Jim Saxton: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2909, the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Eminent Domain Prevention Act, was…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2909, the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Eminent Domain Prevention Act, was introduced by Congressman Charles Bass on January 31, 1996. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands for the Silvio O. Conte Refuge only with the consent of the landowner. Unlike many refuges, the Conte refuge spans four States--Vermont, Conneticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Landowners surrounding the refuge are concerned that eminent domain will be used to condemn their properties, so the Fish and Wildlife Service will be able to purchase the properties without the owners' consent. At the subcommittee's legislative hearing, the Fish and Wildlife Service did acknowledge that there is precedent for similar willing seller language already set in law. The Service also maintains that it does not intend to use eminent domain as a land acquisition tool for the Conte Refuge. That being the case, codifying this prohibition into statutory language would not adversely affect Fish and Wildlife Service operations. It would, however, serve the useful purpose of quelling landowner concerns. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this bill in support of property owners' rights.”