Pallone Provision to Strengthen NOAA Facilities at Sandy Hook Passes House
Public Lands Package Reauthorizes Land and Water Conservation Fund
Washington, DC – Last night a provision authored by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to strengthen the facilities at Sandy Hook passed the House of Representatives. Numerous stakeholders, including the state of New Jersey, asked Pallone to provide a legislative fix allowing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to directly take over the marine science lab lease on Sandy Hook. Previously the State of New Jersey leased the lab from the National Park Service with NOAA subleasing the lab from New Jersey. The provision will improve the efficiency of NOAA's facilities at Sandy Hook.
"I am proud that NOAA will be able to continue to important work at Sandy Hook, including research on climate change and its impact on New Jersey's coast," said Pallone. "This is an important example of how we can work together to improve efficiency for our government."
The change is part of S. 47, which includes components of over one hundred individual bills, permanently authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), designates over 1 million acres of wilderness, and protects over 1 million acres of public land from future mining operations, including a sensitive area at the gateway of Yellowstone National Park. The bipartisan bill previously passed the Senate and will now be sent to the president for signature.
"This legislation will help to protect and preserve our nation's land and resources for future generations," said Pallone. "Thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, places in New Jersey like Gateway National Recreational Area and Sandy Hook can maintain and improve their facilities and remain open to all Americans – and now the Fund can continue helping communities around the country meet their potential. I'm proud to support this landmark package and look forward to seeing it become law."
In New Jersey, LWCF has already invested $346 million to protect public lands, historic sites, and increase recreational opportunities.