Charles W. Stenholm: “I rise in support of H.R. 4285, ``Texas National Forest Improvement Act of 1999.'' This legislation gives the Secretary…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4285, ``Texas National Forest Improvement Act of 1999.'' This legislation gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to sell or exchange nine parcels of land located in the state of Texas. The parcels listed in this legislation cost the National Forest Service thousands of dollars to maintain and would be better utilized if transferred to private ownership. More specifically, this bill gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to convey 57 acres of land located within the Sam Houston National Forest to the New Waverly Gulf Coast Trades Center. The trade center is doing a great job of training at-risk youth in various construction related occupations. The trade center is using the existing forest service work site as a job-training center, which provides these youth an opportunity to gain a useful skill. This transfer is supported by the USDA and would comply with all environmental regulations as required by law. In addition, this transfer will be transacted at fair market value. I want to commend my colleague, Mr. Turner, for his work on this legislation. And I ask all of my colleagues to support passage.”