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The U.S. House has passed a bill authored by Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, which would enhance Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (INDU). On Tuesday the House voted 376 to 11 to pass H.R. 1423, according to a statement released by Visclosky’s office. That bill would permit, but would not require, the Secretary of the Interior to accept donations of lands located outside INDU’s present boundaries, if those lands are contiguous with the park or separated only by a right-of-way. At present the Secretary of the Interior may not accept such donations and Visclosky’s bill makes a minor technical correction to allow at-will donations. “The change has no fiscal impact and will allow the nature treasure to expand by the generosity of those wishing to enhance the Lakeshore,” the statement said. The bill would also authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint partnership with Porter County to improve services at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center. “The partnership will allow the National Park Service and the Porter County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission to develop a plan to maximize the efficiency of the Visitor Center and enhance the visitor experience,” the statement said. “The bill also authorizes $1.5 million to develop exhibits for the Visitor Center.” “The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a great natural treasure,” Visclosky said. “The Lakeshore is relatively new as a park, but it continues to mature. I am happy that the House approved my bill to help preserve, protect, and restore the Lakeshore and surrounding environment for everybody’s benefit. Continuing efforts to protect the unique dunes ecosystem will make Northwest Indiana a better place to live for both current and future generations.” “This legislation helps protect and enhance the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore,” said Tom Anderson, executive director of the Save the Dunes Council. “Save the Dunes Council is very pleased that the Dorothy Buell provision is included in this legislation since she was our founder. Once again we thank Congressman Visclosky for his leadership and tireless effort on behalf of the residents of Northwest Indiana.” “I take great pleasure in helping the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore mature so that more people can access it and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and the Dunes,” Visclosky said. “Northwest Indiana’s Dunes are a natural wonder that enhance the quality of life for all residents in Northwest Indiana, especially since everybody has access to them. I am grateful to those in Northwest Indiana and in Congress who worked with me to pass this important legislation and hope it gets swift approval by the Senate so that the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore can become an even better place.”
Posted 7/9/2008
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