Agate Fossil Beds Administrative History

Congress Endorses the National Monument

On April 5, the House subcommittee approved H.R. 500. [22] The following day, the Senate subcommittee followed suit. [23] On April 7, the House Interior Committee passed H.R. 500. On April 8 the Senate Interior Committee endorsed the bill, and sent it on to the floor of the Senate. [24] On April 9, S. 339 passed the Senate without opposition. [25] The House bill did not come to a vote before the one-week Easter recess, but it was passed on May 3, 1965. The House immediately voted to consider S. 339. It was also passed with one amendment: to insert the language of H.R. 500's enacting clause. [26]

The primary difference between the two bills involved the ceiling for land acquisition. S. 339 provided for "not more than $315,000," while H.R. 500 called for "not more than $301,150 for acquisition of lands and interests in land and not more than $1,842,000 for development."

On May 24, the difference in the legislation necessitated it being returned for consideration by the Senate. The Senate concurred with the House version. The bill was on its way to the White House. [27] Senators Hruska and Curtis jubilantly proclaimed to their constituency: "We are very pleased to report this happy conclusion in the prolonged effort to secure enactment of this measure, which will mean much to the tourist attractiveness and economic development of Nebraska." [28]

Residents of the Nebraska panhandle followed the progress of the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument legislation closely. The high public interest and enthusiasm prompted a softening in George Hoffman's stoic position. On March 31, he told Superintendent Miller that he would like to remain on his ranch and expressed a willingness to sell any land needed for immediate development purposes. [29] Congressional approval in May prompted Miller to write about a new headache in his monthly report, increasing visitation:

Big news this month was the passage of the bill by the House and Senate. Newspaper coverage has created interest and visitation with some negative results. Several visitors commented on their disappointment at not seeing what they expected. They evidently expected to see a large exposure of fossils and ready access to the area.

Access is a problem as it is necessary to drive across Mr. Hoffman's land on his road, through his corrals and up the hill on a rough road across his pastureland. It is hoped that we can have a seasonal uniformed employee stationed at Agate to explain the area and the situation and to discourage people from traveling to the fossil site until an adequate access can be provided. [30]