those provisions are in the bill; and to remove those, of course, would allow for the appraisal process to be one which would garner that of a commercially developed piece of property. This school district is not interested in developing this property as commercial property. It certainly wants to use the property for a school site. It is going to protect the environment. Let me also say to my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), over here that his support of H.R. 695, which is a bill that the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Tom Udall) supported not long ago to acquire land for San Juan College, was sold and acquired with a restriction to be used for educational purposes, which, of course, had an effect on the valuation of it. Mr. Speaker, there have been a number of bills that have been passed through this body with the support of the other side that have not been raised on the issue of fairness to the taxpayer that actually gave property away and let Federal taxpayers receive zero, zip, nada, nothing for the property that was given away; and those are clearly on record here. I can go through and cite many of those bills, Mr. Speaker. But this is an important piece of legislation for the education of some children. We are asking for the fair market value based on the use of the land as an educational site. It was acquired for $500,000. I think with the restrictions placed on it that we could actually give back to the taxpayers the money they paid for it and maybe even a little extra, depending upon the valuation of that property. But this is an important bill for the education of those children. We want to have an opportunity to give these children up there a place to go to school. The nearest, closest land that could be suitable for a school for an elementary school site in the area is about 26 miles away. Otherwise, these schoolchildren will have to be bussed over a mountainous pass in the wintertime, which is oftentimes closed by snow and ice, a very dangerous road in the wintertime. It is the safety of these children, it is the education of these children that we are so very, very much concerned about. Mr. Speaker, noting that my good friends on the other side of the aisle have been gracious, and I do have great respect for their opinions, I would ask that all of my colleagues support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. And, as well, I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Committee on Resources, for his support and leadership on this very important bill that is before us this evening. To my Democratic colleagues on other side of the aisle, let me say this is indeed a very important bill for a rural community in Nevada. H.R. 4656 will sell, and I want to emphasize that again, ``sell'' 8.7 acres of U.S. Forest Service land inside a developed community, located in the Lake Tahoe Basin, to the Washoe County School District at fair market value for limited use as an elementary school site. The proceeds of the sale will go towards the purchase of environmentally-sensitive land in the Lake Tahoe region. The site will become the home of an elementary school for 400 children in Incline Village in Nevada. Mr. Speaker, the present site of Incline Elementary School was constructed in 1964 and serves as the only elementary school in the town. Presently, the Incline Elementary School is burdened by serious overcrowding problems, forcing the school to put more than 40 students in a classroom because there is just simply no place else for these children to go. Due to the school's size limitations, expanding beyond its current physical design is simply not an option. After reviewing all private and public property in the Incline Village area, the school district, in concert with parents, teachers and community leaders, agreed that the only possible location for a new school would be the 8.7 acres currently owned by the U.S. Forest Service. This land, Mr. Speaker, was purchased over a decade ago for approximately $500,000 as environmentally-sensitive land under the Santini-Burton Act. However, let me state that this land is not the pristine, beautiful land which one thinks of when thinking about the Lake Tahoe area. In fact, this 8.7 acres is surrounded by condominium complexes on both sides and a retail shopping mall on the other. Furthermore, the environmentally-sensitive area, which is a seasonal stream which runs through a portion of the land, will be completely protected from development. In addition, the school district will be installing a water filtration system at the end of the stream channel and the stream will be incorporated into existing educational programs on water quality. I can confidently state, Mr. Speaker, that any environmental concerns have been fully addressed. As a result, even former Congressman Jim Santini, the author of the Santini-Burton Act, has expressed his support for the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record his letter: October 17, 2000. Hon. Jim Gibbons, House of Representatives, Cannon HOB, Washington, DC. Dear Jim: Recently, I learned that your legislation to convey land in the Lake Tahoe Basin to the Washoe County School District fell twenty-four votes short of passage in the House of Representatives under suspension of the rules. I was disturbed to learn further that much of the contentious debate over your important bill centered around the fact that the land had been acquired under legislation bearing my name, the Santini-Burton Act. Consequently, I felt compelled to write you about this matter and to express my strong support for your legislation, which in no way would threaten the intent, objectives, or goals of the Santini-Burton Act. The intent of the Santini-Burton Act was to protect environmentally sensitive land from rampant commercial development. However, the opposition to your bill does not reflect the original intent of my legislation in any way. The educational needs of the children of Incline Village, currently crowded into classrooms with over 40 students, must be addressed. Your bill, which was crafted with the input of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Washoe County School District, and local Forest Service officials, will address these needs while still protecting both the environment and the original intent of my legislation. Over a decade ago, the U.S. government acquired, as environmentally sensitive land under the Santini-Burton Act, 8.7 acres of land in the Lake Tahoe Basin, for approximately $500,000. The environmental sensitivity of the land stems solely from the seasonal stream bed which runs through a portion of the site. In the years since the federal acquisition, as you know, a condominium development and retail strip mall have been built on the borders of the land. I have also been informed that the next closest U.S. Forest Service owned land is 26 miles away. Under your bill, H.R. 4656, the Washoe County School District would purchase the 8.7 acres for fair market value for the limited use as an elementary school site to alleviate the overcrowding problems currently burdening the present Incline Elementary School. The environmental sensitivity of the land would be protected, even enhanced, by the addition of water filtration systems and the seasonal stream area would not be disturbed by development. The sensitive area would be incorporated into the school's current curriculum on water quality. Clearly, the use of this land as an elementary school site would better serve the public than developing the land for any other use--which could garner the full fair market value (perhaps as much as $4 million) for which the Administration so strenuously advocates. It astonishes me that anyone would put such a high price on educating over 400 children. Jim, please be assured that you have my strong support on this matter. It is my hope that during the debate on this bill the intent of the Santini-Burton Act will no longer be misrepresented. However, my greater hope is that your legislation will pass Congress and be signed into law promptly so that the students of Incline Village can learn in a safe school facility that meets all of their educational needs. Sincerely, James D. Santini, Former Member of Congress. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Santini realized the importance of putting education before government profit. In his letter, he states very clearly, ``Clearly, the use of this land as an elementary school site would better serve the public than developing the land for any other use, which could garner the full market value (perhaps as much as $4 million) for which the administration so strenuously advocates. It astonishes me that anyone would put such a high price on educating over 400 children.'' Mr. Speaker, it astonishes me, too, that they would be advocating such a price for this land. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I can hardly believe that just this week this administration stated that it has no higher priority than education and yet continues to object to this bill simply because they could get more money for the land if it were commercially developed rather than developed as a school site. Under this bill, the Federal Government will receive compensation for the land, the environment will be protected, the families of Incline Village will have a school for their children which will encourage education and not inhibit it because of limited space. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4656 is about education. It is about school construction. It is about having that mysterious mythical girl standing in the back of the classroom without room for her desk. And this bill is about children, 400 children as a matter of fact, over 50 percent of whom are ESL students who are learning English as a second language. All of these children deserve a safe and adequate school facility that meets their individual and educational needs. Mr. Speaker, it is my fear that if this legislation is not enacted today that the previously fabricated stories that I mentioned earlier about the young girl being forced to stand in the back of the school without her own desk and chair will become a reality in Incline Village. Voting for H.R. 4656 gives every Member of this House the opportunity to keep their promise and prove their commitment to supporting education. This is good public policy, and it is government's civic duty to provide education to our children, not to be greedy and price them out of an adequate and healthy learning environment. So, Mr. Speaker, with that, I encourage all Members to vote for H.R. 4656, a bill that is truly a win-win for everybody. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, as the 106th Congress comes to a close, I would like to highlight the achievements of this Republican Congress, achievements which I think make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. This Republican Congress is paying down the national debt, boosting education funding, and providing prescription drug coverage for millions of seniors, just to name a few of its significant accomplishments. To expand on these, Madam Speaker, we reduced the national debt by more than $500 billion, that is half a trillion dollars, and devoted 100 percent of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds to strengthen retirement security. Also, Republicans increased funding for education by more than $2 billion over the last year. We have given parents and local school officials, not Washington bureaucrats, more control over Federal education dollars. Madam Speaker, we have also worked to ensure that in America no senior has to choose between putting food on the table and medicine in the cabinet. Our Republican $40 billion plan establishes a voluntary, affordable prescription drug benefit that is available to every senior. I am confident that history will be as good to this Republican-led Congress as we have been to the American people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), my friend and colleague, the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Parks and Public Land; and I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of the full committee, as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking member, for allowing this bill to come to the floor today. The 19th century westward emigration on the California National Historic Trail, which occurred from 1840 until the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, was an important cultural and historical era in the settlement of the West. This influx of settlers contributed to the development of lands in the western United States by Americans and immigrants and to the prevention of colonization of the West Coast by Russia and the British Empire. More than 300,000 settlers traveled the California Trail and many documented their amazing experiences in detailed journals. In Nevada, Elko County alone contains over 435 miles of National Historic Trails. Mr. Speaker, recognition and interpretation of the pioneer experience on the Trail is appropriate in light of Americans' strong interest in understanding our national and cultural heritage. This act authorizes the planning, construction, and operation of a visitor center. The cooperative parties include the State of Nevada, the Advisory Board for the National Historic California Emigrant Trails Interpretive Center, Elko County and the City of Elko, and the Bureau of Land Management, just to name a few. This interpretive center will be located near the city of Elko in the northeastern part of Nevada. The location is the junction of the California Trail and the Hastings Cutoff. Mr. Speaker, the ill-fated Reed-Donner party spent an additional 31 days meandering over the so-called Hastings Cutoff route; precious time wasted that kept them from crossing the Sierra Nevada before the deadly winter of 1846 struck, taking most of their lives. This act will recognize the California Trail, including the Hastings Cutoff, for its national historical and cultural significance through the construction of an interpretive facility devoted to the vital role of pioneer trails in the West in the development of the United States. I would ask the House to support this bill and pass Senate bill 2749.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Senate 439 would amend the National Forest and Public Lands of Nevada Enhancement Act to adjust a boundary of the Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, thereby transferring the jurisdiction of the land from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior. This legislation has local support, as well as support from the administration. Senate 439 was favorably reported by the full committee on June 7, 2000, by voice vote. Senate 439, as amended, also includes the Wildland Fire Firefighters Pay Equity Act of 1999, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo). One of the problems faced during the catastrophic fire season of 2000 was a shortage of properly trained fire fighting crews. This language will go far to address this particular problem by allowing fire fighters to earn the standard time-and-a-half overtime rate for time spent fighting fires, regardless of their pay base. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 439) to amend the National Forest and Public Lands of Nevada Enhancement Act of 1988 to adjust the boundary of the Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada, as amended.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2425) to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in the planning, design, and construction of the Bend Feed Canal Pipeline Project, Oregon, and for other purposes.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 2425 will enable the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in the planning, design, and construction of the Bend Feed Canal Pipeline Project in Oregon, and for other purposes. The Federal cost share of the costs of the project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total. The legislation authorizes $2,500,000 for this project. I urge an aye vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2977) to assist in the establishment of an interpretive center and museum in the vicinity of the Diamond Valley Lake in southern California to ensure the protection and interpretation of the paleontology discoveries made at the lake and to develop a trail system for the lake for use by pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of S. 2977 is to assist in the establishment of an interpretive center and museum in the vicinity of the Diamond Valley Lake in Southern California. Diamond Valley Lake is the result of a joint effort by State and local authorities to address possible water shortage problems in Southern California. This Senate bill has House companion legislation introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), who deserves credit for his hard work and leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, S. 2977 provides recreational and educational opportunities to the region by assisting in the funding for the design, construction, furnishing, and operation of an interpretive center and museum. The center and museum will be known as the Western Center for Archeology, and will house an assortment of archeological remains which were excavated during the construction of the reservoir. The Western Center will also be available to provide storage and state-of-the-art curation services for other valuable artifacts that many Federal agencies have been unable to care for in recent years. This bill also provides funding to share in the cost of the design, construction, and maintenance of a trails system around Diamond Valley Lake and the surrounding areas. The trails will provide nonmotorized recreation for visitors to the area. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the 34 suspensions just passed.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would increase the authorized cost ceiling for the Bureau of Reclamation's dam safety program. The program is designed to ensure that its facilities operate in a safe and reliable condition to protect the public, property, and natural resources downstream of reclamation structures. Since the introduction of this bill, members of the Subcommittee on Water and Power have worked to ensure that project beneficiaries are informed of the costs and status of dam safety modifications. This legislation requires the Secretary to provide the costs and the status of the modifications if the project beneficiaries notify the Secretary in writing of their interest in this information. In addition, the legislation requires the Secretary to consider and, where appropriate, implement containment and construction management techniques and recommendations provided by the project beneficiaries regarding costs. I urge an aye vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3388) to promote environmental restoration around the Lake Tahoe basin, as amended.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3388, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, was introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle). This bill authorizes $30 million per year for 10 years to be used for a variety of activities relating to protecting and restoring the water quality of Lake Tahoe. Such projects may include erosion control projects, hazardous fuel treatments, cleanup of groundwater contamination, traffic management, and acquisition of environmental sensitive lands. All projects will involve partnerships with appropriate State and local officials. The Forest Service supports this bill, with the understanding that funds for these projects must be new appropriations and will not come from existing Forest Service funding. The bill, as amended, ensures that any land acquisition under this bill will be funded only by the Land and Water Conservation Fund or the Santini-Burton Act. I urge support for the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3388.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) whose district includes that portion of Lake Tahoe. It was his vision, hard work, and leadership on this issue that is going to reward us with a preservation of the water quality of Lake Tahoe. I want to thank him for his efforts in this regard. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4794) to require the Secretary of the Interior to complete a resource study of the 600 mile route through Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia, used by George Washington and General Rochambeau during the American Revolutionary War.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4794 requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete a resource study of the 600-mile route used by George Washington and General Rochambeau during the Revolutionary War. The extensive route travels through nine different States and stretches from Massachusetts to Virginia. The study will identify the full range of resources and historic themes associated with the route and identify alternatives for a National Park Service involvement with the preservation and interpretation of the route. Compared to those of the Civil War, there just are not that many designated historic sites associated with the Revolutionary War. We need to protect these very important Revolutionary War sites as well. Thus, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4794. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1725) to provide for the conveyance by the Bureau of Land Management to Douglas County, Oregon, of a county park and certain adjacent land.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1725, as amended and introduced by my colleague the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio). A significant amount of effort has gone into the preparation of this bill, and I would like to begin by commending the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) for their diligence in bringing this legislation to the floor. The Miwaleta Park, located in Oregon, is a 30-acre area jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Douglas County. The title to this park and surrounding area is currently held by the BLM; and under H.R. 1725, the title and all rights and interests to this land would be transferred to Douglas County for the purpose of building a public campground. I reiterate my support for H.R. 1725 and ask for support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2882) to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct certain feasibility studies to augment water supplies for the Klamath Project, Oregon and California, and for other purposes.