S.432 - Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.432, the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act, seeks to establish a new unit within the National Park System in New York. The park's purpose is to preserve and interpret the history of the 982 Holocaust refugees housed at Fort Ontario during World War II. The bill outlines the process for land acquisition, administration, and the creation of a management plan for the park.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, will lead to the creation of a National Historical Park dedicated to the memory of Holocaust refugees. This will involve federal management of the site and potential cooperative agreements with state and private entities. The establishment of the park is contingent on the Secretary of the Interior acquiring sufficient land.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of a site of historical significance related to Holocaust refugees.
- Educational opportunities for present and future generations about this period.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area.
- Federal protection and management of the site's resources.
- Potential for cooperative agreements to enhance interpretive and educational services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with land acquisition, development, and ongoing maintenance of the park.
- Possible displacement or impact on existing land use within the proposed boundary.
- Administrative burden on the National Park Service.
- Potential for disagreements between federal, state, and local entities regarding management of the park.
- Limited impact beyond the immediate region of Fort Ontario.
Constitutional Alignment
The establishment of a National Historical Park falls under the powers granted to Congress through the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the US Constitution, which allows Congress to regulate federal property. Additionally, the bill's purpose of preserving historical sites aligns with the general welfare clause (Preamble). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).