Richard Pombo: “during the days of May 16 and May 17 of this year, devastating mudslides bisected six sections of the scenic Beartooth…”

“during the days of May 16 and May 17 of this year, devastating mudslides bisected six sections of the scenic Beartooth All-American Highway between Red Lodge, Montana and Yellowstone National Park. Consequently, visitors to Yellowstone National Park coming from the States of Montana and Wyoming are now and for the foreseeable future required to take a detour to get to the northeast entrance of our Nation's oldest park. This detour could be in place for the entire summer season. Annually, an average of 190,000 visitors come to the park through the northeast entrance. Mr. Speaker, my resolution acknowledges the importance of the highway in accessing the park and requests that the President take all necessary action to assist the State of Montana in reopening the road. I thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) for allowing this bill to be scheduled. The following is an exchange of letters with him: House of Representatives, Committee on Resources, Washington, DC, June 9, 2005. Hon. Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 2165 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter dated 9 June 2005 regarding House Resolution 309. I appreciate your willingness to allow the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to be discharged to allow it to be considered on the Floor today. I will include a copy of your letter and my response to the Congressional Record during deliberations on the bill.…”