Sponsor
Addison Mitchell McConnell
Senator · R-KY
Senator · R-KY
The bill expands and protects Mammoth Cave—boosting recreation, conservation, and local tourism—while shifting land control and management costs toward the federal government and limiting some private landowner rights and local tax bases.
Residents and visitors near Mammoth Cave (rural communities and park visitors) gain expanded public access and recreation as the park increases by about 551 acres.
The park's southern boundary expansion protects additional natural and cultural resources (habitats and cave-related features), preserving biodiversity and heritage in the region.
Local economies and businesses near the park are likely to see increased tourism and related spending from the expanded national park.
Private landowners within the mapped expansion area may face required land sales, easement negotiations, or loss of development rights, constraining their property options.
Taxpayers could incur higher federal land-management costs (maintenance, staffing) to manage the additional park acreage, with no dedicated funding specified.
Local governments may lose property tax revenue if privately owned parcels become federally owned and tax-exempt, reducing local budgets for services.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes the Interior Secretary to acquire about 551.14 acres shown on a May 2025 map to add to Mammoth Cave National Park.
Official title: Modify the boundary of the Mammoth Cave National Park in the State of Kentucky, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 8, 2025 by Addison Mitchell McConnell · Last progress May 8, 2025
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire about 551.14 acres (and interests in land) shown on a specified May 2025 map for inclusion in Mammoth Cave National Park. It adds this land-acquisition authority into existing law governing the park's boundary. The bill only sets the legal authority to acquire the land; it does not specify funding amounts, acquisition timelines, compensation details, or deadlines. Implementation would follow the Department of the Interior's normal land-acquisition procedures under existing park law.