Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1016
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to transfer specific parcels of federal land within the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi to the State of Mississippi for public use, such as a welcome center or interpretive facilities, while adjusting the park's boundaries accordingly. This supports enhanced visitor services without charge to the state.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is named the "Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act."
- Land Conveyance:
- The Secretary of the Interior must transfer two parcels of National Park Service (NPS) land to the State of Mississippi at no cost, with any necessary conditions set by the Secretary.
- Parcel 1: Approximately 3.66 acres, shown on map "VICK-2024-01," for use as a welcome center or other public purposes.
- Parcel 2: Approximately 6.48 acres, shown on map "VICK-2024-02," for use as an interpretive center, museum, or other public purposes.
- Boundary Adjustment: Upon transfer, the Secretary must update the park's boundaries to exclude the conveyed lands.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a one-time modification to the boundaries of the Vicksburg National Military Park, established under prior federal law to preserve Civil War history.
- It shifts control of the specified lands from federal NPS management to state ownership, allowing state-led development for public benefit, which was not previously authorized for these parcels.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service will reduce its land holdings by about 10 acres, potentially lowering maintenance costs but requiring boundary updates and oversight of state use conditions. The Department of the Interior gains flexibility in park management.
- Citizens: Local residents and park visitors in Mississippi may benefit from improved state-operated facilities, enhancing education and tourism related to the site's Civil War significance. No direct costs or burdens on citizens.
- International Relations: None, as this is a domestic land management issue.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State of Mississippi: Primary beneficiary, gaining land for public infrastructure like visitor centers.
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Responsible for executing the transfer and boundary changes; loses direct control over the parcels.
- Local Community and Tourists: Indirectly affected through potential improvements to park access and interpretive resources.
- Congressional Sponsors: Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith, representing Mississippi interests.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The conveyance is authorized under federal property laws (e.g., those governing NPS lands), ensuring a straightforward transfer without compensation. Conditions on use protect historical integrity.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands and property clause powers.
- Political: Supports bipartisan local development in a historically significant site, potentially boosting tourism economy in Mississippi without major controversy or opposition noted in the bill text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-13: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act — issued 2025-03-13 — PDF (3 pages)