WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that legislation he authored, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, was included in S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a package of over 100 bills relating to public lands, natural resources and water projects. Today S. 47 passed the Senate by a vote of 92-8, and now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“The inclusion of this measure will help make certain our state’s and nation’s history will be kept alive for the next generation,” said Sen. Moran. “Thank you to the Fort Scott community leaders who have worked with me to ensure the Fort Scott National Historic Site is safe and enjoyable for all visitors. From American expansion westward into the new frontier, to ‘Bleeding Kansas’ and the Civil War, Fort Scott’s history should be preserved for the benefit of Kansans and all Americans.”

The Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act would improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kan. by allowing the care of the Lunette Blair Civil War Block House to be transferred to the National Park Service (NPS). Additionally, it would modify the site’s boundaries so future improvements could be made to enrich the quality of visitors’ experiences. Site managers indicated the location lacks an adequate public emergency shelter. Specifically, a shelter is needed in the event of severe weather to protect volunteers and regular visitors, such as local school children. The potential future purchase of buildings in the site’s new boundaries could be used for other functions, such as an on-site storage area for artifacts currently stored outside the community due to space limitations, or as an educational center for visitors and local schools.

Items to note:

• On September 29, 2015, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
• On January 23, 2017, Sen. Moran reintroduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
• A provision authored by Sen. Moran to extend authorization for the Equus Beds in Wichita was also included in the Lands Package.
  
  

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