Delaware, the only state in the country lacking a national park, would finally have one under legislation introduced yesterday by its congressional delegation.
The proposed park, to be dubbed "First State National Historical Park," would have a central headquarters in New Castle and connect to a series of historic sites and attractions across the state.
Democratic Sens. Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman and Rep. Mike Castle (R) said the bill came as a result of years of local studies and meetings.
"In the future, families from all over the country -- and all over the world -- will be able to consider a trip to Delaware to visit our national park," Carper said. "Those trips will be a significant boost to our economy and will teach new generations of Americans about Delaware's rich cultural heritage and Delaware's impacts on our nation's history."
The legislation recommends creation of a grant program that would be available to the sites and authorizes $3 million for grants to the state, cities and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate existing structures to serve as administrative and visitor services facilities for the park.
It also authorizes $2.5 million for grants to the state, cities, private property owners and nonprofit organizations for historic preservation, restoration of resources and installation of exhibits in the park.
If the bill passes, there would be additional steps including a National Park Service management study to determine the best way to organize and staff the park, the lawmakers said.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar welcomes the idea of a national park in Delaware. In May he attended an event with the lawmakers and other federal officials to unveil a blueprint for the park
