Mississippi River Trail Study Act

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Guam, a fellow alumni from the College of St. Catherine's located in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1796, the Mississippi River Trail Study Act, which will help connect America and Americans in the future to the Mississippi River and focus attention on its incredible natural resource.

The Mississippi River Trail Study Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study examining the feasibility and the suitability of including the Mississippi corridor in our National Trails System.

This study will be an important step towards coordinating the public and private amenities along the river, preserving its natural treasures, and recognizing the Mississippi's historic and cultural values for our country.

This will be the first time the Mississippi River corridor is considered for inclusion in our National Park System, and it should be for, after all, the Mississippi River is America's river.

On its journey from Lake Itasca in my home State of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River touches 10 States.

It shapes the everyday life for more than 11 million Americans living in communities along its banks and contributes to the enjoyment of millions of domestic and international tourists who visit the Mississippi River attractions each year.

The mighty Mississippi continues to be a working river, moving goods safely and inexpensively along America's natural artery of commerce.

The Mississippi River Trail Study Act is supported by local and multi-state groups. For example, the Mississippi Parkway Commission, the Audubon Minnesota and the Mississippi River Trail Corporation have offered to help the National Park Service complete the study by contributing data, local contacts and other tangible forms of assistance, and these are just a few of the examples that the Park Service can expect all up and down the Mississippi River corridor.

The Park Service said, with this help and cooperation from groups, they will be able to save time and money in completing the study.

In the past, the Mississippi River has been a powerful story line in America's narrative. Today, the River continues to shape our identity, strengthen our economy, and its beauty continues to be breathtaking. The Mississippi River a national treasure, deserving consideration authorized by this legislation.

Once again, I thank my colleagues from Guam and New Mexico for helping with the floor debate.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1796) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the route of the Mississippi River from its headwaters in the State of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico for study for potential addition to the National Trails System as a national scenic trail, national historic trail, or both, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 1796 would designate the route of the Mississippi River for study as a potential addition to the National Trails System as a national scenic trail, national historic trail or both. The route would stretch from its headwaters in the State of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

Establishing a national trail along the river will connect the nearly 40 existing public land units on or very near the river which includes national forests, national parks, and wildlife refuges.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, Representative Betty McCollum is to be commented for her foresight in introducing this legislation and her diligence in working to get her bill to the floor today.

The importance of the mighty Mississippi in her district and all along its route as it bisects this country before reaching the Gulf of Mexico can never be overstated.

I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1796.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to my friend and our colleague from St. Paul, Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative McCollum for her remarks. I have no further speakers.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.