Designates the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System, managed by the George C. Marshall International Center, to preserve and interpret its historical significance.
Suhas Subramanyam
Representative
VA-10
This bill designates the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System, to be managed by the George C. Marshall International Center. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance for the House's marketing, interpretation, and preservation through cooperative agreements. The bill ensures that the designation does not allow for federal acquisition of property, managerial or financial responsibility, or create buffer zones impacting private property rights near the House.
General George C. Marshall House Designated as National Park System Affiliated Area: Preservation and Tourism Boost Expected
The General George C. Marshall House in Virginia is now officially an affiliated area of the National Park System. This means the site, managed by The George C. Marshall International Center, is recognized for its historical significance, but it won't be federally owned or run.
What This Means for the Marshall House
This designation, outlined in SEC. 1, opens doors for potential support. The Secretary of the Interior can offer technical and financial help for things like marketing, educational displays, and preservation efforts. Think of it as a possible boost for upkeep and getting the word out, but the day-to-day operations stay with the Marshall International Center.
Example: Imagine the Center wanting to create a new interactive exhibit about Marshall's life. They could potentially apply for federal assistance to help make it happen, thanks to this new status.
Keeping Things Local
Importantly, the bill is clear that the federal government won't be taking over. SEC. 1 specifically states the Secretary can't acquire the property or be responsible for its management or finances. This keeps control, and responsibility, in local hands.
Protecting Neighbors
The bill also addresses concerns of nearby property owners. It explicitly protects their land use rights and states that no buffer zones will be created around the House. So, if you live nearby, this designation won't change what you can do on your property, and it will not regulate outside activities based on whether they can be seen or heard from within the house.
Example: A homeowner near the Marshall House wants to build an addition to their home. This bill ensures that the new designation won't create extra hurdles or restrictions for them.
The Bigger Picture
This move could bring more tourists to the area, potentially boosting local businesses. It also ensures the long-term preservation of a site connected to a major historical figure. While the bill primarily focuses on administrative and management details, the real-world impact could be a more vibrant and accessible piece of American history.