Copyright 1999 Federal News Service, Inc.
Federal News Service
FEBRUARY 24, 1999, WEDNESDAY
SECTION: IN THE NEWS
LENGTH:
610 words
HEADLINE: PREPARED TESTIMONY OF
SENATOR
CRAIG THOMAS
BEFORE THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
RECREATION
SUBCOMMITEE
SUBJECT - THE FY2000 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
BODY:
I want to welcome
all of you to this oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2000 budget request for
the National Park Service.
The budget proposal for the National Park Service
presents an aggressive map toward improving visitor services; addressing the
backlog of maintenance and infrastructure repair; and cultural and natural
resource enhancement.
If the budget was enacted as submitted the National
Park Service would be provided with funds in the amount of $2.295 billion, which
is a net increase of $304.7 million over the Fiscal Year 1999 budget, along with
a hefty increase in the Full-Time Equivalent employees. I mentioned hefty
because its a little difficult to settle on the exact number as three are
presented in the budget books. Suffice it to say, it is somewhere between 582
and 635. Unfortunately, not all of the news is good. While the President's
overall budget has been presented "as within the budget caps", I am told by the
budget folks that in the discretionary spending category we are short by about
$20 billion. Exactly how this will impact the specific budget of the National
Park Service remains to be seen. I am going to do all that I can to insure that
the Service fairs well in the process.
Another issue that has come to light
concerns the "Lands Legacy Initiative". The Administration
claims that its FY 2000 budget request "fully funds" the Land and Water
Conservation Act. Unfortunately, such claims are misleading. It is true that the
budget draws $900 million in funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund
to be used for a wide array of programs. In the process, however, the
Administration redefines the authorized uses of the L.W.C.F. as established in
the Act. In reality, the Administration's budget proposes only $428 million for
programs specifically authorized under the existing L.W.C.F. Act. Our land
resources are to important for budget trickery.
I am pleased that the
Administration recognized the value of the State-side program of the L.W.C.F.,
but again, changing it from a very worthwhile recreation program to the purchase
of open space is disturbing.
The bottom line regarding the Initiative is
that we are in a real mess. While the Lands Legacy Initiative
may be meritorious, much of it will not be funded because it is not authorized.
I would like to be helpful, and would like to address the problems
surrounding the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, including the
Administration's proposal. That would require the submission of authorizing
legislation by the Department. There is one caveat and that is I cannot
guarantee that the Committee will report a bill exactly as submitted by the
Administration. In any case we should start working as time is getting short in
order to include the initiative in the appropriations process.
I am also
interested in the actions of the Park Service at the Florida Everglades. Last
year, I had the opportunity to visit the Everglades and see this wonderful area.
While I certainly understand the need to restore and protect this park, the
President's budget includes well over $20 million in restoration and land
acquisitions at the Everglades. This is a significant amount of money. With so
many needs facing our parks, we must ensure these limited dollars are being
spent wisely.
I have a number of other issues to discuss today, but I will
wait until our distinguished witness finishes his prepared remarks.
The
record of today's hearing will remain opened for two weeks should any interested
party desire to include a statement for the written record. Again, thank you for
coming and I look forward to hearing your testimony.
END
LOAD-DATE: February 26, 1999
