Sponsors (4)
The bill transfers two small parcels to Mississippi so the State can improve visitor access and assume maintenance (reducing federal burden), but does so at the cost of reduced federal stewardship and with risks that state development could harm park resources or limit future park management.
Park visitors, local communities, and tourists will get improved public access and amenities (parking, trails, interpretive facilities) that enhance recreational and educational experiences at Vicksburg National Military Park.
The State of Mississippi gains the ability to develop two nearby parcels (≈1.69 and 5.74 acres) to provide visitor amenities and management tailored to local needs.
Federal agencies and taxpayers face reduced federal maintenance and management responsibilities for these parcels because ownership and upkeep transfer to the State at no cost to the federal government.
Park visitors and nearby communities risk degraded park resources or a poorer visitor experience if State development harms adjacent park lands or if restrictions are insufficiently enforced.
State control of the conveyed parcels could limit future park-led conservation, programming, or interpretive decisions, reducing the National Park Service's ability to manage the park cohesively.
Transferring federally owned land to the State reduces federal stewardship of protected land and could set a precedent for additional conveyances that shrink federally protected holdings.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Conveys two specified in-park federal parcels (~7.43 acres total) to Mississippi, removes them from the park boundary, and limits use to public access and visitor enhancements.
Conveys two small parcels (about 1.69 and 5.74 acres) of federal land inside Vicksburg National Military Park to the State of Mississippi by quitclaim deed at no cost, removes those parcels from the park boundary, and requires the lands be used to improve public access and visitor experience consistent with the park's mission. The conveyed lands cannot be used in ways that harm park resources or visitor experience and are subject to any use restrictions the Interior Secretary deems appropriate.
Official title: To modify the boundary of the Vicksburg National Military Park in the State of Mississippi, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 16, 2025 by Bennie Thompson · Last progress March 17, 2026