Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1031
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T06:35:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to designate the Fort Ontario site in New York as a new unit of the National Park System, specifically the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park. The goal is to preserve, protect, and share the history of 982 World War II refugees who were sheltered there from August 1944 to February 1946, educating current and future generations about this event.
Key Provisions
- Establishment: The park is created once the Secretary of the Interior confirms that enough land or property interests within the proposed boundaries (as shown on a specific map dated September 2024) have been acquired to form a viable unit. The Secretary must publish a notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of this decision.
- Boundaries and Map: The park's boundaries will include all acquired lands, with the official map available for public review at National Park Service offices.
- Administration: The Secretary of the Interior will manage the park under standard National Park System rules (e.g., laws on preservation, public use, and resource protection). This includes:
- Forming cooperative agreements with New York State or other public/private groups for education, interpretation, and site restoration on non-federal lands nearby.
- Ensuring reasonable public access to any assisted non-federal lands.
- Land Acquisition: The Secretary can obtain land within the boundaries through donation, purchase (using donated or federal funds), or exchange. However, land owned by the state or local governments can only be acquired via donation.
- Management Plan: Within three years of funding availability, the Secretary must develop a general management plan in consultation with New York State, following federal planning laws.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no broad changes to current laws but adds a specific new unit to the National Park System. It incorporates existing federal statutes (e.g., from Title 54 of the U.S. Code) for park management, acquisition, and planning, tailoring them to this historical site focused on Holocaust refugee history.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) will gain responsibility for managing, funding, and operating the park, potentially increasing its budget needs for preservation and visitor services.
- Citizens: Provides educational opportunities about World War II refugee experiences, enhancing public access to historical sites in New York for tourism, learning, and commemoration. Local communities may see economic benefits from increased visitors.
- International Relations: Could foster goodwill by highlighting U.S. humanitarian efforts during World War II, particularly in sheltering Holocaust survivors, potentially strengthening ties with countries affected by the war or refugee heritage groups.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Primary managers responsible for acquisition, administration, and planning.
- State of New York and Local Governments: Involved in consultations, potential land donations, and cooperative agreements; may benefit from tourism and preservation support.
- Public and Educational Groups: Visitors, historians, educators, and descendants of the refugees who gain a dedicated federal site for interpretation and remembrance.
- Private Landowners: Those within or near boundaries may participate in agreements for restoration or access.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on established federal authority under the Antiquities Act and National Park Service Organic Act for creating and managing historical units; emphasizes voluntary land acquisition to respect property rights, with no eminent domain (forced taking of land).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to manage federal lands and promote education/general welfare; no apparent conflicts with state sovereignty, as state lands require donation only.
- Political: Supports national efforts to commemorate underrepresented histories like U.S. refugee aid during the Holocaust, potentially advancing bipartisan goals in cultural preservation without major controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (6 pages)