House OKs more acreage for Rainier

WASHINGTON – The House on Tuesday approved a plan to add about 800 acres to Mount Rainier National Park.

The boundary change, approved on a voice vote, would be the largest expansion of the nearly 236,000-acre park in more than 70 years. Supporters say it would improve access to the park by shifting visitors away from frequently flooded roads near the Carbon River.

The plan also would allow a new campsite to be built, save federal money spent on road repairs and protect a pristine area from development, supporters said.

The land along the park’s northwestern border is currently owned by two families and the Plum Creek Timber Co. All have said they are willing to sell their land. The total cost is estimated at about $6 million.

Rep. Jennifer Dunn, R-Wash., the bill’s sponsor, said land near the popular Ipsut Creek campground is often devastated by recurring floods.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has filed a companion measure in the Senate. Separate legislation would be needed to allocate money for the land purchases.