Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act

This bill, the Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a special resource study of three Illinois sites—the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds. The study’s purpose is to evaluate the national significance of the sites, assess the feasibility and suitability of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System, and consider other preservation and interpretation options (including Federal, State, local government roles or private/nonprofit ownership/management). The Secretary would consult with interested parties and develop cost estimates for each preservation alternative. A report detailing the study’s results, conclusions, and recommendations would be due within three years of funds becoming available. The study must be conducted in accordance with a specific provision of the 54 U.S.C. (National Parks) framework. The bill also codifies (in its findings) the substantial historical importance of Cahokia Mounds as a major Mississippian culture hub, noting its size, population, mound construction, and its roles as an early urban center and trade network. The Study Area is narrowly defined to include the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds. Overall, the act sets up a federal, fact-finding process to determine whether these sites should receive formal National Park System designation or pursue alternative preservation paths.