Mark Souder: “My bill, H.R. 1204, would reform the concessions process within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Under current law…”

“My bill, H.R. 1204, would reform the concessions process within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Under current law, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service structures such as restrooms, boat docks and other buildings have fallen into disrepair because the service does not have the resources necessary to adequately maintain its facilities. Over the past three Congresses, over 5 years, I have worked with the Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife refuge managers, and outside groups to write a bill that helps the Fish and Wildlife Service to address this problem. H.R. 1204 is historic legislation that establishes a consistent facility maintenance policy for facilities that are leased by concessionaires in National Wildlife Refuge System areas. This bill would allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to credit a concessionaire for any fees they pay in the future. This money would be retained at the local refuge and used to build, maintain and repair structural problems, to restore habitat, and to protect refuge resources. Furthermore, in an effort to address the concerns of groups such as guides and outfitters that use wildlife refuges but do not maintain significant structures, I have added provisions to the bill that exempt these groups from the new policy. During the 107th Congress, this legislation passed the House by voice vote. There is no reason why it should not pass the House again in the same way.”