[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IMPROVEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2017

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the District of Columbia 
National Park Service Improvement Act, a bill that would clarify that 
D.C. has the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements 
(CMAs) with the National Park Service (NPS) to maintain and invest in 
NPS properties in the city. NPS is the steward for many of our 
country's most beautiful natural wonders, but they are uniquely 
responsible for most of the small, urban parks here in the District. 
Given NPS's limited budget and resources, we should be encouraging 
local jurisdictions to work collaboratively with NPS to make sure that 
our national parks are being cared for. States have already explored 
these opportunities, but my bill would remove any doubt that the 
District has the same authority as the states to enter into CMAs with 
NPS.
  The city already has plans to enter into a CMA with NPS to take over 
operational jurisdiction of Franklin Park, an NPS park in downtown D.C. 
that has seen better days. The city plans to work with the Downtown 
Business Improvement District to transform the park to its former glory 
by ensuring regular maintenance and providing amenities such as food, 
gardens, and other services. As the city's downtown core has grown to 
include more housing, businesses, and workers, the need for green space 
has also grown. The city's plans for Franklin Park are a model for what 
can be done when local jurisdictions get creative about protecting and 
improving our nation's parks.
  My bill is uncontroversial and simply clarifies that the District can 
provide financial support. to NPS in order to maintain their property. 
This is a win for the city, the federal government, and all those who 
live in or visit the District and enjoy our NPS parks. I urge my 
colleagues to support this bill.

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