Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1161
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-15T15:08:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to redesignate the existing Salem Maritime National Historic Site as a national historical park to better reflect its significance and to initiate a study for potential boundary expansions that could incorporate additional historical sites related to maritime, coastal defense, and military history in Salem, Massachusetts.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is titled the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act."
- Redesignation: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is renamed the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park." All references to the original name in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, and records are automatically updated to the new name.
- Boundary Study: The Secretary of the Interior must conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of adding sites and resources in the "study area" (Salem, Massachusetts, and its vicinity, including the Salem Armory Visitor Center building and adjacent Salem Armory Park) to the park. The study focuses on areas linked to:
- Maritime history.
- Coastal defenses.
- Military history, including National Guard and militia activities.
- Reporting Requirement: Within 3 years of receiving funds for the study, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The report includes the study's results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is the official redesignation from "National Historic Site" to "National Historical Park," which updates the site's legal name and all related references but does not alter its core protections or management under the National Park System.
- Introduces a new mandate for a boundary study, which could lead to future expansions if recommended, but does not immediately change boundaries or add new sites.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and National Park Service will need to update administrative documents, signage, and references; the boundary study may require resource allocation for research and reporting, potentially leading to expanded management responsibilities if sites are added.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Residents and visitors in Salem, Massachusetts, could benefit from enhanced historical preservation, tourism promotion, and educational opportunities related to local maritime and military heritage. No direct negative impacts on citizens are outlined.
- International Relations: None apparent, as the bill focuses on domestic historical site management.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior, National Park Service (for implementation and study), and congressional committees (for oversight and review of the report).
- Local Entities: City of Salem, Massachusetts, including officials managing the Salem Armory Visitor Center and Park; historical societies and preservation groups focused on maritime and military history.
- Public: Tourists, educators, historians, and the general public interested in U.S. national parks and historical sites.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The redesignation is straightforward and administrative, ensuring continuity in legal protections under the National Park Service Organic Act (which governs park management). The boundary study follows standard procedures for evaluating National Park System additions, without mandating expansion.
- Constitutional: No significant implications; it aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to manage federal lands and historical sites.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support for cultural preservation in New England, potentially increasing federal funding for the site. The study provides a framework for future legislative action on expansions, highlighting regional historical narratives like early American maritime trade and defense.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act — issued 2025-03-26 — PDF (3 pages)