Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Bipartisan Legislation Authorizing Land Transfer for Visitor Center, Structural Improvements Headed to the President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today celebrated unanimous Senate approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act, clearing it to be sent to President Trump.
This legislation (HR.4467) directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to convey property to the State of Mississippi for the construction of an interpretive visitor center and to make necessary structural improvements around the park. Wicker and Hyde-Smith sponsored the Senate companion bill (S.1016).
“Every generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation’s history for the ones that follow,” said Senator Wicker. “The Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi’s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.”
“This is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi’s most visited and treasured parks.”
The legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring approximately seven acres to the State of Mississippi. The state has committed $40 million to fund an interactive educational and visitor center in conjunction with Friends of Vicksburg Military Park. In addition, the state plans to build and maintain a connector road to make the new center accessible for park visitors.
“This was a great example of Mississippi’s team approach,” said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson all played vital roles in advancing this legislation. This transfer from the federal government to the state is just one more step toward the public/private partnership that will elevate the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center.”
“The Vicksburg National Military Park is a critical driver of our local economy but we know that impact could be so much more,” said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. “Our plans for a new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center will tell the full story of this pivotal part of our nation’s history. We are so thankful to our whole Congressional delegation for securing this land transfer bill and allowing us to move forward with our plans.”
The Siege of Vicksburg represents a marquee moment in Mississippi history and a turning point in the Civil War. To commemorate this pivotal event, Congress in 1899 established a national park in Vicksburg, which the National Park Service has overseen and managed since 1933.
MageeNews.com is the source of news and views for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
