Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 109-156.
Official Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 16, 2005. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant an easement to the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation to enlarge the diameter of a specified natural gas pipeline from 14 inches to not more than 20 inches, consistent with the recreational values and protection of the resources of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania. Authorizes the Superintendent of the Recreation Area to issue a permit to the Corporation for the use of the Recreation Area in accordance with specified procedural requirements for the temporary areas required for the construction of the enlarged pipeline. Requires the Corporation to comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) certification requirements for the increase in pipeline size. Prohibits the Secretary from granting additional increases in the diameter of, or easements for, the pipeline within the boundary of the Recreation Area after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring against the Corporation a civil action for damages and response costs if the Corporation violates easement or permit provisions, fails to submit or timely implement an approved restoration and mitigation plan, or the violation or failure destroys, results in the loss of, or injures park system resources. Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to modify the effective date of the prohibition against the use of Highway 209 within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by certain commercial vehicles. Changes such date from noon on September 30, 2005, to the earlier of the date on which a feasible alternative is available, or noon of September 30, 2015. Increases from $25 to $40 the maximum commercial use fee which the Secretary is required to collect from commercial vehicles until the effective date of the prohibition. Extends the National Park System Advisory Board until January 1, 2007.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant an easement to Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation to enlarge a natural gas pipeline within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania, increasing its diameter from 14 inches to no more than 20 inches. The bill includes provisions for permits related to construction, compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certification, and prohibits further pipeline diameter increases or easements within the recreation area after enactment. It also authorizes civil actions for violations affecting park resources, modifies restrictions on commercial vehicle use of Highway 209 within the area, increases commercial use fees, and extends the National Park System Advisory Board until January 1, 2007.
This law permits a specific pipeline expansion within a national recreation area under regulated conditions while adjusting commercial vehicle restrictions and fees, and extending an advisory board's term.
- Authorizes pipeline diameter increase from 14 to up to 20 inches within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
- Requires compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certification and allows permits for temporary construction areas.
- Prohibits any further pipeline diameter increases or easements within the recreation area after enactment.
- Modifies the effective date for prohibiting certain commercial vehicles on Highway 209, extending it to 2015 or until an alternative is available.
- Increases the maximum commercial use fee from $25 to $40 until the prohibition takes effect.
- Extends the National Park System Advisory Board's term until January 1, 2007.
['Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, by allowing pipeline expansion.', 'The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, through regulated management of the recreation area.', 'Commercial vehicle operators using Highway 209, due to delayed prohibition and adjusted fees.', 'The National Park System Advisory Board, through extended operation.']
['Ensuring that pipeline expansion and construction activities do not adversely affect the recreational values and natural resources of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.', 'Monitoring and enforcing compliance with easement, permit provisions, and restoration plans to protect park resources.', 'Balancing commercial vehicle access and environmental protection with the modified prohibition timeline and increased fees.', 'Oversight of civil enforcement actions authorized for violations related to the pipeline and park resources.']
The bill was passed by the Senate on December 16, 2005, and signed into law on December 30, 2005, during the 109th Congress. It amends existing legislation related to the management of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the National Park System Advisory Board, reflecting ongoing federal management of public lands and infrastructure within protected areas.
High concern review — 3 hidden impact flags detected
GovScope reviewed 3 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential increased regulatory oversight and enforcement actions related to pipeline operations within a protected area.', 'Possible changes in commercial traffic patterns on Highway 209 due to modified prohibition dates and fee increases.', 'Extended advisory board operations may influence future policy or management decisions for the National Park System.']
The bill includes clear provisions for regulatory compliance and enforcement, including civil actions for violations, which supports oversight. However, the absence of the full bill text limits detailed analysis of procedural requirements and specific environmental safeguards. Monitoring implementation will be important to ensure that authorized infrastructure changes do not compromise the recreation area's resources.
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