Greg Walden: “I yield my sufficient such time as I may consume. I am really pleased that we are bringing forward Congressman Mike…”

“I yield my sufficient such time as I may consume. I am really pleased that we are bringing forward Congressman Mike Simpson's bill, H.R. 3603, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act, otherwise known as CIEDRA. Congressman Simpson should be commended for the hard work that he has put into developing this legislation over the last 6 years. He has worked tirelessly to get this legislation to this position. This bill is the first comprehensive wilderness bill to come out of the State of Idaho in more than 25 years, a quarter of a century. It enjoys broad support from elected officials, as well as the Idaho conservation community and present and past statewide officials. H.R. 3603 considers all users in the Boulder-White Clouds. It creates three new wilderness areas, totaling approximately 312,000 acres. It authorizes the first-ever wheelchair accessible trails in the wilderness. It locks in existing motorized use for all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, and it also provides much needed economic assistance to a county that is, get this, over 95 percent Federal land. Ninety- five percent. H.R. 3603 is a locally produced compromise that meets the needs of today's users and secures the future for generations of Idahoans and Americans who want to continue using and enjoying our beautiful Boulder-White Clouds area.…”