National Parks Group Applauds Progress to Expand Park Boundaries at Gettysburg National Military Park
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | February 29, 2012 |
| Contact: | Alison Zemanski, Media Relations Manager, National Parks Conservation Association
P: 202.454.3334;
C: 202.384.8762 Nicholas J. Lund, Civil War Associate, National Parks Conservation Association P: 202.454.3319 C:202.578.4251 |
National Parks Group Applauds Progress to Expand Park Boundaries at Gettysburg National Military Park
Bill will protect critical pieces of American history; spurs U.S. Senate to act now
Statement by NPCA Civil War Associate Nicholas Lund
“As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War, NPCA is pleased that H.R. 1335, a bill to protect places important to the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, is moving forward. The bill’s enactment will create a lasting legacy so that 150 years from now, Americans can learn about this remarkable time in our nation’s history, and visit these places where history happened.
“H.R. 1335 would add the Lincoln Train Station and 45 acres near the base of Big Round Top, the battlefield’s highest point, to Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. The beautifully restored train station, located in downtown Gettysburg, served to transport 15,000 injured soldiers in the aftermath of one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and was also where President Abraham Lincoln arrived the night before delivering the iconic Gettysburg Address. The 45-acre area was the site of several skirmishes during the first two days of the battle, and today protects critical wetland and wildlife habitat.
“These additions would support what is already a robust tourism economy in Gettysburg, which saw more than 1,030,000 visitors in 2010. A recent study released by the National Park Service found that visitors spent more than $63 million at Gettysburg in 2010 and supported more than 1,100 jobs. These numbers are expected to rise as the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg approaches in 2013. Moreover, because of the involvement of a key park partner, the Gettysburg Foundation, the costs to the National Park Service to acquire these properties will be significantly reduced.
“We thank Rep. Todd Platts and members of the House Natural Resources Committee for their leadership to secure Gettysburg’s legacy for our children and grandchildren to learn from and experience. We also thank Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, who have introduced similar legislation in the Senate. We urge these Pennsylvania leaders to work together to ensure enactment of the Gettysburg National Military Park bill this year as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of our nation’s seminal conflict.”
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