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often politically difficult to implement. The bill requires the 

 Task Force to produce recommendations on a "user-pays" approach, 

 and such an economic study may be beyond the expertise of the 

 Task Force. We suggest that H.R. 4481 be amended to include 

 authorization to hire n" outside contractor to determine how one 

 would make such a user-pay system work and the practicality of 

 such a system to fund restoration efforts. The bill requires 

 other analyses that may also be beyond the expertise of the Task 

 Force. 



In the absence of a "user-pays" system, the Service is concerned 

 that base appropriations might be earmarked for contribution to 

 the Fund, thereby reducing agency capabilities to address other 

 resource issues. The Service looks forward to working with the 

 other Task Force members to produce a system that will provide 

 strong financial support for the Restoration Trust Fund. 



The Administration has a number of suggestions for amendments to 

 the language in H.R. 4481, which we will provide in a subsequent 

 report to the Committee prior to markup. A number of agencies 

 have specific ideas about this bill, and we want to be able to 

 provide for the Committee a consolidated package of suggested 

 amendments . 



In closing, Mr. Chairman, the Department of the Interior supports 

 the intent of H.R. 4481 and believes that with some refinements, 



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