that there is a need for facilities to assist visitors and students who come to the National Capital area. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VISITORS Evidence was submitted during the hearings that in 1960 more than 15 million persons visited the Washington area, that an expected 24 million will come by 1970, and that by 1980 the figure will be at least 35 million persons. It was pointed out that not only Americans are coming to Washington in increasing numbers to visit historic shrines and see their own Government in operation, but so are nationals of other nations, particularly those from emerging nations studying the American political, educational, economic, and social systems to learn if the American way can be adapted to their own countries and people. Because the Federal Government is the magnet drawing visitors. and students, the obligation and the opportunity to foster patriotism, education, and inspiration afforded by the National Capital area are incumbent upon the Federal Government. There was repeated criticism that Washington is almost alone among other world and State capitals in not having a community program to assist visitors, students, and tourists. VISITORS' PROBLEMS IN WASHINGTON Too often, visitors and students are frustrated by traffic congestion, lack of parking space, but mostly by lack of authoritative information about places to eat, lodge, or visit. It was estimated that it would require 3 weeks of concentrated touring to adequately see all the sights the Washington area contains. A 1-minute visit to all of the exhibits of the Smithsonian Institution would require 65 years to view them all. The subcommittee was told that the average visitor or tourist spends 3 days in the Capital area. Consequently, he must budget his time and make careful selection of what he will see, if his stay is to accomplish the objective which brought him to Washington. WHAT IS NEEDED First-stop facility or facilites are an acute need, so that each visitor or student can have an overall view of the operations of his Government and the Capital sector to allow him to apportion his time to the greatest advantage. In addition to information and direction, the Washington visitor should be provided with ample parking facilities, restaurants, rest areas, and visual and written aids to better understanding of the national story through reminders of its past and operations of his Government in dealing with current issues and planning for the American future. COMMITTEE AMENDMENT As a result of the hearings held on H.R. 14604, the committee amended the bill introduced by Congressman Kenneth J. Gray, chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Grounds, to give full weight to the problems presented by the witnesses who testified on the legislation. The hearing disclosed that the witnesses recommended various types of visitor centers. Witnesses testified that there should be a congressional visitors' center located on or near the Capitol Hill area. Others supported a National Capital visitors' center to be located in the downtown section of Washington. Others testified for a combination of both centers plus information booths to be set up in strategic areas around the city. Proposals were made for the use or alteration of existing facilities and for the construction of a new building or buildings. Adequate transportation was discussed at some length. Adequate parking facilities were covered during the hearing. Just what should be the design of a visitors' center was considered and what it should contain when built brought forth different viewpoints. All the proposals presented to the subcommittee had merit to them as a result of the hearings. The committee has determined that the first logical and proper step to bring about the eventual construction of a visitors' center or centers in the Nation's Capital area is a study of the entire proposition including the many valid points of view brought out in the hearings. The amendment is intended to accomplish these objectives through a study. SCOPE OF THE STUDY The Study Commission, authorized by H.R. 14604, as amended, is given full authority under the legislation to make a complete and thorough investigation of sites and plans to provide facilities and services for visitors and students coming to the National Capital. This will include a full-scale study as to the type of activities to be provided in such facility or facilities for visitors. Among other things this will encompass a wide range of subjects including but not limited to exhibits, displays, background, and history of the Nation's Capital; the organization and operation of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the Government; and individual displays by the various States in the District of Columbia. The question of how to provide the proper information and assistance to visitors so they can fully enjoy and appreciate the Nation's Capital and its great historic background will be encompassed by this study. Particular emphasis should be given to the treatment of foreign visitors who are coming to the United States in increasing numbers each year, to assist them when they are in Washington and to encourage them to travel to other sections of the United States. The study should also encompass what services must be provided to assist our Nation's youth who come here by thousands each year in student groups. Special consideration should be given to our young citizens-this Nation's greatest resource. The study should also consider auxiliary services such as parking in or near visitors' centers, the overall question of coordinated transportation, and the location of information centers at strategic locations throughout the area for the convenience of the visitors. STUDY COMMISSION The Study Commission composed of 21 members, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Chairman of the Council on the Arts and Humanities, the Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, the Chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, six Members of the Senate, three |