Lowell National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act

Mr. Speaker, it has been indicated what this bill would do relative to small tracts of land.

I want to say that the Lowell National Historical Park was created in 1978, and it really created the vision for my hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts. Lowell was the cradle of America's industrial revolution, and it was determined by this Congress that it was worthy of preservation.

For 30 years, starting in the 1800s, Lowell led the Nation in cotton textile production. Harnessing the power of the mighty Merrimack River, it gave Lowell the fuel for this Nation's largest manufacturing engine.

Today, because of the work of so many people in the city of Lowell and the National Park Service, the Lowell National Historic Park continues to tell the story of America's industrial revolution right in Lowell.

The mark stands as a bridge to the past and a looking glass to the future. The same land that hosted textile mills are now home to high- tech companies and a university where nanotechnology research is flourishing.

The park, the first urban park of the Nation, is also a study in contrast. The old brick mills, emblematic of industry and development, are surrounded by pristine, open, green space. As the park has developed and improved, so too has the community around it. The park attracts three-quarters of a million visitors each year, and the ripple effect of that is significant.

Since the park has come into existence, Lowell has been named a distinctive designation city by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an all-American city by the National Civic League.

This bill will keep the progress of this park rolling, allowing the last two miles of Lowell's historic canalway to be accessed by the public.

I want to thank the park superintendent Michael Creasey, Peter Aucella, and the others who are involved in this project. This is a community project that continues this resolve. This legislation is important for continued development of the park, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation.

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, the majority has already explained the purpose of H.R. 395, which was introduced by my colleague from Massachusetts, Representative Marty Meehan.

This is really a housekeeping measure. The five parcels to be added to the park total less than 1 acre. Yes, that is correct, less than 1 acre. The gentleman from Massachusetts, Representative Meehan, is to be commended for his efforts on behalf of the Lowell National Historical Park. He has worked diligently to advance the preservation and the interpretation of the historic

resources located at this historical park, and the addition of these parcels will help further that goal.

So, Mr. Speaker, we support H.R. 395, and I urge adoption of the legislation by the House today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).

Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Mr. Meehan from the great State of Massachusetts for his diligent work on this piece of legislation

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 395) to adjust the boundary of Lowell National Historical Park, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 395, introduced by Mr. Meehan of Massachusetts and supported by the administration, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire five small tracts of land totaling less than 1 acre to complete development of the Canal Way, a linear park and walkway along Lowell's 5.6 mile historic power canal system. The acquisition of these tracts will provide the access points necessary for development, maintenance and surveillance necessary to complete the Canal Way.

I urge the adoption of the bill.

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

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