US Senator Johnny Isakson introduced Senate Bill 1636 – Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Boundary Revision Act of 2015 in June of this year. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. With any luck, the bill will be sent to the floor of the Senate by the committee before the session is over. Earlier this summer, the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands heard Representatives Biship and Scott read H.R. 482 and you can watch the webcast by clicking here and clicking the link that says “Watch the Archived Hearing Webcast”.

US Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop re-introduced legislation on Thursday concerning the proposed expansion of Ocmulgee Mounds into Georgia’s first National Park. This early 2015 effort sets the stage for what supporters hope will be a more successful campaign than last year. The bill, titled HR 482: the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2015, seeks to expand the area of the park from roughly 700 to 2,000 acres, change the name of the park, and allow for a study for future expansion and management of natural and cultural resources.

More Information:

Senate Bill 1636: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1696/

House Resolution 4991: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/482/

Ocmulgee National Monument: http://www.nps.gov/ocmu/index.htm

Ocmulgee National Park and Preservation Initiative: http://www.ocmulgeepark.org/

Posted online on Saturday, August 1st, 2015