Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Colorado? Mr. ASPINALL. Mr. Chairman, of course, as far as I know, we usually ask the county officials to state their position concerning tax losses. How is the State land to be acquired? Mr. HAMMERSCHMIDT. Mr. Henderson will be here to speak to that question. I know they have taken action to convey that land. Mr. ASPINALL. I wish to commend my colleague for the very effective manner in which he conducted himself in the last two Congresses relative to this legislation. We were asked not to have hearings until the people locally were in a position to state their views on this. Mr. SAYLOR. I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate you for the presentation you've made this morning. I would like to say that for the record that both you and Mr. Mills have talked to me innumerable times with regard to this piece of legislation. I commend you for your statement, and I appreciate the fact that Mr. Mills has asked you to appear on his behalf. I think that the backing of the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee gives it a little impetus that might not otherwise come, so I am delighted to know that you're in a position to speak officially for him. Mr. TAYLOR. I'd like to state that Mr. Mills, Congressman Alexander, and Congressman Hammerschmidt have all contacted me and shown great interest in this legislation. Mr. HAMMERSCHMIDT. Might I also thank Mr. Saylor for his continuing interest and his unofficial trip. He's been down to look at the Buffalo country at my request; I appreciate that very much. Mr. TAYLOR. Anyone else? Mr. JOHNSON. I want to commend our colleague, Mr. Hammerschmidt, for a very fine statement on behalf of the project we have under consideration. I had the opportunity to spend 2 days in Arkansas, where you trusted the leadership of Mr. Alexander to show us the area. After visiting the area and talking with the various people who were along, we got a very good understanding of the project. I think that the area we looked at, as far as the river was concernedthe remoteness of the area is pretty well described in your statement. I think you point out just about everything that we had an opportunity to look at. And I want to thank all of the people of Arknasas who made our trip so pleasant because they kept us on the move, they fed us well, and we got back safely. I think this is a very good project here, and my colleague, Mr. Mills, has talked to me about this and I think the committee will work it out. Mr. SKUBITZ. Mr. Chairman, I have no questions. I will reserve them for the Department representative, but I want to thank the chairman for scheduling this meeting because now, perhaps, I can get the gentleman from Arkansas off my back. I must say that he's certainly a gentleman. He has been insistent, but not obnoxious, and I want to say to the gentleman from Arkansas that my administrative assistant has been on the river many times—I have not-and insists that it is indeed one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, and that steps to preserve that beauty should be taken. So I suppose I'll have to study this project very carefully. Perhaps I'll make a trip down the river. I'm sorry I couldn't join the committee recently. Mr. KYL. I just want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas for getting me interested in this area and causing me to go there a couple of times recently, including this fall, and to say, too, for the record that there are so many values here, each of which would merit consideration for preservation. Mr. Hammerschmidt knows the two things that have intrigued me the most were the paleontology and geology of the area, but it is beautiful enough just for a casual visit, and I thank him for developing the interest. Mr. SKUBITZ. May I add, Mr. Hammerschmidt, that I asked my administrative assistant if the Buffalo compared in any way with the Current River. His judgment is that the Current River is not in the same league with this river. Mr. MCCLURE. I want to join with my colleagues in commending the gentleman for his interest and the great care that he's taken in this proposed legislation to try to balance the legitimate interest of the individuals who are involved in property ownership along there as well as the very real problems that are presented the local government. It's a very difficult task, but I know from many conversations with you, John, that you have been very conscious of the individual problems, both to persons and to local governments that are involved in any sort of resource decision such as this. I'm certain that my interest in this river has been affected by your concern and your conversations, and I thank you both for that, for the proposed legislation and your appearance here this morning. Mr. RUPPE. I would like to join my other colleagues in congratulating you on the success and fruition of your efforts to make this a scenic river. Your hard work made a deep impression on us, and I'm sure that you're very pleased that this legislative initiative is now before this committee. One of the clauses in this legislation calls for payment in lieu of taxes for a period of 5 years. Do you consider this a rather important feature of the legislation as you have presented it? Mr. HAMMERSCHMIDT. I think it's very important to the local communities, and I'm sure the committee in their wisdom will weigh this as we furnish the information on tax base and the statements from the county tax people. I would appreciate the committee's full consideration of its impact on the local area. Mr. RUPPE. I'm very happy that you have this in the legislation because I think the Federal Government has limited resources available for development facilities for natural rivers, lakeshores or seashores or other things of this nature. I would like to point out for the benefit of your constituents here, that a national lakeshore was established in my own district in 1966 with the promise, of course, that there would be wide development and an input of Federal dollars immediately. Five and a half years later, absolutely nothing has been done. So your provision that a payment in lieu of taxes be made for at least 5 years is a very significant indication of interest on behalf of your constituents and local units of government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Utah? Mr. LLOYD. I also would like to add my compliments to Mr. Hammerschmidt for his very effective testimony and effective advocacy of the Buffalo River project, and to assure him of my continued interest in his behalf. Thank you. Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Kansas? Mr. SEBELIUS. Thank you. I'd like to thank Mr. Hammerschmidt and the others from Arkansas. I was called back for the Korean conflict and was sent to Arkansas to investigate for the U.S. Army in civilian clothes. Now, is it still safe for flatland tourists to go into some of that area? Mr. HAMMERSCHMIDT. I think so. Mr. SEBELIUS. Thank you. Mr. TAYLOR. Thank you very much. The next witness is the Honorable David Pryor. STATEMENT OF HON. DAVID PRYOR, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CON- Mr. PRYOR. I have a short statement, Mr. Chairman, and then I would like to insert a longer statement in the record, with your permission. Mr. TAYLOR. Without objection, your statement will be placed in the record at this point. (The statement referred to follows:) STATEMENT OF HON. DAVID PRYOR, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ARKANSAS Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation. I am grateful to you for affording me this opportunity to present a statement on H.R. 8382, which would provide for the establishment of the Buffalo National River in the State of Arkansas. Ten years ago, the distinguished Junior Senator from Arkansas, The Honorable J. W. Fulbright, asked the National Park Service to investigate the possibility of creating a national recreation area along the Buffalo River. Eight years ago, the National Park Service released a report endorsing the establishment of the Buffalo National River. The Buffalo River is one of the most outstandingly scenic of the free-flowing streams in the country. It has a unique charm and natural beauty unmatched anywhere in this country. Massive bluffs and deeply entrenched valleys give the Buffalo the most spectacular setting of any stream in the Ozarks. It provides a unique opportunity for preservation since its headwaters lie within the Ozark National Forest. Enactment of this proposed legislation would mean that 132 miles of the Buffalo River would be conserved for scenic and recreation values. In its 1968 Report on the proposed national river, the National Park Service said: "Undiminished by man, the Buffalo today runs through a rich and varied landscape. Considered for size, for completeness, and for wild qualities, it is one of this country's last significant natural rivers." The Report continues: "The Buffalo deserves national attention, not for any single quality but for an outstanding combination of qualities. The very base of the river's appeal lies in its clean, flowing waters, which support a notable sports fishery and provide an opportunity for pleasurable boating and swimming. Its scenery is interesting and often spectacular. It is unspoiled by development and free of pollution. It has a remarkable collection of features illustrating its geology, botany, wildlife, archeology, and history. It is the only major stream left undamaged in the Arkansas Ozarks . . ." From this Report I think you will clearly see that the Buffalo, because of its unspoiled beauty, deserves preservation and protection. It would be a most important and welcome addition to our national park system. It would be a valuable recreational resource for the nation-especially for those 15 million people who live within driving distance of it. There is a great need for another national park in the central part of the country. This region is a natural area for outdoor recreation. Residents of the many urban areas of the South and Midwest would have easy access to this magnificent river and park area. The establishment of the Buffalo National River would also substantially benefit the economy of the Ozark area. The University of Arkansas conducted a study last year on the impact that a National Buffalo River would have on the economy of the area. I would like to include at this point in the Record of Hearings this valuable data, which further buttresses the case for creating the Buffalo National River. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS STUDY ON ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL RIVER How would the five counties benefit from the establishment of a major national recreational facility? To answer that question, the Park Service asked a specialist at the University of Arkansas to study the probable economic impact of the national river. During the first five years that it would take for the national river to be established and brought into full operation, they estimate that: 1. about 1.7 million persons would visit the river yearly, most of them over a season of seven to eight months: 2. the Park Service would spend $9 million for land acquisition and about $9 million in construction, maintenance, and personal costs; 3. private businessmen are likely to spend at least another $5 million to build and improve nearby tourist accommodations; 4. tourist spending over this period would amount to over $92 million and reach an eventual annual level of nearly $34 million; 5. the spending and respending of this new money would add nearly $17 million to personal income in the area; 6. increased business activity brought about by existence of the national river would generate some 3500 new job opportunities; 7. Local retail and service trade should rise in volume by some 23%; 8. business activity would expand in other nearby counties because of the tourist traffic through the region. This unique waterway is a natural and national treasure which should be preserved for future generations. It is of the utmost importance that this legislation be adopted at the earliest practicable date before this beautiful area is inundated by a tide of land speculation and commercialism. We must act now before this magnificent natural setting is rendered unrecognizable. Mr. Chairman, a whole host of organizations in Arkansas have registered their enthusiastic endorsement of the Buffalo River Bill. Among them are: The Ozark Society, The Arkansas Federation of Womens Clubs, The Arkansas Stream Preservation Committee, The Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, The Arkansas Section of the Sierra Club, The Jefferson Audubon Society, and the Clark County Wildlife Association. In conclusion, I would like to say that I think the establishment of the Buffalo National River will achieve the objective as set forth in section 1-"to conserve an area containing unique scenic and scientific features and preserving as a freeflowing stream an important segment of the Buffalo River in Arkansas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations." Very few rivers in the United States are in a free-flowing state, have high continguous land areas not yet developed, and have water that is relatively pollution-free. The Buffalo River is one of them. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge you and your colleagues on the Subcommittee to give this bill prompt and favorable consideration. Again, let me say that I am deeply appreciative of the time that you have given me to set forth my views on this highly meritorious piece of legislation. Thank you. Mr. PRYOR. I appreciate this opportunity to present this statement on H.R. 8382, which would provide for the establishment of the Buffalo National River in the State of Arkansas. Ten years ago, the distinguished junior Senator from Arkansas, the Honorable J. W. Fulbright, asked the National Park Service to investigate the possibility of creating a national recreation area along the Buffalo River. Eight years ago, the National Park Service released a report endorsing the establishment of the Buffalo National River. The Buffalo River is one of the most outstandingly scenic of the free-flowing streams in the country. It has a unique charm and natural beauty unmatched anywhere in this country. Massive bluffs and deeply ent reached valleys give the Buffalo the most spectacular setting of any stream in the Ozarks. It provides a unique opportunity for preservation since its headwaters lie within the Ozark National Forest. Enactment of this proposed legislation would mean that 132 miles of the Buffalo River would be conserved for scenic and recration values. In its 1968 report on the proposed national river, the National Park Service said, "Undiminished by man, the Buffalo today runs through a rich and varied landscape. Considered for size, for completeness, and for wild qualities, it is one of this country's last significant natural rivers.” The report continues: The Buffalo deserves national attention, not for any single quality but for an outstanding combination of qualities. The very base of the river's appeal lies in its clean, flowing waters, which support a notable sports fishery and provide an opportunity for pleasurable boating and swimming. Its scenery is interesting and often spectacular. It is unspoiled by development and free of pollution. It has a remarkable collection of features illustrating its geology, botany, wildlife. archeology, and history. It is the only major stream left undamaged in the Arkansas Ozarks. Mr. Chairman, we again appreciate this opportunity to come before you and this distinguished subcommittee. We ask that you consider this legislation and that in due time we can see this legislation enacted and see one of the great rivers of our Nation preserved, protected, and secured for all generations yet to come. Thank you very much. Mr. TAYLOR. We commend our colleague on his interest, and on his statement. Just one question. Which congressional districts contain at least a portion of this 132-mile area? Mr. PRYOR. Mr. Hammerschmidt's district has most of this. I think in the new congressional district of Mr. Alexander, I think it touches some. I think he is going to submit some testimony in a few moments. And part of it is in Mr. Mills' district also. It does not come into our own congressional district, the Fourth District, which is basically southern Arkansas. Mr. TAYLOR. But you and your constituents are interested in it? Mr. PRYOR. We're not only interested in it. I've floated down this Buffalo and I've even turned the boat a time or two and have had to swim out of it. Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Colorado. Mr. ASPINALL. I commend our colleague for his statement and for his presentation, and he's done it very quickly and succintly, and I commend him. Mr. PRYOR. Thank you, Chairman. |