Maria Cantwell: “today I am introducing the ``Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Designation Act of 2005''. I am thankful that…”

“today I am introducing the ``Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Designation Act of 2005''. I am thankful that Senator Larry Craig of Idaho will again be the lead Republican cosponsor and pleased to also be joined by the Senior Senator from Washington, (Mrs. Murray), as well as Senator from Oregon, (Mr. Smith). Some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago, at the end of the Ice Age, a series of floods swept across the Pacific Northwest. These epic floods fundamentally changed the geography and way of life in the Pacific Northwest. The coulees, buttes, boulder fields, lakes, ridges and gravel bars they left behind still define the unique landscape of our State and our region today. Creating a National Park Service trail to recognize and celebrate how these floods literally shaped the face of our State will provide an unparalleled educational resource for Washingtonians and visitors from across the country. It will also spur economic development and create jobs in local communities across Eastern and Central Washington. I look forward to working with my other members of the Pacific Northwest congressional delegation, as well as my colleagues in the Senate, to ensure swift passage of this important legislation.”