Political Quotes

“on the issue of cost, I would like to make these points. Opponents of the bill argue that designation of a national park will adversely affect the ability of the Park Service to operate and fund other parks in the National Park System. In fact, the 1995 budget, I am told, reflects a shift begun last year to meet increasing operational needs of the National Park Service. The request of $1.45 billion is unchanged from 1994. It includes, however, a $65.5 million increase in operational funding that offsets decreases in National Park Service construction and acquisition budgets. In addition, the 1995 budget includes an across-the-board 2-percent increase for all park units. So the point is that within this park budget, there is additional flexibility and additional ability to provide service. As I said earlier, about 3,700 people, according to the National Park Service, are being moved out of central offices into the parks. That also will add to park management and supervision. The other point I want to make is that the Mojave will be primarily managed for primitive and wilderness-related experiences and values so that neither its staffing nor management will be as great as parks where other kinds of activities are permitted.”