July 17, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1325 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

SAVE THE CHATTAHOOCHEE quality issues, but has also dramatically in- partnerships in protecting vital natural re- creased the need for expanded recreational sources and in increasing recreational oppor- areas. The Chattahoochee River is currently tunities for citizens. Expanding the Chat- HON. NEWT GINGRICH one of the most visited recreation areas in tahoochee National Recreation Area will en- OF GEORGIA the country. Given the rate of growth in this sures that future generations will have clean IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES area, increased acreage is essential in order water to drink and will be able to enjoy the Thursday, July 16, 1998 to relieve stress on the current recreation beauty of this nationally significant re- area and to dramatically improve the qual- source. Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ity of life for hundreds of thousands of Amer- In closing, I’d like to share a quote from commend to the attention of my colleagues icans. ‘‘The Riverkeeper’s Guide to the Chattahoo- the following testimony before the Committee I have had the opportunity to see first- chee,’’ a book written by Fred Brown and on Resources Subcommittee on National hand the excitement of schoolchildren en- Sherri M.L. Smith with the support of my Parks and Public Lands on the modification of gaged in testing the Chattahoochee water as good friend Sally Bethea: ‘‘Only God can part of their science studies, the coming to- the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area make a river. And He’s not making any gether of diverse groups of young people more.’’ boundaries. I urge all my colleagues to read helping with river clean-up, and the joy of this testimony and take advantage of this op- We have the power to help save one of His children from near-by apartments who have greatest rivers and to do it in a way which is portunity to save the Chattahoochee so that its discovered, on the banks of the Chattahoo- not a Washington-based solution but which beauty and resources might be enjoyed by fu- chee, a place to run and play. The Chat- involves a partnership with the people of ture generations. tahoochee is for so many of Georgia’s chil- America. I hope that each of you will join me dren more than just a river and more than a in this endeavor. TESTIMONY OF HON. NEWT GINGRICH BEFORE source of drinking water—it is an outdoor Thank you for your time and consideration THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS AND classroom, a community melting pot and, for of this legislation. I look forward to working PUBLIC LANDS, COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES, those whose parents don’t yet own a house, with the members of the committee on this JULY 16, 1998 the only backyard they know. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, This greenway project will serve as a important project. At this time I would be I come before you today to save a river that model for future conservation efforts, as we glad to take any questions. is not only near and dear to my heart, but is continue to work toward our vision of a part- the life blood of my district and most of the nership with the people of America, as op- STATE OF GEORGIA, State of Georgia. The river I speak of is the posed to a centralized bureaucracy. Public OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Chattahoochee River. From its source in the and private cost sharing will ensure local in- Atlanta, GA, July 9, 1998. North Georgia Mountains until it joins the volvement in the expansion of the park Hon. BOB LIVINGSTON, Flint River on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, boundary. This is a truly historic agree- Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, citizens along its path drink its water, use it ment—federal appropriations provided in Washington, DC. for recreational purposes, and enjoy its beau- this proposal will be matched by funding DEAR CHAIRMAN: The Appropriation Com- ty. With this legislation, today we have a from private foundations, the State of Geor- mittees in the House of Representatives and chance to ensure that its gifts, including gia, local governments, corporate entities, the Senate have completed action on their most importantly the gift of safe, life-sus- private individuals, and other sources. In respective Interior Appropriations bill. I taining drinking water, are protected and fact, the federal effort will be immediately wish to respond to the initial actions of each preserved for our children and grandchildren. matched by a private foundation. All other committee by acknowledging some impor- H.R. 4141 will modify the boundaries of the funding sources, such as the $15 million tant realities about three of the line items Chattahoochee River National Recreation which Georgia’s Governor Zell Miller and the within the Land and Water Conservation Area to protect and preserve the endangered state legislature have committed, will re- Fund section of the bills. Chattahoochee River and provide additional duce the federal share of the project. The Each of the acquisitions represent major recreation opportunities for citizens. Yet one cost to the federal government will be less conservation actions in protecting signifi- of the most important aspects of this legisla- than half of the estimated cost of the effort cant sites previously recognized by Congress. tion is the way that this will be done, as the and will almost certainly be much less. support and funding will come not just from I have with me today letters, from a wide And the inclusion of funding for two of these federal sources, but from a partnership of range of Georgians in support of expanding projects complements funding actions that I, federal, state, local, and private entities. the boundaries of the Chattahoochee Na- as Governor, have initiated. The State of The Chattahoochee River, ranked as one of tional Recreation Area, which I will submit Georgia is willing to dedicate funds to land the ten most endangered rivers in the coun- for the record. These letters are from mayors acquisition which will serve over the long try, provides the drinking water for the At- of local cities, country commissioners, the run to reduce the need for federal spending. lanta metropolitan area and almost half of Lt. Governor’s office, and Governor Zell Mil- It is important for the Federal Government the population of Georgia. The Chattahoo- ler. These letters illustrate that in addition to work closely with the State of Georgia to chee is the smallest river basin to serve as to the funding aspects, there is a more im- achieve common goals, while sharing the the major water supply for a metropolitan portant partnership—one of political sub- costs. area in the United States, which makes the divisions, private entities, and neighbors The three line items which are important challenge and the impact of growth and de- coming together with the common goal of to the State of Georgia are the Savannah Na- velopment even greater. Runoff from con- saving our river. tional Wildlife Refuge, the Chattahoochee struction and the overdevelopment of areas Finally, I would like to comment on the River National Recreation Area, and the surrounding the forty-eight mile stretch of balance between property owners and the Cumberland Island National Seashore. I wish the river north of the city have resulted in U.S. Park Service. This legislation ensures to address each of them individually. pollution, silt, and sediment build-ups. private property rights are protected by only A very important item for the State of This bill authorizes the creation of a allowing lands to be acquired with the con- Georgia is the Chattahoochee River National greenway buffer between the river and pri- sent of the property owner. At the same time Recreation Area. In the most recent state vate development to prevent further pollu- it gives the Park Service flexibility by al- budget approved by the Georgia General As- tion from continued development, provide lowing a temporary interim map to be used sembly, $20 million was appropriated for the flood and erosion control, and maintain until a comprehensive map can be drawn. In RiverCare 2000 Program dedicated to protect- water quality for safe drinking water and for addition, the Park Service will have a 2000 ing and preserving river front property for the abundant fish and wildlife dependent on foot corridor on each side of the river to en- public use. I have reserved $15 million of that the river system. Protecting this valuable able the acquisition of larger properties amount to be directed to land acquisition resource is vital to the future of the State of when necessary for achieving our conserva- along the Chattahoochee River corridor Georgia. I personally consider it to be one of tion goals. This legislation will ensure a shared with the National Recreation Area. the most important things that I can help working partnership between the Park Serv- This approach is consistent with legislation accomplish in my public career. ice and private property owners as we create (HR 4141) introduced by Speaker Gingrich The massive influx of people—more than a greenway along the river. which expands the boundaries and the acre- 400,000 since 1990—into the Atlanta metro- I am very pleased to testify on behalf of a age to be acquired as part of the National politan area has not only impacted water proposal that will promote private/public Recreation Area. One major component of

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. E1326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 17, 1998 this authorization legislation is that land ac- The first line item is the Chattahoochee Chattahoochee River. The City is very inter- quisition move forward with a sharing of re- River National Recreation Area. As you ested in protecting the river corridor and sponsibility among the Department of Inte- know, the Chattahoochee River supplies making additional open space and greenways rior, the State of Georgia and its political drinking water to several million Georgians, available for public use. The City has worked subdivisions, and private foundations and and yet it is considered to be one of the most to obtain conservation easements for waling corporations. endangered rivers in America as a result of trails an greenways along the river corridor The House Interior Appropriation bill, encroaching development and pollution. No to help link existing National Park Prop- which is unnumbered at this time, contains one understands the need to protect the erty. $15 million for acquisition which recognizes Chattahoochee River better than Speaker It has become evident that many critical current discussions to move quickly to pro- Newt Gingrich, who has authored HR 4141 parcels along the river corridor are not in- tect a resource disappearing to urbanization which will permit the expansion of the exist- cluded in the boundaries previously designed and development. While the State is ready to ing National Recreation Area. It is our for the National Park Service on future land act, other local, private and public interests shared vision to protect more of the river acquisition. There is an urgent need for leg- are also prepared to make financial commit- corridor. The current Georgia budget in- islation to modify the National Park Bound- ments. The $15 million federal appropriation cludes $15 million dedicated to land acquisi- aries by deleting some parcels which have al- would be in recognition of these local initia- tion along the Chattahoochee River. The pri- ready been developed and include these criti- tives and a fitting response to this aggres- vate sector is also willing to support the ac- cal parcels still available for the protection sive partnership being formed (The Senate quisition of more land. It is imperative, how- of the river and efficient use of existing Na- version does not include funds for the Chat- ever, that we have the $15 million included in tional Park property. tahoochee River National Recreation Area.) the House Interior Appropriation bill in The City strongly supports legislation that A second item is a recurring one, the Cum- order to carry out the intent of Speaker would adjust the designated National Park berland Island National Seashore. I believe Gingrich’s HR 4141. While the Senate version Boundaries identified for future land acquisi- very strongly in proceeding to fulfill the does not include funds for the Chattahooche tion to include those critical parcels nec- original intent of the National Seashore ena- River National Recreation Area, it is our essary to link existing National Park Prop- bling legislation. In order to achieve this hope that the conference committee report erties as well as protect the river from fur- goal, the National Park Service should com- will recognize the historic opportunity we ther intense development. The City applauds plete acquisition on Cumberland Island to re- have to launch a public-private partnership your efforts in supporting funding for Na- alize the preservation of this unique and im- to save the Chattahooche. tional Park Service land acquisition along portant resource. To delay further is to The second item is The Cumberland Island this vital river water resource and asks that allow private rights to gain at the sacrifice National Seashore. I believe very strongly in you also support some adjustments in the of a public good. The President has requested proceeding to fulfill the original intent of designated boundaries of the National Park $4.1 million, while neither the House nor the the National Seashore enabling legislation. so that key vacant parcels can be included. Senate has included funds for this item. This Thus, it is of critical importance that the Thank you for your efforts and involve- money should be restored at conference com- National Park Service complete the acquisi- ment with our national resources. If we can mittee, or sooner, if the opportunity exists. tion of the Greyfield tract on Cumberland Is- assist in any way, please let us know. No purpose is to be gained by further drag- land to protect it from development and to Sincerely, ging out the acquisition process on Cum- protect the immense investment which the F. WAYNE HILL, berland Island. taxpayers have made in Cumberland Island. Chairman. The last item is the Savannah National The President has requested $4.1 million for Wildlife Refuge for which the President re- the purchase of the next installment of the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF quested $1 million. The Senate bill, S. 2237, Greyfield tract sale. While neither the House FULTON COUNTY, responded by allocating $500,000. An environ- nor Senate has included funds for this item, Atlanta, GA, June 16, 1998. mental assessment by the Fish and Wildlife I strongly believe that the funds should be Hon. NEWT GINGRICH, Service recommends expanding the 25,000- restored at conference. acre refuge with an additional 14,800 acres to Finally, the President has requested $1 2428 Rayburn House Office Building, protect additional habitat for migratory spe- million for the Savannah National Wildlife Washington, DC. cies and to reverse further declines in water- Refuge in South Carolina just across from DEAR CONGRESSMAN NEWT GINGRICH: As an fowl populations. The State is also exploring Savannah. The Senate bill (SB2237) allocated elected representative of North Fulton coun- the Savannah River where there is a need to $500,000. The Fish and Wildlife Service rec- ty, I urge your support for legislation that acquire areas as part of its RiverCare Pro- ommends expanding the current 25,000 acre would allow adjustment of the National Park gram. This is another example of state and refuge with an addition of 14,800 acres to pro- boundaries identified for future land acquisi- federal governments working together to tect additional habitat for migratory spe- tion in order to link existing National Park dedicate their scarce fiscal resources to pro- cies, both game and non-game. It would be properties. This legislation would allow for tect fragile wetlands and uplands important appreciated if the full amount requested protection of the Chattahoochee River by in- to the local ecology. At this time, the Fish could be appropriated so that we can respond cluding critical parcels that are still avail- and Wildlife Service is prepared to spend the to willing sellers and acquire the additional able to be included in the Park boundaries, full amount requested by the President, and land. as well as deleting those parcels that are al- the need to move quickly where willing sell- Mr. Chairman, there can be no better use ready developed. ers are available is important. of tax dollars than the preservation of our Fulton County is currently working with I wish to remind you not only of the impor- natural heritage. President Theodore Roo- the City of Roswell to develop a Linear Park tance of these projects to the State of Geor- sevelt recognized that fact when he saved the along the Chattahoochee in north Fulton. gia including the investment of federal dol- Grand Canyon and established Yellowstone. Your support of the Federal Greenways lars to protect major environmental re- Each of these items is important not just to project would enhance our efforts and help to sources, but also for the unprecedented Georgia but to the entire country. Hundreds preserve this valuable resource that provides intergovernmental cooperation and alloca- of thousands of visitors to Atlanta drink drinking water to the citizens of Fulton tion of financial resources. As Governor, I water from the Chattahoochee River; thou- County as well as the City of Atlanta. pledge to use state dollars to work with fed- sands of people from almost every state visit Your support of the Federal Greenways eral dollars, and not to have federal dollars Cumberland Island; and the ducks, geese and Project is greatly appreciated. Please con- replace state dollars. shorebirds that visit the Savannah National tact me if I can be of any assistance. With kindest regards, I remain Wildlife Refuge belong to all Americans. We Respectfully, Sincerely, ask for your support of these important BOB FULTON, ZELL MILLER. projects. District Three, Sincerely, Fulton County Board of Commissioners. PIERRE HOWARD. OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, Atlanta, GA, July 14, 1998. CITY OF ROSWELL, Hon. BOB LIVINGSTON, GWINNETT COUNTY Roswell, GA, May 21, 1998. Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, Re Greenways Project. Washington, DC. June 4, 1998. Hon. JIM HANSEN, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Action has now been Re: Chattahoochee River National Park Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and completed by the Appropriations Commit- Boundary Change Public Lands, Washington, DC. tees in the House of Representatives and the Hon. JIM HANSEN DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Roswell, the sixth Senate on The Interior Appropriations bill. I Chairmam, Subcommittee on National Parks largest city in the state of Georgia, strongly wish to respond to their action regarding and Public Lands, Washington, DC. supports the Federal Greenways Project. three line items within The Land and Water DEAR CONGRESSMAN HANSEN: The City of Roswell is presently acquiring five miles of Conservation Fund Sections of the bill, Duluth has previously expressed its support land along the Chattahoochee River, in which are of great importance and signifi- for land acquisition funding for the National north metropolitan Atlanta area, for a linear cance to the State of Georgia. Park Service to purchase lands along the park. This park would connect the July 17, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1327 Goldbranch, Vickery Creek and Allen Shoals chee River. House Speaker Newt Gingrich shining example through his commitment to units of the Chattahoochee National Park. has informed us of the tremendous work you his beliefs and his country. At the young age This park will be operated in cooperation have been doing to see that the National of 17 he left his home to protect freedom and with Fulton County and the Chattahoochee Park Service obtains funds to protect the Nature Center, and the Chattahoochee River Chattahoochee River from excessive develop- to serve his fellow Americans. He served our National Recreation Area. The State of ment through Park Service land acquisition. country in World War II on a Destroyer off the Georgia, The Trust for Public Lands and the In our November correspondence to you the East Coast of the United States and in the City of Roswell are already committed to City had mentioned that a greenway plan to South Pacific. He received two purple hearts raising a portion of the property purchase link two existing National Park properties for his service, and after WW II, Mr. Haubert price. We hope that the Federal Government together was underway. Please find enclosed enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Through his ad- will also contribute toward acquisition funds a copy of this proposed walkway. We cur- ditional time in the service, Roy Haubert re- for the parkland. rently have approximately 50% of this pro- ceived training at the Massachusetts Institute Once established, this new park would be- vided through easements. come one of the most heavily used parks We hope that the next trip you make by for Technology in electronics and missile tech- within the Atlanta Metropolitan area. It helicopter over this area that you will see nology. would serve as an excellent example of Fed- some results which come from local govern- Mr. Haubert utilized his training and worked eral, State, County and Municipal coopera- ment and federal government working to- in the aerospace industry in California after tion in park development. We hope that the gether on a project. If we can ever be of serv- leaving the service, where his interest in tech- Federal Greenways Project will be adopted, ice please don’t hesitate to call on us. nology grew. He then worked on projects such so that the Federal Government may partici- Sincerely, as the Atlas missile program and the F±111 pate in this park. Your support of this SHIRLEY FANNING-LASSETER, fighter bomber. project will be greatly appreciated. Mayor. Sincerely, Roy Haubert has devoted his life to service, JERE WOOD, loyalty and family values. His sacrifice and ac- Mayor. CITY OF ATLANTA, complishments are admirable and worthy of Atlanta, GA, June 24, 1998. recognition. Hon. JOHN LEWIS, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say thank you CITY OF DULUTH, House of Representatives, Duluth, GA, May 26, 1998. Washington, DC. to Roy Haubert and acknowledge his contribu- Re Chattahoochee River National Park DEAR CONGRESSMAN LEWIS: I am writing to tion to his family, his community and to our Boundary Change. encourage your support for a $25 million ap- nation. May his example continue to shine on Hon. NEWT GINGRICH, propriation ($15 million FY ’99 and $10 mil- in the hearts and minds of those privileged Rayburn House Office Building, lion in the supplemental budget for FY ’99) enough to have known him. Washington, DC. from the Land and Water Conservation Fund f DEAR CONGRESSMAN GINGRICH: The City of which is now before the House Appropria- Duluth has previously expressed its support tions Committee. These funds will allow for TRIBUTE TO THE EIGHTH GREAT for land acquisition funding for the National the protection of land along the banks of the DOMINICAN PARADE AND CAR- Park Service to purchase lands along the Chattahoochee in an attempt to sustain the NIVAL OF THE BRONX Chattahoochee River. The City is very inter- drinking water supply for the City of At- ested in protecting the river corridor and lanta and its neighbors. The initiative to ´ making additional open space and greenways protect land along the Chattahoochee River HON. JOSE E. SERRANO available for public use. The City has worked is a bipartisan effort which was developed OF NEW YORK to obtain conservation easements for walk- out of Governor Miller’s RiverCare 2000 pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing trails and greenways along the river cor- gram. The City of Atlanta has partnered ridor to help link existing National Park with the Trust for Public Land to negotiate Thursday, July 16, 1998 Property. donations and acquisitions along the Chat- Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, once again it It has become evident that many critical tahoochee River in an effort to protect a nat- is an honor for me to recognize the Great Do- parcels along the river corridor are not in- ural greenway within City limits. By work- minican Parade and Festival of the Bronx on cluded in the boundaries previously des- ing in cooperation with our neighbors up- ignated for the National Park Service on fu- stream, we hope to sustain this river for fu- its eighth year of celebrating Dominican cul- ture land acquisition. There is an urgent ture generations. ture in my South Bronx Congressional District. need for legislation to modify the National Over half of all Georgians drink from the Under its Founder and President, Felipe Park Boundaries by deleting some parcels Chattahoochee River every day and this Febles, the parade has grown in size and which have already been developed and in- funding would help insure the quality of our splendor. It now brings together an increasing clude those critical parcels still available for drinking water for generations to come. I en- number of participants from all five New York the protection of the river and efficient use courage you to actively support this $25 mil- City boroughs and beyond. of existing National Park property. lion appropriation once it comes up for a On Sunday, July 19, thousands of members vote by the House Appropriations Commit- The City strongly supports legislation that and friends of the Dominican community will would adjust the designated National Park tee. Boundaries identified for future land acquisi- Thank you for your continued care for the march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to tion to include those critical parcels nec- environment and the work you do for the East 161st Street and the Grand Concourse in essary to link existing National Park Prop- people of Atlanta. honor of Juan Pablo Duarte, the father of the erties as well as protect the river from fur- Sincerely, independence of the Dominican Republic. ther intense development. The City applauds BILL CAMPBELL. As one who has participated in the parade your efforts in supporting funding for Na- f in the past, I can attest that the excitement it tional Park Service land acquisition along generates brings the entire City together. It is this vital river water resource and asks that HONORING ROY A. HAUBERT a celebration and an affirmation of life. It feels you also support some adjustments in the designated boundaries of the National Park wonderful to enable so many people to have so that key vacant parcels can be included. HON. RON PACKARD this experienceÐone that will change the lives Thank you for your efforts and involve- OF CALIFORNIA of many of them. It is an honor for me to join ment with our national resources. If we can IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES once again the hundreds of joyful people who assist in any way please let us know. will march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to Sincerely, Thursday, July 16, 1998 East 161st Street, and to savor the variety of SHIRLEY FANNING-LASSETER, Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to their celebrations. There's no better way to Mayor. take a moment to acknowledge a very special see our Bronx community. and exceptional man, Mr. Roy A. Haubert. The event will feature a wide variety of en- CITY OF DULUTH, In this day and age when family values are tertainment for all age groups. This year's fes- Duluth, GA, April 8, 1998. on the decline, it is comforting to know that tival includes the performance of Merengue Re Chattahoochee River Greenway. there are people like Roy Haubert, who are and Salsa bands, crafts exhibitions, and food Hon. RALPH REGULA, passing a legacy of service, loyalty, and love typical of the Dominican Republic. Chairman, House Interior Committee, on to their family. Mr. Haubert is a proud fa- In addition to the parade, President Febles Washington, DC. DEAR CONGRESSMAN REGULA: The City of ther of four children, all of whom he helped and many organizers have provided the com- Duluth would like to thank you for your ef- put through college. munity with nearly two weeks of activities to forts in securing funding for the National As a fellow Navy veteran, I hold Roy commemorate the contributions of the Domini- Park Service for lands along the Chattahoo- Haubert in the highest regard. He serves as a can community, its culture and history.