Yesterday, the U.S. House unanimously passed the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Route Designation Act of 2006. The Senate version of the bill was unanimously passed last November.
This is huge!
This means that geological sites along the four-state floods path between Missoula and the Pacific Ocean will be linked by federal designation, and eventually by interpretive centers, signage and literature.
The bill still needs to be finalized by a compromise in wording between the House and the Senate. And funding still needs to be appropriated. But the overwhelming support of both legislative bodies suggests this will be achievable.
From H.R. 383:
"The purpose of this Act is to designate the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Route in the States of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, enabling the public to view, experience and learn about the Ice Age Floods' features and story through the collaborative efforts of public and private entities."Wooohooo!!!
Links:
- Ice Age Floods Institute
- Glacial Lake Missoula and the Ice Age Floods (from the Montana Natural History Center)
- Text of bill on Thomas (search for "geologic route")
- National Park Service Study of Alternatives and Environmental Assessment
- "Mystery of the Megaflood" on NOVA
- Ice Age Floods photographs on Flickr
- "Sedimental Journey," Montanan article
2 Comments:
Congratulations, I'm glad I came back for more free hugs.
Thanks, G.
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