Background:

Ongoing efforts to protect San Antonio Missions National Historical Park were advanced today with the introduction of H.R. 3100, the San Antonio Missions Boundary Expansion Act, by Representative Francisco Canseco (TX). The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of lands within Bexar and Wilson counties suitable for inclusion within the boundaries of the park and would expand the Missions by approximately 151 acres. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced S. 114, the Senate version of the San Antonio Missions Boundary Expansion Act, in January of this year.

Statement by NPCA Texas Regional Director Suzanne Dixon:

“San Antonio Missions is more than a tourist attraction. The Missions are also a focal point for the local community. Introduction and passage of the San Antonio Missions Boundary Expansion Act will make the park an even more powerful economic neighbor. The National Parks Conservation Association is supportive of this important legislation and Representative Canseco deserves great praise for his leadership on this matter.

“An economic impact study for San Antonio Missions NHP recently released by NPCA found that in 2009 every dollar invested in the park generated $20 locally. The study also confirmed that the type of boundary expansion called for by H.R. 3100 would help to more than double the economic impact of the Missions by the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016.

“By taking care of the Missions we ensure a vibrant economy for San Antonio and the preservation of invaluable world-class resources that help us to more fully understand the role of Spanish frontier missions in American history. This legislation enhances the ability of the National Park Service to protect and preserve the Missions and improve the quality of the experience for the nearly 2 million annual visitors expected over the next five years. It is our hope that Congress will now move to pass this legislation in the most timely fashion possible.”

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