OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : November 20, 1997

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416

David Barna (O) 202/208-6843

On November 25, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Bruce Babbitt and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Rodney Slater will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a new approach to transportation issues in national parks.

In addition, the National Park Service will make an announcement regarding the mode of transportation that will transport visitors into and around Grand Canyon National Park (NP), as well as the route the transit system will follow.

On Earth Day 1996, President Clinton asked the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation to develop a plan to enhance resource protection and the quality of the visitor experience in national parks though innovative transportation planning. In response to that challenge, pilot programs at Yosemite, Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks offer innovative solutions to the parks' transportation challenges.

WHAT: Transportation in the National Parks Press Conference

with DOT Secretary Slater and DOI Secretary Babbitt

WHERE: National Gallery of Art, East Building, 4th & Constitution NW

WHEN: Tuesday, November 25 at 9:30 a.m.; doors open 9:00 a.m.

(a brief walk-thru of the Moran exhibit with Secretaries Babbitt and Slater will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Television crews should plan to arrive at 9:00 a.m. for set-up. Other events are in the Auditorium)

National Park Service Superintendents Robert Arnberger from Grand Canyon NP, Stanley Albright from Yosemite NP, and Donald Falvey from Zion NP will be available for in-depth interviews immediately following the press conference.

-DOI-

* Limited Press parking will be available on Madison Drive between 3rd & 4th Streets. Members of the press with gear who need parking should get a pass at the East Building of the National Gallery of Art.