Murkowski Introduces Bill to Authorize Cooperative Management Agreements Between District of Columbia and the National Park Service
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, recently introduced a bill that authorizes the District of Columbia (District) to enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) with the National Park Service (NPS) to more efficiently manage park sites across the District. The bill, S. 1956, is the companion bill to H.R. 2897, which was introduced in June by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.
“Both the District and the Park Service share the mutual goal of providing better, more cost-effective management of our park sites across the nation’s capital,” said Murkowski. “S. 1956 would facilitate the implementation of this goal by extending authority to the District to enter into cooperative management agreements. Residents and visitors will reap the benefits of these agreements, starting with Franklin Park.”
“I am grateful to my friend Senator Lisa Murkowski for introducing her Senate companion bill supporting the District’s efforts to work with NPS to rehabilitate Franklin Park and other underfunded NPS properties across the nation’s capital,” said Norton. “This legislation is a big win for the federal government and the District and will allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy greenspace and amenities right in downtown D.C. Our House bill has already been passed by two committees and is on its way to the floor. I look forward to working with Senator Murkowski to advance this noncontroversial bill through Congress.”
“S. 1956 will enable the District to move forward on projects that will improve Washington, DC for residents, visitors, and businesses, and we are pleased to collaborate with Senator Murkowski on this legislation,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, D-D.C. “With the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements, the District and the National Park Service will be able to restore urban spaces like Franklin Park so that they better represent and reflect the strength and grandeur of our nation’s capital.”
Murkowski is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Click here to view the text of the bill.
