Reauthorizing the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission (S. 476)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is S. 476?
(Updated November 13, 2014)
This bill was enacted on September 26, 2014
S. 476 would extend the authorization of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission for another 10 years. The Commission’s authority expired in 2011.
Currently, the Commission advises the Secretary
of the Interior on matters relating to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It was created in 1971 as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Development Act.
It has 19 members, two of which are appointed/recommended by the Mayor. None of these members receive a paid stipend or salary. Every 10 years, Congress must reauthorize the Commission's authority — if S. 476 passes, this would be the fifth re-authorization.
Argument in favor
Reauthorizes the authority for a low-cost commission that helps inform the decisions made by the Secretary of the Interior on matters relating to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
Argument opposed
After four authorizations, and years of advice from the commission, it would seem that the Secretary of the Interior can make informed choices that affect the canal.
Impact
People who use the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal for recreation, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park Commission,
Cost of S. 476
A CBO cost estimate found that implementing S. 476 would have no significant effect on the federal budget.
Additional Info
In Depth:
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is 184 miles long and covers 20,000 acres along the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The Park has a watered canal, paths along its banks, and hundreds of historic structures. Almost 5 million people visited the Historical Park, making it Maryland’s most popular National Park and one of the top 10 most visited spots of the National Park System.
Media:
Sponsoring Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) Press Release
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