Statement of U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources
Hearing on H.R. 2801: Izembek and Alaska Peninsula Refuge and Wilderness Enhancement and King Cove Safe Access Act
October 31, 2007

The Committee on Natural Resources will come to order. 

Today's hearing is on H.R. 2801, legislation introduced by the gentleman from Alaska, the committee's ranking member, Don Young.                                 

In essence, the bill provides for a land exchange between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Alaska, and the King Cove Corporation in order to allow for a road to be constructed through a national wildlife refuge and wilderness area.  Lands acquired from the state and the corporation would be added to refuge wilderness under the legislation.  The road would be for the purpose of providing access between the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay.

H.R. 2801 revisits a controversy which has received congressional attention in the past.  In 1998, during the Clinton Administration, Congress approved $37.5 million in an effort to provide a hovercraft connection and other health and safety enhancements as an alternative to construction of the road between King Cove and Cold Bay.  This included $20 million for a hovercraft, including construction of a road, docks and marine transport facilities, $15 million to improve the airstrip in King Cove, and $2.5 million for equipment and telemedicine improvements at the King Cove Health Clinic.  

In today's hearing, the committee will get an update on how the Clinton Administration's 1998 road alternative has been implemented and consider the revised approach set forth in H.R. 2801.

At this point, I will recognize the Ranking Minority Member, Mr. Young, for any opening remarks he may have.