Today, the Senate gave the final stamp of approval to the Presidio Trust legislation, introduced by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-SF) in the House and by Senators Boxer and Feinstein in the Senate. The bill is now ready for the President's signature.
Rep. Pelosi stated: "This is the moment we have been waiting for -- to see the Presidio Trust enacted to preserve the Presidio through an innovative model of governance.
"The Presidio Trust brings a new approach to the Presidio that incorporates the best of the National Park Service and the best of private-sector expertise into an alliance to realize the best of the Presidio.
"I am certain Members of Congress will always be proud of their votes to create a Presidio Trust. It enables Phillip Burton's legacy to thrive in a spectacular Presidio national park. Creation of the Trust opens a new chapter in the history of the Presidio.
"Congressman George Miller, Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee, championed this legislation throughout its journey over the past four years. Senator Barbara Boxer was the chief sponsor in the Senate where she and Senator Bradley double-teamed the opposition to gain passage of the bill. We owe special thanks to Senator Boxer and to the work of Senator Feinstein on achieving this success. Leon Panetta, White House Chief of Staff, and the Clinton Administration were especially helpful in the House and Senate. We are very proud of the strong, bipartisan support the Presidio has enjoyed.
"As the author of the Presidio Trust legislation, I am very gratified that the Presidio Trust bill has gained final approval and will become law."
On September 30, 1994, the Presidio was transferred from the Department of the Army to become part of the GGNRA, in accordance with a 1972 law by Congressman Phillip Burton. Under the Park Service General Management Plan, a Trust-like model was recommended for managing the Presidio's real estate.
Presidio Trust legislation, incorporating this model, was introduced in the 103rd Congress and again in the 104th Congress by Rep. Pelosi and Senators Boxer and Feinstein. The bill recognizes the importance of the Presidio's park integrity, along with the need to streamline management into a cost-effective structure for the American taxpayer.
