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Norton Bill Allowing D.C. to Work with NPS to Make Improvements to Franklin Park Scheduled for House Floor Consideration, Next Week

January 12, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that her bill that will help rehabilitate National Park Service (NPS) neighborhood parks in the District of Columbia is scheduled for consideration on the House floor on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, under fast track suspension of the rules. Her bill clarifies that D.C. and NPS have the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements to maintain and operate NPS properties in the city, such as Franklin Park. Under current federal law, NPS has the authority to enter into such agreements with states and other cities. The bill was passed unanimously by the Oversight and Government Reform and Natural Resources Committees, and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) cosponsored the bill. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who chairs the Senate committee of jurisdiction, introduced the Senate companion.

"The widespread bipartisan support we have garnered for our bill demonstrates how much of a win-win it is for the District of Columbia and the federal government," Norton said. "The rehabilitation of Franklin Park will be funded by a public-private partnership of the D.C. government and the Downtown Business Improvement District, and will provide residents, workers, and tourists with green space and new amenities. I am grateful to Senator Murkowski and Chairman Bishop for working closely with me to shepherd our bill through Congress, and I look forward to seeing it pass the House next week."