National Garden for America’s 250th Anniversary Act
This bill authorizes the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to establish a National Garden of American Heroes, a statuary park intended to honor individuals or groups. The Task Force would be responsible for all planning, design, construction, land acquisition, environmental reviews, and related work. A rapid construction timeline is set, aiming to commence by July 4, 2026, but only after the Secretary of the Interior approves the Garden’s location. The Garden could be placed on Federal land in the Reserve or, if not on Federal land, land could be acquired from States, local or Tribal governments, or private landowners. Private contributions are encouraged, and a National Garden Fund would manage such contributions, interest, and any investments, with funds used for administration, establishment, and maintenance. The bill also authorizes a potential visitation fee to support ongoing maintenance and requires regular reports to Congress on establishment and maintenance progress.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and scope
- 2- The White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday would establish the National Garden of American Heroes (a statuary park) and handle all related work (planning, design, building, permitting, environmental reviews, etc.).
- 3Location and land use
- 4- The Garden can be located in the Reserve (overriding certain federal land-use limitations) and may be placed on Federal land or land acquired from States, local governments, Tribal governments, or private landowners, if not on Federal land. The Garden may commemorate any individual or group.
- 5Funding and finances
- 6- Private contributions would be solicited and accepted. A National Garden Fund would be created in the Treasury to receive contributions, earnings, and interest, and to hold investments not needed for current expenses. Funds would be available to the Interior Department for administration, to the Task Force for construction, and to the National Park Service for ongoing maintenance after the Garden opens.
- 7Timeline and construction
- 8- Construction should begin by July 4, 2026 to the maximum extent practicable, but only after Interior approval of the location. If that target is not feasible, the Task Force must provide a revised timeline to Congress.
- 9Fees and oversight
- 10- A visitation fee could be charged if funds in the National Garden Fund are insufficient for maintenance, with fees used solely for maintenance. The bill requires ongoing reports to Congress on establishment and maintenance, including location plans, design, budgets, timelines, staffing, operations, visitation, safety, security, and fund use.