Lee Metcalf: “H.R. 2679, introduced by the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Barrett] will remove about 2,470 acres of land from the North…”

“H.R. 2679, introduced by the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Barrett] will remove about 2,470 acres of land from the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. This legislation is a direct result of a report issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that recommended that these lands be divested from the refuge because they provide nothing significant toward the refuge or the national refuge systems' purposes and goals. While these lands may have limited value within the refuge unit, they offer recreational opportunities to thousands of citizens who enjoy boating, fishing, sightseeing and swimming in Nebraska. Under the terms of this legislation, which is strongly supported by the Department of the Interior, these lands would be removed from the refuge, and they will be managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission through a lease from the Bureau of Reclamation. While title to these lands would remain with the Federal Government, this measure is beneficial to the refuge system and the thousands of Americans who will enjoy utilizing Lake Minatare in the future. I urge an 'aye' vote on H.R. 2679, and I compliment the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Barrett] for his leadership in behalf of his constituents and this legislation.”