S. 625 – Reading Mode | Legislate.dev

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 625

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 17, 2009

Mr. Cornyn (for himself and Mrs. Hutchison) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Waco Mammoth National Monument in the State of Texas.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment Act of 2009.

Findings

Congress finds that—

(1)

the Waco Mammoth Site area is located near the confluence of the Brazos River and the Bosque River in Central Texas, near the city of Waco;

(2)

after the discovery of bones emerging from eroding creek banks leading to the uncovering of portions of 5 mammoths, Baylor University began investigating the site in 1978;

(3)

several additional mammoth remains have been uncovered making the site the largest known concentration of mammoths dying from the same event;

(4)

the mammoth discoveries have received international attention; and

(5)

Baylor University and the City of Waco, Texas, have been working together—

(A)

to protect the site; and

(B)

to develop further research and educational opportunities at the site.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

City

The term City means the city of Waco, Texas.

(2)

Management plan

The term management plan means the management plan for the Monument prepared under section 5(c)(1).

(3)

Map

The term map means the map entitled _____, numbered ____, and dated ____.

(4)

Monument

The term Monument means the Waco Mammoth National Monument established by section 4(a).

(5)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(6)

State

The term State means the State of Texas.

(7)

University

The term University means Baylor University in the State.

Waco mammoth national monument, texas

(a)

Establishment

There is established in the State, as a unit of the National Park System, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, as generally depicted on the map.

(b)

Availability of map

The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

Administration of monument

(a)

In general

The Secretary shall administer the Monument in accordance with—

(1)

this Act;

(2)

any cooperative agreements entered into under subsection (b)(1); and

(3)

the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including the National Park Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).

(b)

Authorities of Secretary

(1)

Cooperative Agreements

The Secretary may enter into cooperative management agreements with the University and the City, in accordance with section 3(l) of Public Law 91–383 (16 U.S.C. 1a–2(l)).

(2)

Acquisition of land

(A)

In general

The Secretary may acquire from willing sellers any land or interest in land within the proposed boundary of the Monument that is necessary for effective management of the Monument.

(B)

Method of acquisition

(i)

In general

The land described in subparagraph (A) may be acquired by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, transfer from another Federal agency, or exchange.

(ii)

State land

Land or interests in land owned by the State or a political subdivision of the State may only be acquired by donation or exchange.

(3)

Construction of facilities on non-Federal land

(A)

In general

The Secretary may, subject to the availability of appropriations, construct essential administrative or visitor use facilities on non-Federal land within the boundary of the Monument.

(B)

Donations

In addition to the use of Federal funds authorized under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use donated funds, property, and services to carry out that subparagraph.

(c)

General Management plan

(1)

In general

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the University and the City, shall complete a general management plan for the Monument.

(2)

Inclusions

The management plan shall include, at a minimum—

(A)

measures for the preservation of the resources of the Monument;

(B)

requirements for the type and extent of development and use of the Monument;

(C)

identification of the capacity of the Monument for accommodating visitors; and

(D)

opportunities for involvement by the University, City, State, and other local and national entities in—

(i)

developing educational programs for the Monument; and

(ii)

developing and supporting the Monument.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.