To improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to the State of Idaho for use as an agricultural college, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3006) to improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to the State of Idaho for use as an agricultural college, and for other purposes.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3006, a bill introduced by Congressman Simpson of Idaho and cosponsored by Congressman Sali, also of Idaho, that addresses an Idaho-specific problem.

The University of Idaho would like to construct a Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies to research environmental issues facing the dairy industry in central Idaho, but current law prevents the university from using proceeds from endowed lands toward funding for the center.

The dairy industry faces a number of significant EPA regulation, animal health and environmental issues, including nutrient management and odor control. Idaho is now the fourth largest milk-producing State, with 477,475 cows and 686 dairies in 2006.

To support the Idaho dairy industry and help address the challenges facing it, the University of Idaho, in collaboration with the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Dairymen, Kimberley ARS/USDA and others, is seeking to develop the Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies in the Magic Valley area. The total cost of the center is projected to be $25-$35 million. The State of Idaho and the dairy industry have been willing to put forward a large percentage of funding, and the University of Idaho is responsible for the remaining portion.

The university would like to use the proceeds from endowed lands granted to the university by the Morrill Act. In order to do this, the Idaho Admissions Bill must be amended. Currently, lands granted to the University of Idaho through the Morrill Act can be exchanged and managed with the proceeds going only to the operation of buildings, not construction. This bill will lift that restriction within the Idaho Admissions Bill and will leave the Morrill Act untouched, making it Idaho specific.

Governor Otter and the Idaho Legislature have approved a $10 million appropriation for the center, contingent upon the passage of H.R. 3006, and additional funding is being raised by the Idaho dairy community.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I submit the following information for the Record on H.R. 3006:

House of Representatives,

Committee on agriculture,

Washington, DC, July 27, 2007.

Hon. Nick J. Rahall II,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: I ask your help in scheduling H.R. 3006,

a bill to improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to

the State of Idaho, for consideration by the House of

Representatives as soon as possible.

H.R. 3006 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and

additionally to your Committee. The purpose of H.R. 3006 is

to allow the University of Idaho to construct a Center for

Livestock and Environmental Studies to research environmental

issues facing the dairy industry in central Idaho.

In the interest of expediency, I ask that you allow the

Committee on Natural Resources to be discharged from further

consideration of the bill. This action would not be

considered as precedent for any future referrals of similar

measures or seen as affecting your Committee's jurisdiction

over the subject matter of the bill. Moreover, if the bill is

conferenced with the Senate, I would support naming Natural

Resources Committee members to the conference committee.

I look forward to your response and would be pleased to

include it and this letter in the report on H.R. 3006.

Sincerely,

Collin C. Peterson,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation and yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 3006 is a simple amendment to the act granting statehood to Idaho. The legislation will allow Idaho additional flexibility to invest and manage earnings from the land grant provided under the first Morrill Act.

The purpose of the Morrill Act of 1862 was to provide an amount of public land to be apportioned to each State, the proceeds of which were to be used to establish a college of agriculture. The Morrill Act is the foundation of our land grant college system and one we can continue to build upon with each farm bill.

The purpose of H.R. 3006 is to provide additional flexibility to Idaho in how it manages funds derived from the original land grant. Specifically, this legislation would waive statutory limitations related to facility procurement and maintenance. This, in turn, will allow Idaho to construct a research facility addressing environmental concerns facing the dairy industry.

As stated previously, this is simple legislation for which I know of no opposition.

I am told that any concerns the U.S. Department of Agriculture may have have been subsequently addressed. I, therefore, urge all Members to support this legislation

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 3006.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read the third time, passed, the motion to reconsider laid on the table, and that any statements thereon be printed in the Record.