Sponsor
Seth Moulton
Representative · D-MA
Representative · D-MA
The bill standardizes a park name and requires a federal study that could preserve historic resources and boost tourism, at the cost of modest administrative updates now and the potential for increased federal oversight, spending, and development constraints if sites are added to the National Park System.
Local communities, visitors, and tourism-related businesses will benefit from a consistent, official park name that reduces public confusion and improves signage and promotion.
Federal, state, and local agencies and mapmakers can rely on existing legal references to cover the park's new name without additional legislation, simplifying record-keeping and administrative processes.
A federally funded study will identify maritime and military historic resources and options for adding sites to the National Park System, enabling preservation, heritage interpretation, and potential tourism-driven economic benefits for nearby communities.
Homeowners and property owners in the study area could face increased federal oversight and land-use restrictions if sites are designated, limiting private land uses.
Local planning and economic development could be constrained by preservation priorities if the study recommends inclusion, potentially slowing growth or altering development plans for small businesses and municipalities.
Taxpayers would bear the cost of conducting the study and any additional federal management if Congress approves expansions, increasing federal spending.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Renames the site to Salem Maritime National Historical Park and directs a study on adding nearby Salem maritime and military sites to the park, with a report due within 3 years after funding.
Renames the federal unit known as the "Salem Maritime National Historic Site" to the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park" and directs the Secretary of the Interior to study whether to add nearby sites and resources in a defined Salem, Massachusetts area (including the Salem Armory Visitor Center and adjacent park) to the National Park System as part of the renamed park. The Secretary must report the study’s findings and recommendations to two congressional committees within three years after funds are made available to carry out the study.
Introduced March 18, 2025 by Seth Moulton · Last progress July 15, 2025