House Passes Conservation and Economic Growth Act

20. Jun, 2012 0 Comments

Flores’ Waco Mammoth National Monument Bill Included

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act. This bill is a package of fourteen Natural Resources Committee bills which includes the Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment Act of 2012, sponsored by U.S. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas).

“The Waco Mammoth Site is a remarkably unique scientific discovery that deserves national acknowledgement,” said Congressman Flores. “With today’s bipartisan vote on passage of the bill, this Central Texas treasure is given the opportunity to protect and promote the unique history of an extinct species, while providing education and enjoyment for families and future generations. By establishing the Waco Mammoth National Monument, this Central Texas treasure will receive the national recognition it deserves without adding additional burdens to the federal budget.”

The citizens of Waco have raised more than $4.4 million to preserve this historic mammoth site. Due to the significant contribution of local partners, the Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment provisions of H.R. 2578 will leverage the significant contributions of the local partners without adding additional burdens to the federal budget or to the current $10 billion backlog at the National Park Service. The bill designates the site as the Waco Mammoth National Monument and includes it as a unit of the National Park Service, which further supports efforts from the residents of Waco and Baylor University to protect and preserve the site and to promote visitor tourism.

In addition to establishing the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act will create new American jobs, grow the economy, enhance border security, protect the environment and promote the development of renewable hydropower.

To view Congressman Flores’ floor speech regarding the Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment Act CLICK HERE.

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.