Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions - S 1430

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Ms. MURKOWSKI:

    S. 1430. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the Baranov Museum in Kodiak, Alaska, for potential inclusion in the National Park System; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, the Erskine House in Kodiak, AK, which houses the Baranov Museum, is one of a very few Russian period structures remaining in the Western Hemisphere. It is of great historical significance not only for this reason, but also because it is the only surviving structure known to have been associated with both the Russian America Company and the Alaska Commercial Company, the pillars of Russian and early American administration of Alaska.

    The Erskine House/Baranov Museum is owned by the City of Kodiak and operated by the Kodiak Historical Society. It is a popular visitor attraction in Kodiak. Its collections include artifacts from the Russian American Company and the Alaska Commercial Company and also include Alaska Native, Russian and other cultural exhibits. I am told that the structure, although it has had many owners, maintains much of its original historic integrity.

    The Erskine House was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 2, 1962. Shortly thereafter the National Park Service initiated consideration of including this important property in the National Park System. On February 11, 2000, the Department of the Interior formally sought funds from Congress to study the possible inclusion of the Erskine House in the system. The Congress responded by earmarking $250,000 in fiscal year 2002 appropriations for he Erskine House, some of which could be used to conduct the study and the remainder for preservation and maintenance of the facility.

    I am sad to report that the National Park Service has not initiated this study. The National Park Service has indicated that it cannot initiate the study without the express direction of Congress and that congressional intent to do so cannot be inferred from the language of the appropriation. However, the good news is that a sufficient portion of the $250,000 appropriation remains unexpended and I understand that it is available to be expended on the study. The expenditure of funds on the study will not interfere with plans to spend other portions of the $250,000 appropriation to rehabilitate the structure. The City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Historical Society have expressed support for the study. What we need is for Congress to authorize the study.

    The legislation that I am introducing today would do just that. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the Erskine House/Baranov Museum for the purpose of determining the suitability and feasibility of designating the museum as a unit of the National Park Service. I would like to see this study proceed with all deliberate speed. Accordingly, the legislation also requires that the Secretary report to appropriate committees of the Congress on the findings of the study and the Secretary's conclusions and recommendations within one year of the date upon which this legislation is enacted.

    I want to commend the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Historical Society for their loving care of this important structure. Perhaps this excerpt, from a July 7, 2003 letter that I received from Stacey Becklund, Director of the Kodiak Historical Society states it best, and I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.

    There being no objection, the excerpt from the letter was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

    The [Erskine House and the Baranov Museum] are some of Kodiak's most cherished treasures. both assets have matured through labors and love of staff, volunteers and members of the community. We, at all levels of government and community, will benefit from a thorough and accurate study to assess the future ownership of this structure.

    I am privileged to lend my voice to the voices of the people of Kodiak, many of whom believe that this very important historic site is a national treasure, as well as a local one. I hope that this legislation will receive expeditious consideration.

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