Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act
This bill redesignates the existing Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. In addition, it requires a boundary study to assess whether nearby sites and resources (related to maritime history, coastal defenses, and military history including National Guard and militia activity) should be included in the National Park System as part of the redesigned park. The study would cover Salem, Massachusetts and its vicinity, and includes the Salem Armory Visitor Center building and adjacent Armory Park. A report detailing the study results and recommendations would be due within three years after funds are made available. In short, the bill changes the park’s designation and sets in motion a formal study to potentially expand the park’s boundaries to include related historical resources, with a formal report to Congress and relevant committees after a three-year period.
Key Points
- 1Redesignation: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site would be renamed the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.
- 2Legal references updated: Any legal references to the old name would be updated to reflect the new park name.
- 3Boundary study authorization: The Secretary of the Interior must conduct a boundary study to evaluate including additional sites and resources in the National Park System as part of the redesigned park.
- 4Study scope: The study focuses on sites related to maritime history, coastal defenses, and military history (including National Guard and militia activity) within the study area.
- 5Reporting requirement: A report detailing the study results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources within three years after funds are made available.