This Act expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into parts of West Virginia and additional Virginia counties while authorizing ongoing funding and administrative support for the region's preservation.
Jim Justice
Senator
WV
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the existing historic district to include four additional counties across Virginia and West Virginia. This legislation updates the district's management framework, authorizes dedicated annual funding for operations and land preservation, and requires a report on replicating this successful partnership model elsewhere in the National Park System.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields District to Add Four Counties and Secure $1.25M Annual Funding Starting in 2027.
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District is officially crossing state lines and growing its footprint. Under the newly proposed legislation, the district will expand beyond Virginia to include Rockbridge County, VA, and three West Virginia counties: Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan. This isn’t just a change on a map; it’s a significant move to preserve more Civil War history while locking in a permanent funding structure that bypasses some of the usual bureaucratic red tape associated with National Heritage Areas.
Crossing State Lines
By adding these four counties, the bill effectively turns the historic district into a multi-state partnership. For locals in places like Martinsburg, WV, or Lexington, VA, this means your backyard history is getting a promotion to the big leagues of federal preservation. The bill requires the management entity to update its master plan to include these new areas, focusing on "interpretive measures"—think better signage, educational programs, and preserved landscapes. If you’re a local business owner in these counties, this expansion is designed to drive heritage tourism directly to your doorstep by linking your local sites to the broader Shenandoah Valley story.
The Price of Preservation
Starting in fiscal year 2027, the bill puts real money on the table. It authorizes $1,250,000 annually for the management entity. This is split down the middle: $625,000 for day-to-day operations (keeping the lights on and staff working) and $625,000 specifically for maintaining battlefield parks and visitor facilities. Additionally, through 2033, the bill sets aside $2,500,000 per year for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition. Importantly for property owners, any land added to the district must come from "willing sellers," meaning the government isn't looking to seize your farm; they’re looking to buy it at a fair price if you’re looking to sell.
A New Model for the Feds
Section 2 of the bill makes it clear that this district is a bit of a maverick. It specifically exempts the Shenandoah Valley model from the standard funding formulas that apply to other National Heritage Areas. Instead, it mandates that funding must stay at least equal to 2026 levels indefinitely. The federal government is so interested in how this specific partnership works—where local management handles the heavy lifting with federal support—that the Secretary of the Interior has two years to write a report on how to copy-paste this success story to other parts of the National Park System. For the average citizen, this means more efficient management of local landmarks and a more stable future for the parks in your community.