U.S. Senator Susan Collins today lauded passage of legislation, in the House of Representatives, to improve Acadia National Park. This legislation, which is the companion version of a bill that Senator Collins authored and has introduced in the Senate, would authorize funds to purchase land, enhance plans to reduce traffic on Mount Desert Island, and extend a forum for residents’ input on the future of the national park. Senator Collins’ legislation passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on January 22, 2008 and will now be considered by the full Senate.
“House passage of this legislation is another major step toward final passage of the Acadia National Park Improvement Act,” said Senator Collins. “Acadia is a true gem of the Maine coastline. The park is one of Maine’s most popular tourist destinations, with more than two million visitors every year. We must work to preserve sensitive lands, and reduce traffic around the park, to help ensure that it remain healthy and pristine.”
Specifically, Senator Collins’ legislation would extend the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission for 20 additional years, increases the land acquisition ceiling by $10 million and authorizes the Secretary of Interior to participate in and spend appropriated monies to participate in work on an off-island intermodal transportation facility.
The full Senate is expected to consider Senator Collins’ legislation in the next several weeks.