Sponsor
Seth Moulton
Representative · D-MA
Representative · D-MA
The bill increases local recognition, tourism, preservation support, and administrative clarity for historic sites but imposes modest federal and local costs, potential infrastructure strain, possible land‑use constraints for property owners, and delays while a multi-year study proceeds.
Residents, visitors, and local businesses in Salem and nearby urban communities gain increased recognition, tourism, and potential National Park protections when sites are designated or added, supporting local economies and visitor services.
Local historic sites, schools, and universities receive federal preservation support and technical assistance for maritime and military history resources, helping conserve cultural assets and supporting education/research.
Federal employees, local governments, and the public get clearer naming, administrative consistency, and a required report to Congress with a 3-year timeline, reducing legal confusion and increasing transparency around decisions.
Residents and nearby communities may face increased traffic, wear on local infrastructure, and higher maintenance needs as visitor numbers grow.
Homeowners and local governments could face new land-use constraints and additional compliance requirements if sites are added to the National Park, which can limit local control over affected properties.
Taxpayers and Department of the Interior priorities could be affected because the required study and any implementation will use federal funds and staff, potentially diverting resources from other projects.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Renames the Salem Maritime site as a National Historical Park and directs an Interior boundary study to evaluate adding nearby maritime and military-history sites, with a report due within three years of funding.
Renames the existing Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park and treats any legal or administrative reference to the old name as referring to the new name. It also directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of expanding the park boundary to include nearby maritime, coastal defense, and military-history sites (including National Guard and militia-related resources) within a defined Salem-area study area and to report findings and recommendations to relevant congressional committees no later than three years after funds are made available for the study.
Official title: To redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park", and for other purposes.
Introduced March 18, 2025 by Seth Moulton · Last progress July 15, 2025