Sponsors (13)
The bill strengthens federal protection, tribal recognition, and cultural-resource stewardship at Ocmulgee—boosting local tourism and tribal participation—while shifting land control and costs to the federal government and altering local taxation, jurisdiction, and some private land-use rights.
Tribal members and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation gain clearer federal recognition, legal status, and jurisdictional certainty because roughly 126 acres are placed into trust/Indian country and statutory definitions clarify the Tribe's role.
Cultural resources and landscapes (burial grounds, sacred sites, artifacts) receive stronger preservation and professional stewardship through NPS/USFWS management, inventories, and protections.
Tribal access to sacred and cultural sites and formal tribal input into site management are protected and strengthened (e.g., reserved access rights, tribal advisory seats), supporting religious practice and cultural stewardship.
Federal taxpayers and the federal budget face increased costs because the Act expands NPS/Preserve responsibilities, staff and management needs, trust-land administration, and authorizes future appropriations without a specific cap.
Non‑tribal residents, local governments, and law enforcement may see reduced state jurisdiction and changes to policing/justice arrangements where land is taken into trust or designated Indian country.
Local governments could lose property tax revenue when land is taken into trust, reducing funds for local services and shifting fiscal burdens.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Redesignates the Ocmulgee historic park as a national park, creates an adjacent preserve, authorizes non‑eminent‑domain land acquisitions, places 126 acres into tribal trust, and requires a management plan.
Official title: To establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 25, 2025 by Austin Scott · Last progress March 25, 2025
Redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as Ocmulgee Mounds National Park, authorizes creation of an adjacent Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve, and lets the Interior Secretary acquire land (but not by eminent domain) shown on an official map to complete the park and establish the preserve. The bill requires a management plan developed with an advisory council (including Tribal representatives), protects tribal cultural access and hiring preferences, places about 126 acres of Tribe-owned land into trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and authorizes whatever funds are necessary to carry out the law.