Jim Costa

This month we celebrate one of America's best ideas, our national park system, and what it means for millions of our families each year to be able to enjoy the park system throughout our country. As we mark National Parks and Recreation…

I talked on my last round about the things that we have in common, and I think one of those is trying to ensure that the amenities continue for future generations to come.

I mean I get calls to my office, the people, they ask, 'Can you hold a site?'

Litigation is the bane of some people's existence.

You would be sued again. You are trying to avoid this 20-year marathon.

So do you agree with our other attorney friend, Mr. Hoss, that you have those other two options, notwithstanding the ninth circuit.

I hope this hearing today gives us the wherewithal before it has produced the--Mr. Jarvis, update us right now on the timeline.

This plan is frustrating, because it is the third proposal over almost 20 years.

I think we have some common goals. That is that we want to be able to maintain access for Americans to enjoy one of the great national parks in our country.

Mr. Chairman? Could he repeat those numbers one more time?

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to also comment on the need to make a modest and popular expansion of the park.

I fully appreciate the need to protect unique natural resources, but it should not be at the cost of recreational activities that do not pose a threat.

I think Director Jarvis, Superintendent Neubacher, and the Yosemite team should be commended.

I hope that there will be a serious commitment made by NPS to retain recreational activities that pose no harm to the Merced River but are important to many who visit Yosemite.

I was pleased that Director Jarvis agreed to extend the public comment period on the Plan after other Members of Congress and I expressed our concerns about whether the Plan might limit access to recreational activities.

I believe that the ability to enjoy recreational activities in Yosemite Park is crucial not only for those that enjoy the park each year, but for the continuing preservation of the park for years to come.

The importance of Yosemite National Park and the benefits that it provides as an icon of America's national park system, I think, is not to be understated.

Part of what makes our park system the finest in the world is the open access it affords Americans.

Yosemite National Park is an American icon.

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