The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ROLLA, MO” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E190-E191 on Jan. 26, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST LAND CONVEYANCE/ROLLA, MO
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HON. BILL EMERSON
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 26, 1995
Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing a measure that is vital to the rural economic development efforts of south-central Missouri--specifically Phelps County and surrounding areas. This legislation will authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to convey land within the Mark Twain National Forest to the city of Rolla, MO.
The city of Rolla has been diligent in its plan to utilize the U.S. Forest Service's district ranger office site in the development and construction of a regional tourist center. I feel its important to note that tourism is the second largest industry in Missouri and this tourist center has already attracted great interest along with needed dollars to the regional Rolla economy.
[[Page E191]] Clearly, this project is a prime example of a local community exercising its own rural development plan for local expansion and job creation. In these times of reduced Federal support for rural community-based economic enterprises, the city of Rolla is a shining example and model of both involvement and initiative that other communities around the country can clearly emulate.
For over a year now, the city of Rolla has been collecting a 3-
percent tax on local hotels in the attempt to finance this project independent of any assistance from the Federal Government. Indeed, this land transfer arrangement is a very unique partnership for both Rolla and the Mark Twain National Forest. Several of Missouri's proud historical landmarks, which are an important element of this site, will be maintained and preserved for current and future generations through the efforts of the city of Rolla--at a substantially reduced cost to local taxpayers. This is particularly important to bear in mind since this facility would have no further commercial viability without the direct involvement of the city of Rolla. So now, two worthy goals can be achieved--economic development and historical preservation.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the leadership efforts of the Mark Twain National Forest and the city of Rolla and I urge the expeditious approval of this measure in order that the citizens of Rolla can get on with the business of economic development and job creation.
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