August 1, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1671 behalf of the Man Mound serves as an ideal signed as an instrument of diplomacy or prop- The STB does have authority to impose example of its dedication to local communities aganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to conditions to address community concerns on and to the enrichment of society through his- permit our people to exercise more fully their any approval of a merger between a Class I torical preservation. responsibilities in the great common cause of railroad and Class II railroad. However, the The society’s fight to preserve the Man world development.’’ I’d like to take this oppor- STB has decided to significantly limit the types Mound began in 1907, only a few years after tunity to thank Mr. Mattan for his dedication to of conditions it will impose. Under its regula- H.E. Cole founded the organization. While sur- this responsibility, and for helping to restore tions, the STB will not impose conditions that veying the Man Mound, Cole discovered that America’s image in other parts of the world. may ‘‘undermine or defeat’’ a transaction, the structure would soon be completely demol- Our country has truly been enriched by the ex- even if those conditions are critical to ensuring ished and then plowed as farmland, like al- periences of the Peace Corps volunteers. the safety and health of communities. most 900 other Native American mounds in I offer my best wishes to Bradley Dale The bill we are introducing today will enable the area. Cole and the historical society took Mattan in his endeavors both here and abroad the STB to thoroughly consider the public in- immediate action to save the Man Mound by and look forward to seeing great work from terest when evaluating a proposed railroad leading a collaborative, community-oriented ef- him in the future. merger or consolidation which includes at fort. The Sauk County Historical Society, in f least one Class I railroad. conjunction with the Wisconsin Archaeological Specifically, the bill requires the STB to con- Society and the Wisconsin Federation of INTRODUCTION OF THE TAKING sider, in a merger or consolidation proceeding, Women’s Clubs, raised enough money to pur- RESPONSIBLE ACTION FOR COM- the safety and environmental effects of the chase the Man Mound and protect it from cul- MUNITY SAFETY ACT proposed transaction, including the effects on tivation and further destruction. The sur- local communities, such as public safety, rounding park was then dedicated in August of HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR grade crossing safety, hazardous materials 1908. OF MINNESOTA transportation safety, emergency response time, noise, and socioeconomic impacts. It The Sauk County Historical Society’s com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also requires the STB to consider the effects mitment to the stewardship of this landmark Thursday, July 31, 2008 demonstrates an impressive appreciation of of the proposed transaction on intercity pas- the past and of history’s value to modern soci- Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, today I senger rail and commuter rail. ety. The historical society truly recognizes the join the gentlewoman from Illinois, Ms. BEAN, The bill prohibits the STB from approving or importance of using resources like the Man and 19 of our colleagues in introducing the authorizing a merger or consolidation if it finds Mound to spread knowledge and educate our Taking Responsible Action for Community that the transaction is inconsistent with the society. By preserving the Man Mound, the Safety Act. public interest because the transaction’s im- Sauk County Historical Society allows us to The bill will ensure that the Surface Trans- pacts on safety and on the affected commu- connect with the past and provides us with a portation Board (‘‘STB’’) has the legal authority nities outweigh the transaction’s transportation tangible link to the Native Americans who pre- and policy direction to deal with railroad merg- benefits. Further, the bill authorizes the STB to ceded us as stewards of this land. ers that have the potential to cause serious impose conditions to mitigate the effects of the Even as we take this opportunity to look safety, environmental, and other quality of life transaction on local communities when such back in appreciation, the historical society is problems for affected communities. conditions are in the public interest. With these new powers and policy direc- planning ahead for the future of the Man A recently filed merger application has tives, the STB will have greatly enhanced abil- Mound and Man Mound Park. With support called attention to the need for enhancing the ity to protect local communities against the ad- from the Wisconsin Archeological Society, the authority of the STB. verse effects of rail mergers. I urge my col- Wisconsin Archeological Survey, the Wis- The application was filed by the Canadian leagues to support this important legislation. consin Historical Society, the Ho-Chunk Na- National Railway (‘‘CN’’), seeking the Board’s tion, and the General Federation of Women’s approval to acquire control of the 198-mile f Clubs—Wisconsin, the Sauk County Historical Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (‘‘EJ&E’’) rail line. EXTENDING MY DEEPEST GRATI- Society is initiating a comprehensive study of Communities affected by the merger have TUDE TO NOON ROTARY CLUB the structure and working to ensure the future alleged serious impacts from the new oper- OF MUNCIE, INDIANA, A DEDI- of this invaluable artifact. ations which are planned for the merged car- CATED GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS For their commitment to the people of Wis- rier. This acquisition could adversely impact WHO WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY consin and to the enrichment of their commu- more than 40 communities along the EJ&E TO HELP HOOSIERS IN NEED nity through historical conservation and pres- line, and result in rail traffic increases of 15 to ervation, I congratulate the Sauk County His- 24 trains per day. For example, in Barrington, Illinois, the number of freight trains will in- HON. MIKE PENCE torical Society. The 100th anniversary of the OF INDIANA crease from 5 to 20. In Plainfield, Illinois, the society’s stewardship of the Man Mound IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES marks a truly remarkable, well-deserved mile- CN train total will reach 42 per day. Thursday, July 31, 2008 stone. The communities impacted by the proposed acquisition have raised significant concerns re- f Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank lated to public safety, grade crossing safety, the Noon Rotary Club of Muncie, Indiana for THANKING BRADLEY DALE hazardous materials transportation safety, their invaluable service to the residents of my MATTAN noise, and economic job loss. For example, hometown of Columbus, Indiana following cat- the EJ&F line includes 133 grade level cross- astrophic flooding that city experienced in HON. BILL FOSTER ings that intersect with existing roadways. In- early June. OF ILLINOIS creased traffic on the line may not only ad- An article published in the Columbus Re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES versely impact motorist safety but emergency public on July 25, 2008 outlined the tremen- response time and vehicle access, a growing dous support this group provided: Thursday, July 31, 2008 concern for many communities across the na- Three Saturdays ago, carloads of Muncie Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I am sub- tion. Rotarians descended on Eastside Community mitting this statement to offer gratitude to one Under current law, the STB has very limited Center, determined to help prepare and de- of my constituents, Mr. Bradley Dale Mattan of power to consider these concerns. The STB is liver meals to survivors and volunteers. They’ve been coming back ever since. Geneseo, Illinois. I am very pleased that Mr. now required to approve all mergers and con- ‘‘This Muncie group is awesome,’’ said Ce- Mattan has decided to serve as a Peace solidations between a Class I railroad (such as leste Racette, a member of the Columbus Corps Volunteer in Ecuador. CN) and a Class II railroad (such as EJ&E) Sunrise Rotary Club who worked with the The Peace Corps was designed to encour- unless the Board finds that the merge is likely Delaware County group in coordinating the age mutual understanding between Americans to cause a substantial lessening of competi- volunteer effort. ‘‘They not only helped pre- and other cultures of the world. For the past tion, create a monopoly, or restrain trade in pare and deliver meals but they have kept 47 years over 190,000 Americans have served freight surface transportation in any region of coming back and they even set the folks at Eastside up with Gleaner’s Food Bank out of as Peace Corps Volunteers in 139 countries. the United States; and that the anticompetitive Indianapolis to deliver a week’s supply of In his statement upon signing the Order that effects of the transaction outweigh the public food.’’ established the Peace Corps, President John interest in meeting significant transportation They’ll need it. Lenore Hollowell, who is F. Kennedy said, ‘‘Our Peace Corps is not de- needs. coordinating the meal delivery program

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:51 Aug 02, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A31JY8.092 E01AUPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 1, 2008 Eastside initiated in the early hours of the alongside LeBron James as the nation’s top Aamodt and Abeyta settlements. Introduction flood recovery, said Thursday that the group recruits, but so far advanced was his game of this bill represents a major milestone in the is averaging 550 meal deliveries each day. that he spent that summer traveling to tryouts completion of these important settlements. The article continues: with a number of NBA teams. He was drafted Years of work and negotiation have gone into The Muncie group offered more than just in the first round of the NBA Draft with the each of these, and I am pleased that the helping hands. 27th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies and tribes, villages, cities, counties, acequias, and The Rotarians who arrived on the first immediately traded to the Boston Celtics, one community groups involved were able to come Saturday and immediately were sent to dev- of the most successful franchises in all sports. to an agreement that is mutually beneficial. astated areas with prepared meals were wel- comed warmly but also given guidance for Kendrick played a support role as the New Mexico is a state rich with tradition and future visits. team’s ‘‘enforcer’’ during his first few years in culture, where the water resources are scarce ‘‘If people didn’t want the lunches, they the league, earning a reputation as one of the and precious. As is common in most of the definitely wanted the water,’’ Celeste said. tougher players on the team. He would even- arid west, this vital but limited commodity can ‘‘That need was discovered on their first trip. tually work his way up the depth chart to start- foster conflict between communities and indi- On the next trip the Muncie group brought ing center. In 2007, the team made a number viduals, and in a state where the history is down 40 cases of water, four coolers and end- of off-season moves that would leave the Celt- long and complex, disputes over water are less bags of ice so that we could hand out ics as the favorite to win the title. The team equally complicated. But, despite the com- cold bottled water along with the meals.’’ had the best record in the league during the plications surrounding water tenure, New While the Muncie group was in Columbus, one of its members struck up a conversation regular season and had home court advan- Mexicans are united in a common respect for with Lenore Hollowell about additional tage throughout the playoffs. this resource. From the pueblos and tribes of sources of food. The playoffs were more difficult than they New Mexico, to the historic acequias and Gleaner’s Food Bank in Indianapolis was would have hoped. Their first two series both growing communities, water is fundamental to mentioned and within the space of hours, e- went to seven games but they were able to both survival and cultural traditions, and is re- mails were being traded back and forth set- pull through. Kendrick and the Celtics beat spected as such. Both the Aamodt and Abeyta ting up the delivery of a week’s supplies. former prep-rival LeBron James and his settlements are examples of communities and ‘‘The delivery ran the gamut from eight Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Con- tribes coming together to resolve their dif- cases of yams to two cases of mop handles ference Finals to bring the Celtics to their first ferences and find a way to ensure that every- . . . from three cases of chocolate chip cook- ies to four pallets of bottled water . . . there NBA Finals appearance since the 1985–86 one has access to this precious and respected were even 1,200 prepared meals from Federal season. Their opponents were the Los Ange- resource. Emergency Management Agency.’’ les Lakers, facing each other in the Finals for The bill being introduced today consists of two titles, the first outlining the Aamodt Settle- The Noon Rotary Club of Muncie will likely a record 11th time. There was genuine buzz ment, and the second outlining the Abeyta make their final visit to Columbus on August 2. and excitement around the NBA for the first Settlement. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to this time in recent memory and Kendrick would The Aamodt title resolves the water claims dedicated group of volunteers who went out of have a chance to shine. of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San their way to help Hoosiers in need. The first few games saw the Celtics domi- nate the series at home. The Lakers were Ildefonso, and Tesuque, and the needs of the f able to win one when they returned to their surrounding communities in Santa Fe County. KENDRICK PERKINS home court and had a chance to win Game 4 The settlement is a result of long negotiations before the Celtics made the biggest comeback between the county and pueblos, and will re- in NBA Finals history to win the game. Perkins sult in the development of a mutually bene- HON. TED POE injured his shoulder and sat out Game 5. He ficial water infrastructure system. This system OF TEXAS was doubtful for Game 6 but showed the will ensure that the pueblos and surrounding IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES toughness that has come to define him and communities have access to clean running Thursday, July 31, 2008 played through the pain to help the Celtics win water into the future. I applaud the efforts and their 17th overall championship. Perkins aver- success of these groups in coming to an Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am aged 6 points and 6 rebounds to lead his agreement that both settles disputes and ben- proud to pay tribute to Kendrick Perkins, the team to the 2007–08 NBA Championship. efits each community. former basketball standout at Clifton J. Ozen On behalf of the Second Congressional Dis- The Abeyta title establishes the water High school and the starting Center for the trict of Texas, I applaud Kendrick Perkins on claims of the Pueblo of Taos, the Taos Valley 2007–2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics. his outstanding achievements. He has been Acequia Association, the Village of El Prado, Kendrick was born in Nederland, Texas, in successful on and off the court, and I applaud and the Town of Taos. These communities de- 1984. According to his grandmother, he his dedication to his community and to his pend heavily on agriculture and irrigation for played football and baseball as a young boy team. both traditional practices and subsistence. The but would fall asleep at night holding a basket- And that’s just the way it is. settlement ensures water for both agricultural ball. He attended Our Mother of Mercy Catho- f and domestic use, and facilitates the rehabili- lic School throughout elementary school and tation of irrigation infrastructure. Additionally, was one of the tallest altar boys they have INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO AU- the Abeyta settlement helps to protect the ever seen. So tall, in fact, that they had to THORIZE THE SECRETARY OF quality of water in the watershed by protecting have a robe specially made for him. He con- THE INTERIOR, ACTING and recharging the wetlands areas of the Taos tinued to serve the church until his high school THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER Pueblo’s buffalo pasture. After years of nego- graduation, even while scouts and agents OF RECLAMATION, TO DEVELOP tiation, the parties involved in this important were vying for his services. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN settlement have come to an agreement based Perkins attended Ozen High School in THE RIO GRANDE BASIN, AND TO on respect of cultural practices, and a commit- Beaumont, Texas and left quite a legacy on APPROVE THE SETTLEMENT OF ment to live as good neighbors sharing a com- the basketball court. He led the team to three THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMS OF mon resource. Class 4A Sate Championship games in three THE PUEBLOS OF NAMBE, It has been said that the wars of the future years, winning the title as a sophomore in POJOAQUE, SAN ILDEFONSO, will be fought over access to water. In New 2001. During that run, his Panthers were a TESUQUE, AND TAOS Mexico, we are setting a different precedent— combined 111-4. As a senior, the 6-foot-10 a precedent of respect and compromise, one Kendrick averaged 27 points, 16 rebounds, HON. TOM UDALL that will help us move into the future with well and almost 8 blocked shots per game, easily OF NEW MEXICO established partnerships and a commitment to making him one of the nation’s top high school IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES conserve and manage this vital resource to prospects. the benefit of all. I am honored to introduce After graduating from high school in 2003, a Thursday, July 31, 2008 this legislation today that will bring the pueblos number of elite colleges recruited him and he Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Today I rise to and communities involved in the Aamodt and was considered by some to be the best high introduce a bill to complete two major tribal Abeyta one step closer to establishing a se- school center in America. He was ranked water settlements in northern New Mexico, the cure water future.

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