Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7864
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T21:01:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026 aims to update the official boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri by slightly expanding its size and replacing an outdated map with a current one. This ensures the park's legal description matches modern planning needs.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026."
- Boundary Adjustment: Amends Section 4(a) of the Act of May 17, 1954 (which established the park, originally known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial):
- Increases the park's designated area from "one hundred acres" to "102.18 acres."
- Replaces references to an old boundary map (entitled "Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Boundary Map" and dated January 1992) with a new map titled "Gateway Arch National Park Proposed Boundary Revision," numbered 366/189,627, and dated August 2023.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the park's authorized land area by approximately 2.18 acres, providing a more precise measurement than the original rounded figure of 100 acres.
- Updates the boundary map to reflect current surveys and planning, replacing a 1992 document that may no longer accurately represent the park's edges. This is a technical revision to align the law with contemporary National Park Service documentation.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS), which manages the park, will gain authority over an additional small area, potentially simplifying land administration, maintenance, and visitor services. No major funding or operational shifts are specified.
- Citizens: Local residents and visitors in the St. Louis area may see minor enhancements to park accessibility or preservation efforts, with negligible effects on daily life due to the small size increase. It could support tourism without disrupting nearby urban development.
- International Relations: None apparent, as this is a domestic land management adjustment with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service: Primary beneficiary, as it oversees park operations and boundary enforcement.
- Local Communities and Governments: Residents, businesses, and officials in St. Louis, Missouri, including adjacent property owners who may experience subtle changes in land use protections.
- Park Visitors and Tourists: Could indirectly benefit from updated boundaries that better define protected areas for recreation and education.
- Congressional Representatives: Introduced by Rep. Budzinski and cosponsors (Reps. Bost, Bell, and Wagner), reflecting local interests in park stewardship.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a minor, administrative amendment to an existing statute (16 U.S.C. 450jj-3), requiring no new appropriations or regulatory changes. It ensures compliance with federal land management laws by modernizing descriptions, avoiding potential disputes over boundaries.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it aligns with Congress's authority under Article IV, Section 3 to manage federal lands and does not infringe on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Bipartisan support from Missouri representatives highlights regional priorities for national park maintenance. As an introduced bill (H.R. 7864, 119th Congress, 2d Session), it awaits committee review by the House Committee on Natural Resources, with potential for quick passage due to its non-controversial nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (2 pages)