Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7952) ``to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way permit with respect to a natural gas distribution pipeline within Valley Forge National Historical Park, and for other purposes'', as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 7952

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act''. SEC. 2. RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMIT FOR NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION MAIN SEGMENT AT VALLEY FORGE NHP.

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may issue a right-of-way permit pursuant to part 14 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), for the covered main segment if the covered main segment is relocated to a proposed realignment of Valley Forge Park Road and North Gulph Road within the Park.

(b) Scope of Authority.--The authority to grant a right-of- way permit under subsection (a) shall apply only to the covered main segment and shall not apply to any other part of the natural gas distribution main system or any other pipeline system within the Park.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Covered main segment.--The term ``covered main segment'' means the portions of the natural gas distribution main (including all appurtenances used in the operation of such main) within the Park--

(A) existing on the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(B) that are located under, along, or adjacent to the segments of North Gulph Road and Valley Forge Park Road (SR3039 and SR0023 respectively, as those roads were aligned on January 21, 2022) that are between--

(i) the intersection of North Gulph Road with Richards Road; and

(ii) a point on Valley Forge Park Road located 500 feet northwest of its intersection with County Line Road.

(2) Park.--The term ``Park'' means Valley Forge National Historical Park.

(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
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Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7952, introduced by my colleague Representative Madeleine Dean. As part of a broader effort to develop and enhance the area around Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is working to realign and repave a road that runs through the park's entrance.

This bill will allow the movement of a natural gas pipeline segment from its current position at the entrance of the park to a new roadbed being constructed east of the current road.

If the pipeline is not permitted to move, the project could be further delayed costing time and resources. Moving the pipeline will also allow for the creation of a new trail connection, which will better allow people to reach and enjoy Valley Forge.

I thank my colleague Representative Dean for introducing this legislation on behalf of her constituents.

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Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean).

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Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the legislation. And as Representative Dean said, I thank the sponsors of the legislation. One small thing that only Congress can do in this particular instance affects not only the utilization of this park but makes the situation safer for everyone involved and less expensive, and I thank her for her foresight.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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