November 12, 2010
Joining with its partners in the Cultural Resources Preservation Coalition (CRPC), the AIA is encouraging the 111th Congress to pass a bipartisan Omnibus Lands Bill that will move forward the many bills intended to protect public lands in the United States. Cultural, historical, and natural preservation organizations have joined their voices by submitting a letter calling for action to conserve cultural resources and the environment, and also to stimulate economic growth through responsible recreation and tourism.
In March 2009, Congress passed the first Public Lands Omnibus Bill affecting over 100 public lands, trails, and water bills. The CRPC members represented in the letter now encourage Congress to pass a second Omnibus Lands Bill during the lame duck session of Congress this fall. Highlights of this legislation could include: the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2010 (sponsored by Senator Hutchinson (R-Texas) and already passed by the House of Representatives); the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act (sponsored by Representative Kirkpatrick (D-Arizona)); the Gettysburg National Military Park Expansion Act of 2010 (sponsored by Senator Casey (D-Pennsylvania) and already passed by the House of Representatives); the Chimney Rock National Monument Act (sponsored by Senator Bennet (D-Colorado) and Representative Salazar (D-Colorado)); the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park Act (sponsored by Representative Arcuri (D-New York)); and many more.
With some luck, we may see San Antonio Missions National Historical Park’s boundaries expanded by the time AIA members descend on San Antonio for the AIA’s 112th Annual Meeting January 6-9, 2011!
