Little Manatee Wild and Scenic River Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4358, bipartisan legislation I introduced last July with my fellow Floridian Rep. Darren Soto, regarding the Little Manatee River. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with us in voting in support of this bill.

The Little Manatee Wild and Scenic River Act authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to study whether it's appropriate to add an approximately 51-mile-long segment of the Little Manatee River, from its source in southeastern Hillsborough County to the point at which the river enters Tampa Bay, to its Wild and Scenic River System.

For my part, I strongly support both passage of this bill today and of subsequently adding the Little Manatee River to the NPS' Wild and Scenic River program in the future. Passage of the bill before us today begins that journey and I have been very pleased to work with my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee toward realizing that goal.

Adding this river to the Wild and Scenic River program in the future will help ensure the Little Manatee will remain available for a full range of recreational activities for Floridians, like canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing.

In Florida, protecting our precious natural resources has always been a top priority. Florida's Suncoast is blessed with an abundance of natural treasures like Sarasota Bay, Emerson Point Preserve and Myakka River State Park.

I want all of my colleagues to know that adding the Little Manatee River to the Wild and Scenic River program enjoys strong local support as well. Both the Hillsborough County Commission and the Manatee County Commission have approved resolutions supporting this designation.

Of particular note, Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Stacy White has been a leader in the effort to add the Little Manatee River to the Wild and Scenic River program. He has been a champion of this effort from day one and an invaluable partner for me in my efforts at the federal level.

Protecting and enhancing water quality for all of Southwest Florida has always been one of my highest priorities in Congress.

Approving this bill today will move us forward in our efforts to help ensure a vibrant, clean and healthy environment in my home state of Florida. It's both an important element in our quality of life and a vital part of our economic well-being because millions of people visit Florida every year.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the bipartisan leadership of the Natural Resources Committee for working with me to bring H.R. 4358 to the floor today.

Again, I urge all of my colleagues in the House to join with me in voting for this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source