On April 23, 2013, Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) chaired hearings of the National Parks subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The hearings considered 14 bills, including S. 507, to designate the Manhattan Project National Historical Park; S. 285, to designate the Valles Caldera National Preserve as a unit of the National Park System; and two other bills that create national parks (in Connecticut and Rhode Island). The hearing focused on legislation that had hearings by the committee in the 112th Congress. Peggy O’Dell, Deputy Director for Operations of the National Park Service, and Ingrid Kolb, Director of the Office of Management for the Department of Energy, testified for the Administration.
Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), who was elected to former Senator Jeff Bingaman’s seat, thanked Bingaman for his efforts on the Valles Caldera and Manhattan Project National Historical Park legislation. Ingrid Kolb spoke about the Manhattan Project, its history, and the importance of bringing one of the most significant events of the twentieth century to a wider public audience. Peggy O’Dell reiterated the Department of Interior’s support for the proposed Manhattan Project National Historical Park. She explained that the annual cost of the new park would be $2.45 million to $4 million.
Senators Mark Udall, the chairman of the national parks subcommittee, and Rob Portman, the ranking member.Senators Mark Udall, the chairman of the national parks subcommittee, and Rob Portman, the ranking member.Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) expressed concern that the National Park Service had an eleven billion dollar maintenance backlog, and asked whether creating four new national parks was prudent. Ms. O’Dell responded that the communities involved in the four proposed new national parks were very supportive of the legislation, and that the National Park Service expects that the new parks will be an economic benefit to each region. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) also recognized the value of the parks to the local communities.
To watch the committee hearing, click here.
On April 24, the House Committee on Natural Resources will hold up a markup on various legislation, including the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act. We will be there and will keep our followers updated.