Senator Collins Testifies on the Acadia National Park Improvement Act of 2005

Statement

SENATOR COLLINS TESTIFIES ON THE ACADIA NATIONAL PARK IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2005 BEFORE THE SENATE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS

Chairman Thomas, Ranking Member Akaka, and members of the subcommittee, I would like to thank you for holding this hearing today on the Acadia National Park Improvement Act of 2005. This legislation takes important steps to ensure the long-term health of one of America's most beloved national parks. It would increase the land acquisition ceiling at Acadia by $10 million; facilitate an off-site intermodal transportation center for the Island Explorer bus system; and extend the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission.

In 1986, Congress enacted legislation designating the boundary of Acadia National Park. However, many private lands were contained within the permanent authorized boundary. Congress authorized the Park to spend $9.1 million to acquire those lands from willing sellers only. While all of that money has now been spent, rising land prices have prevented the money from going as far as Congress originally intended.

There are over 100 private tracts left within the official park boundary. Nearly 20 of these tracts are currently available from willing sellers, but the Park does not have the funds to purchase them. My legislation would authorize an additional $10 million to help acquire these lands. Since these lands already fall within the congressionally authorized boundary, this effort would "fill in the holes" at Acadia, rather than enlarging the park.

My legislation will also facilitate the development of an intermodal transportation center as part of the Island Explorer bus system. The Island Explorer has been extremely successful over its first five years. These low-emission propane-powered vehicles have carried more than 1.5 million riders since 1999. In doing so, they removed 424,000 vehicles from the park and reduced pollution by 24 tons.

Unfortunately, the system lacks a central parking and bus boarding area. As a result, day use visitors do not have ready access to the Island Explorer. My legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance in the planning, construction, and operation of an intermodal transportation center in Trenton, Maine. This center will include parking for day users, a visitor orientation facility highlighting park and regional points of interest, a bus boarding area, and a bus maintenance garage. This center, which will be built in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation, and other partners, will reduce traffic congestion, preserve park resources, and help ensure a vibrant tourist economy.

Finally, my legislation would extend the 16-member Acadia National Park Advisory Commission for an additional 20 year period. This commission was created by Congress in 1986 and is currently due to expire in 2006. That would be a mistake. The commission consists of three federal representatives, three state representatives, four representatives from local towns on Mount Desert Island, three from adjacent mainland communities, and three from adjacent offshore islands. These representatives have provided invaluable advice relating to the management and development of the Park. The Commission has proven its worth many times over and deserves to be extended for an additional 20 years.

Acadia National Park is a true gem of the Maine coastline. The Park is one of Maine's most popular tourist destinations, with nearly three million visitors every year. While unsurpassed in beauty, the Park's ecosystem is also very fragile. Unless we are careful, we risk substantial harm to the very place that Mainers and Americans hold so dear.

In 11 years, Acadia will be 100 years old. Age has brought both increasing popularity and greater pressures. By providing an extra $10 million to protect sensitive lands, expanding the highly successful Island Explorer transportation system, and extending the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission, this legislation will help make the Park stronger and healthier than ever on the occasion of its centennial anniversary.

I would again like to extend my appreciation to Chairman Thomas and Ranking Member Akaka. I know our national parks are very important to them, and I look forward to working with them on this legislation.

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