[House Report 108-652]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
108th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 108-652
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GREY TOWERS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ACT OF 2004
_______
September 7, 2004.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Pombo, from the Committee on Resources, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 4494]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Resources, to whom was referred the bill
(H.R. 4494) to designate the Grey Towers National Historic Site
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Grey Towers National Historic Site Act
of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES; DEFINITIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) James and Mary Pinchot constructed a home and estate that
is known as Grey Towers in Milford, Pennsylvania.
(2) James and Mary Pinchot were also the progenitors of a
family of notable accomplishment in the history of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Nation, in particular,
their son, Gifford Pinchot.
(3) Gifford Pinchot was the first Chief of the Forest
Service, a major influence in formulating and implementing
forest conservation policies in the early 20th Century, and
twice Governor of Pennsylvania.
(4) During the early 20th century, James and Gifford Pinchot
used Grey Towers and the environs to establish scientific
forestry, to develop conservation leaders, and to formulate
conservation principles, thus making this site one of the
primary birthplaces of the American conservation movement.
(5) In 1963, Gifford Bryce Pinchot, the son of Gifford and
Cornelia Pinchot, donated Grey Towers and 102 acres to the
Nation.
(6) In 1963, President John F. Kennedy dedicated the Pinchot
Institute for Conservation ``for the greater knowledge of land
and its uses'' at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark,
thereby establishing a partnership between the public and
private sectors.
(7) Grey Towers today is a place of historical significance
where leaders in natural resource conservation meet, study, and
share ideas, analyses, values, and philosophies, and is also a
place where the public can learn and appreciate our
conservation heritage.
(8) As established by President Kennedy, the Pinchot
Institute for Conservation, and the Forest Service at Grey
Towers operate through an established partnership in developing
and delivering programs that carry on Gifford Pinchot's
conservation legacy.
(9) Grey Towers and associated structures in and around
Milford, Pennsylvania, can serve to enhance regional
recreational and educational opportunities.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To honor and perpetuate the memory of Gifford Pinchot.
(2) To promote the recreational and educational resources of
Milford, Pennsylvania, and its environs.
(3) To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture--
(A) to further the scientific, policy analysis,
educational, and cultural programs in natural resource
conservation at Grey Towers;
(B) to manage the property and environs more
efficiently and effectively; and
(C) to further collaborative ties with the Pinchot
Institute for Conservation, and other Federal, State,
and local agencies with shared interests.
(c) Definitions.--For the purposes of this Act:
(1) Associated properties.--The term ``Associated
Properties'' means lands and improvements outside of the Grey
Towers National Historic Landmark within Pike County,
Pennsylvania, and which were associated with James and Mary
Pinchot, the Yale School of Forestry, or the Forest Service.
(2) Grey towers.--The term ``Grey Towers'' means the
buildings and surrounding area of approximately 303 acres,
including the 102 acres donated in 1963 to the United States
and so designated that year.
(3) Historic site.--The term ``Historic Site'' means the Grey
Towers National Historic Site, as so designated by this Act.
(4) Pinchot institute.--The term ``Pinchot Institute'' means
the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, a nonprofit corporation
established under the laws of the District of Columbia.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.
Subject to valid existing rights, all lands and improvements formerly
encompassed within the Grey Towers National Historic Landmark are
designated as the ``Grey Towers National Historic Site''.
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Purposes.--The Historic Site shall be administered for the
following purposes:
(1) Education, public demonstration projects, and research
related to natural resource conservation, protection,
management, and use.
(2) Leadership development within the natural resource
professions and the Federal civil service.
(3) Continuing Gifford Pinchot's legacy through pursuit of
new ideas, strategies, and solutions to natural resource issues
that include economic, ecological, and social values.
(4) Preservation, use, and maintenance of the buildings,
grounds, facilities, and archives associated with Gifford
Pinchot.
(5) Study and interpretation of the life and works of Gifford
Pinchot.
(6) Public recreation and enjoyment.
(7) Protection and enjoyment of the scenic and natural
environs.
(b) Applicable Laws.--The Secretary shall administer federally owned
lands and interests in lands at the Historic Site and Associated
Properties as components of the National Forest System in accordance
with this Act, 16 U.S.C. 461 et seq. and other laws generally
applicable to the administration of national historic sites, and the
laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the National Forest System,
except that the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600, et seq.) shall not apply.
(c) Land Acquisition.--The Secretary is authorized to acquire, on a
willing seller basis, by purchase, donation, exchange, or otherwise,
privately owned lands and interests in lands, including improvements,
within the Historic Site and the Associated Properties, using donated
or appropriated funds.
(d) Gifts.--
(1) Accepted by entities other than the secretary.--Subject
to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe,
any public or private agency, organization, institution, or
individual may solicit, accept, and administer private gifts of
money and real or personal property for the benefit of, or in
connection with, the activities and services at the Historic
Site.
(2) Accepted by the secretary.--Gifts may be accepted by the
Secretary for the benefit of, or in connection with, the
activities and services at the Historic Site notwithstanding
the fact that a donor conducts business with or is regulated by
the Department of Agriculture in any capacity.
SEC. 5. COOPERATIVE AUTHORITIES.
(a) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary is
authorized to enter into agreements for grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements as appropriate with the Pinchot Institute,
public and other private agencies, organizations, institutions, and
individuals to provide for the development, administration,
maintenance, or restoration of land, facilities, or Forest Service
programs at Grey Towers or to otherwise further the purposes of this
Act.
(b) Interdepartmental.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the
Interior are authorized and encouraged to cooperate in promoting public
use and enjoyment of Grey Towers and the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area and in otherwise furthering the administration and
purposes for which both areas were designated. Such cooperation may
include colocation and use of facilities within Associated Properties
and elsewhere.
(c) Other.--The Secretary may authorize use of the grounds and
facilities of Grey Towers by the Pinchot Institute and other
participating partners including Federal, State, and local agencies, on
such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, including the
waiver of special use authorizations and the waiver of rental and use
fees.
SEC. 6. FUNDS.
(a) Fees and Charges.--The Secretary may impose reasonable fees and
charges for admission to and use of facilities on Grey Towers.
(b) Special Fund.--Any monies received by the Forest Service in
administering Grey Towers shall be deposited into the Treasury of the
United States and covered in a special fund called the Grey Towers
National Historic Site Fund. Monies in the Grey Towers National
Historic Site Fund shall be available until expended, without further
appropriation, for support of programs of Grey Towers, and any other
expenses incurred in the administration of Grey Towers.
SEC. 7. MAP.
The Secretary shall produce and keep for public inspection a map of
the Historic Site and associated properties within Pike County,
Pennsylvania, which were associated with James and Mary Pinchot, the
Yale School of Forestry, or the Forest Service.
SEC. 8. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to diminish the authorities of
the Secretary under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act or any
other law pertaining to the National Forest System.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of H.R. 4494 is to designate the Grey Towers
National Historic Site in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
for other purposes.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
H.R. 4494 would designate the ancestral home of Gifford
Pinchot, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as the Grey Towers National
Historic Site. Gifford Pinchot was one of America's first
foresters and is considered to be the father of conservation
and sustainable forestry. He was appointed by President Teddy
Roosevelt to serve as the first Chief of the U.S. Forest
Service and was twice Governor of Pennsylvania.
Grey Towers was completed in 1886 as the Pinchot family
summer home, utilizing local materials and reflecting the
French heritage of the family. In 1963, Gifford Bryce Pinchot,
son of Gifford, donated Grey Towers and 102 acres to the U.S.
Forest Service, which now administers the site.
H.R. 4494 would direct the management of the newly
designated Grey Towers National Historic Site for the purpose
of education, research and leadership development for natural
resources, thus continuing Gifford Pinchot's legacy of
innovative ideas, and strategic solutions to natural resource
issues. The bill also provides for the Secretaries of
Agriculture and Interior to enter into cooperative agreements
with the Pinchot Institute and other public and private
agencies for the purposes of this Act. The Pinchot Institute
currently aids in operating Grey Towers.
COMMITTEE ACTION
H.R. 4494 was introduced on June 2, 2004, by Congressman
Don Sherwood (R-PA). The bill was referred to the Committee on
Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on
Forests and Forest Health. On June 17, 2004, the Subcommittee
held a hearing on the bill. On June 17, 2004, the Full
Resources Committee met to consider the bill. The Subcommittee
was discharged from further consideration of the bill by
unanimous consent. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) offered an
amendment in the nature of a substitute making technical and
substantive corrections. The amendment was adopted by unanimous
consent and the bill as amended was then ordered favorably
reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Resources' oversight findings and recommendations
are reflected in the body of this report.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII
1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the
Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and
a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be
incurred in carrying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B)
of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when
the Committee has included in its report a timely submitted
cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2)
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this
bill does not contain any new budget authority, credit
authority, or an increase or decrease in tax expenditures.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, enactment of this
bill would increase revenues and direct spending by about
$75,000 in fiscal year 2005; this would increase to $200,000 a
year starting in 2008.
3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. This bill does
not authorize funding and therefore, clause 3(c)(4) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives does not
apply.
4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause
3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives and section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate
for this bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office:
H.R. 4494--Grey Towers National Historic Site Act of 2004
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4494 would not
significantly affect the federal budget. Starting in 2008, the
bill would increase both revenues and direct spending by about
$200,000 in any year. H.R. 4494 contains no intergovernmental
or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act and would impose no significant costs on State,
local, or tribal governments.
H.R. 4494 would designate the Grey Towers National Historic
Site on federal land in Pennsylvania. Under current law, the
Forest Service manages that land as a national historic
landmark in cooperation with a private nonprofit organization.
According to the agency, redesignating the area as a historic
site would not significantly alter its activities on the
property or the federal costs to manage it. CBO estimates that
additional administrative costs for the Forest Service would be
minimal. Spending for such costs would be subject to
appropriation.
H.R. 4494 would provide new authority for the Secretary of
Agriculture to charge fees to individuals who visit the
proposed historic site. Based on information from the Forest
Service, CBO estimates that increased offsetting receipts from
such fees would not exceed $74,000 in any year. H.R. 4494 would
authorize the Secretary to spend those receipts, without
further appropriation, to support programs of the proposed
historic site. Hence, CBO estimates that any increase in
offsetting receipts would be largely offset by a corresponding
increase in direct spending in the year they were collected.
Finally, H.R. 4494 would provide permanent authority for
the Secretary to accept and use cash donations for the benefit
of the proposed historic site. Any amounts received would be
recorded in the budget as governmental receipts. Under current
law, the Secretary already has authority to accept and use such
donations through fiscal year 2007. Based on information from
the Forest Service about the current level of such donations,
CBO estimates that H.R. 4494 would increase both revenues and
direct spending by about $200,000 a year starting in 2008.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll.
This estimate was approved by Robert A. Sunshine, Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4
This bill contains no unfunded mandates.
PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW
This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or
tribal law.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing
law.