Sponsors (10)
The bill permanently protects and interprets Fort Monroe—bringing tourism, conservation, education, and partnership funding benefits—while imposing development limits, coordination and compliance costs, and shared fiscal responsibilities on local owners and governments.
Local communities, nearby businesses, and property owners will see increased tourism and economic activity as Fort Monroe becomes a National Historical Park and through opportunities for donated land/funds and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Students, visitors, and schools/universities will gain improved access to interpreted history about early English North America and Civil War events (including the 1861 Contraband Decision and United States Colored Troops).
The park’s natural and recreational resources will be preserved and permanently protected through NPS authority to acquire land from willing sellers and accept donated funds for acquisitions.
Homeowners and local property owners will face restrictions on development and exterior changes—limiting redevelopment, facade alterations, or demolition unless mutual agreements are reached.
Local governments, private owners, and taxpayers may bear significant fiscal burdens because federal support is limited (e.g., 50% cost‑share) and ongoing park operations and acquisitions can increase spending obligations.
Residents, state and local authorities, and project proponents may face slower projects and higher compliance/enforcement costs due to jurisdictional complexity, required Secretary’s Standards, and section 106 reviews.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Converts Fort Monroe National Monument into a National Historical Park, incorporates its lands, sets boundaries, allows willing-seller acquisitions, and authorizes cooperative preservation agreements with up to 50% federal cost-share.
Introduced February 25, 2025 by Robert C. Scott · Last progress February 25, 2025
Creates a new Fort Monroe National Historical Park in Virginia by converting the existing Fort Monroe National Monument into a National Historical Park, incorporating the monument’s lands and any unobligated monument funds. The bill sets park boundaries by a referenced map, lets the Interior Department acquire land or interests from willing sellers, allows cooperative preservation agreements with state and local partners with up to 50% federal cost-share, and preserves existing federal, Commonwealth, and local authorities over law enforcement and land use within the park.