Richard Pombo: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1521, introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) and amended by the Committee on…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1521, introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) and amended by the Committee on Resources, would revise the boundaries of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial. The Secretary of the Interior would be authorized to acquire approximately 15 acres of land from willing sellers to be included within the boundary of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial. Acquisition of these additional lands would provide permanent protection for resources that are integral to the historic flood of 1889. Both property owners, Tom and Ann Furlong and the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Preservation Society, are supportive of the bill and the acquisition of their properties. One parcel of land originally in the proposal has been removed, as the owner is no longer a willing seller. Therefore, there are no private property conflicts with this legislation. The Johnstown Flood Memorial comprises nearly 165 acres in western Pennsylvania and tells the story of the events leading up to the 1889 Johnstown flood, of the flood itself, and its effects on Johnstown and the Nation. My colleagues may be interested to know it was during the Johnstown flood that Clara Barton successfully led the Red Cross in its first disaster relief effort. H.R. 1521, as amended, is supported by the majority and minority of the subcommittee and the administration. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.”