Statement on Signing the
Big
I
have today approved S. 90, the ``Big Cypress National Preserve Addition Act,''
with the understanding that additional legislation will be forthcoming this
year to provide for Federal acquisition of the private land to be added to the
Preserve through a land exchange, which would eliminate any direct cost to the
Federal government of expanding the Preserve.
S.
90 amends the Act that established the Big Cypress National Preserve in
The
cost of the Department of the Interior for purchasing the surface rights to
these lands under the provisions of S. 90 would require $40 to $65 million in
new appropriations. The Administration has consistently advised the Congress
that this cost is excessive and will oppose any appropriations for this
purpose. To avoid this cost, and in recognition of the important role of the
Big Cypress National Preserve in conserving nationally significant fish,
wildlife, and other natural resources in southern Florida, the Department of
the Interior has entered negotiations to acquire the private land to be added
to the Preserve through an exchange with the private landowners.
Such
an exchange would require additional legislation, since the lands involved are
in different States. I have been assured by the congressional delegation from
Ronald
Reagan
The
White House,
Note: S. 90, approved
April 29, was assigned Public Law No. 100 - 301.