[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25372]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCING THE FIRST STATE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join Senators Carper and 
Kaufman in introducing the First State National Historical Park Act, 
which authorizes a National Historical Park in Delaware. The U.S. 
National Park Service concluded its Special Resource Study in January 
2009 and recommended that such a park be created in Delaware. The 
National Historical Park would be in partnership with the State 
celebrating Delaware's early Dutch, Swedish and English Settlements and 
the events leading up to the state's role in the founding of our 
nation; it will be comprised of sites associated with early settlement 
and the people and events leading up to the signing of the U.S. 
Constitution.
  From recreation to exploring history and culture, and discovering the 
natural resources, the benefits of the National Parks Service are many. 
I have been pleased to work over the last several years with Senator 
Carper to advance Delaware's effort in gaining a National Park. With 
the introduction of the First State National Historical Park Act, 
Delaware is one step from realizing this goal. A National Historical 
Park that takes visitors to sites rich in history throughout Delaware 
will greatly enhance the public's understanding of all the First State 
has to offer--putting us firmly on the ``park'' map once and for all.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate 
in passing this important legislation.

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