Sam Gibbons: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2773 adds the Wekiva River and many of its tributaries to the wild and scenic rivers system. The…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2773 adds the Wekiva River and many of its tributaries to the wild and scenic rivers system. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) is to be commended for his bill, which is the product of extensive public involvement and has the endorsement of a variety of State, local, and Federal governments. H.R. 2773 sets apart over 40 miles of Florida rivers as wild and scenic and in doing so extends existing riparian and water protection zones. In 1996, Mr. Speaker, Congress passed a law which directed the Secretary of the Interior to study the inclusion of these segments as wild and scenic rivers. The study has been completed and concluded that the river segments contained in this bill are eligible for inclusion into the wild and scenic rivers system. Administration of the river segments will be done by the Secretary of the Interior in cooperation with the State of Florida and Lake, Orange, and Seminole Counties. H.R. 2773 also establishes the Wekiva River System Advisory Committee, which will assist in the development of a comprehensive management plan. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2773, as amended.”