BOSTON - Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced
legislation that provides an important technical correction to the
authorizing legislation for the Boston Harbor Islands National
Recreation Area.

The bill will add the Island Alliance, a nonprofit organization, to the
list of entities with whom the Park Service may enter into cooperative
agreements to construct park facilities. The Park Service has relied on
the Island Alliance for past construction projects, and this bill will
provide Park Service with the ability to continue doing so.

"Our legislation will avoid construction delays and slash red tape
before they're a problem in construction projects in the Boston Harbor
Islands National Recreation Area," said Senator Kerry. "This is a common sense approach that will help everyone in Massachusetts who wants to enjoy the Islands."

Senator Kennedy said, "The National Park Service has been entrusted with  the monumental task of protecting and promoting one of our greatest  treasures, the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. For  years, the Island Alliance has led the way in ensuring that the Islands are open and accessible to an increasing number of visitors. This bill will help to ensure the continued success of the partnership between the  Island Alliance and the Park Service for generations to come."

The legislation passed the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee yesterday and will now head to the full Senate for a vote.

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