Camp Nelson National Monument Boundary Expansion Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3056
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-29T08:06:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to expand the boundaries of the Camp Nelson National Monument in Kentucky by authorizing the acquisition of additional land and to officially redesignate the monument by removing "Heritage" from its name, simplifying its title while preserving its historical significance as a Civil War-era site.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Camp Nelson National Monument Boundary Expansion Act."
- Land Acquisition (Section 2): Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to purchase approximately 132 acres of land and any related property interests, as depicted on a specific map titled "Camp Nelson National Monument Proposed Boundary Expansion Nicholasville, Kentucky" (numbered 532/174,965, dated April 29, 2025). This land will be added to the existing monument.
- Redesignation and Amendments (Section 3):
- Amends Section 2303 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) by:
- Updating the section heading to remove "Heritage."
- Changing references in subsection (a)(2) and (b)(1) from "Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument" to "Camp Nelson National Monument."
- Deems any prior references to the old name in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, or records to mean the new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes "Heritage" from the monument's official name, streamlining its designation without altering its protected status under federal law.
- Introduces new authority for boundary expansion, which was not previously specified in the 2019 law that established the monument, allowing for growth in its protected area.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (specifically the National Park Service) will gain responsibility for managing the expanded land, potentially increasing administrative and maintenance costs but enhancing preservation efforts for historical sites.
- Citizens: Improves public access to and protection of Civil War history, particularly related to African American Union soldiers who trained at Camp Nelson; local communities in Nicholasville, Kentucky, may benefit from tourism and educational opportunities.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic historical preservation matter.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Department of the Interior and National Park Service, responsible for land acquisition and monument management.
- Local Communities: Residents and businesses in Nicholasville, Kentucky, who may see economic benefits from expanded tourism.
- Historical and Public Interest Groups: Organizations focused on Civil War history, African American heritage, and national monuments, who could gain from better-preserved sites for education and commemoration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a minor administrative update that aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3), which allows federal management of public lands for preservation. It ensures consistency in federal records without requiring new funding appropriations.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges; the changes support the government's role in protecting national historical resources.
- Political: Represents bipartisan interest in historical preservation (introduced by Rep. Barr, R-KY), potentially fostering local support in Kentucky without broader partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Camp Nelson National Monument Boundary Expansion Act — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (2 pages)