Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions - S 1330

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Ms. MURKOWSKI:

    S. 1330. A bill to establish the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is one of the best examples for preserving the heritage of one of this Nation's first pioneer areas. This legislation will create a national heritage corridor that covers an area from Seward to Anchorage.

    This national heritage corridor will protect the natural and cultural resources of a well established region. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area will follow along a corridor that was established by pioneering Alaskans. This route will partially follow two nationally recognized treasures—the Iditarod Trail and the Seward Highway National Scenic Byway. It will honor Native traders, gold rush stampeders and the route of the Alaska Railroad. One of the biggest gold discoveries along this route was the Bear Creek gold find near Hope in 1895. The route of the Alaska Railroad was finished in 1923.

    Unlike many others, this national heritage corridor will not be managed by the Federal Government, but instead, by a group of local community leaders. The preservation of historic areas depends largely upon the community and its support, and clearly, no one entity can provide the adequate management, protection and preservation for these extensive resources. In fact, over the past five years, a group of local community leaders has been working hard for this national heritage designation. They have been successful in garnering support from communities throughout this entire route. These local folks have extensive knowledge of the resources; they are personally acquainted with the area; they understand the ruggedness and the beauty of the land, and certainly appreciate the potential economic value this designation would bring to the area.

    The preservation of history and heritage depends upon the mutual support and assistance from public and private groups. This national heritage designation has been a vision of many people from Seward to Anchorage, and comprises lands in the Kenai Mountains and the upper Turnagain Arm region. An 11-member board will be established and charged with seeing the vision become a reality. This non-profit board will be tasked with coordinating and supporting the protection of trail resources; interpreting the trail, and identifying the cultural landscapes of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm historic transportation corridor. A plan will also be developed for the management of the heritage corridor, and will complement existing Federal, State, borough and local plans. To ensure even greater support of this designation, there will be opportunities provided to the public for their full participation as the plan is being developed.

    The purposes of designating this national treasure are to: Enable all people to envision and experience the heritage and impacts of transportation routes used first by indigenous people, followed by pioneers to the Nation's first frontier;

    Encourage economic viability in the affected communities.

    This national heritage corridor is significant for a whole host of reasons: Allow citizens to help preserve the heritage of the pioneers; protect and honor the history of Native traders, gold seekers and pioneers; decisions and management will be made by local citizens; support of several historical associations, the cities of Seward, Girdwood, Hope and Anchorage; an 11-member non-profit local board will plan and operate the heritage corridor; increase public awareness and appreciation for the natural, historical and cultural resources, and modern resource development of the heritage corridor; restore historic buildings and structures that are located within the boundaries of the heritage corridor; and, no additional lands will be acquired by the Federal Government or by the local management group.

    Rarely ever do we have such an opportunity when whole communities, Federal, State and local governments agree on and support such a national designation. Through adequate funding from the Department of the Interior, interpretation signs and technical assistance to conduct local planning will help to preserve and protect natural, historical, landscape and cultural resource values for current and future generations of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.

    And, finally, with the passage of this bill, visitors to the area can enjoy the shore lines of Turnagain Arm and watch the world's second largest tidal range move 30 foot tides in and out. A traveler through the mountain passes of the heritage area can view evidence of retreating glaciers and avalanches. Visitors will be amazed at the abundant wildlife that make their home in the area. The history of early settlers will be preserved for current and future generations.

    I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.