Norton Testimony Moves Her Mall Bill Forward (5/20/08)

Washington, D.C. î º Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) was the first witness to testify today before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands at a hearing titled: "The Future of the National Mall." Norton who asked that the bill proceed to mark-up, wants to use low cost amenities to convert "the dull, barren Mall of today into a lively, people-friendly park for residents, workers and tourists." Norton testified that "the National Mall is one of the nation's best known and most treasured sites, and also Washington's most neglected and undervalued. The Mall lacks everything that a majestic natural wonder deserves, from an official identity to necessary amenities."

Norton requested the hearing in a letter to Chairman Raul M. Grijalva following the introduction of HR 3880, The Mall Revitalization and Re-designation Act. The bill authorizes the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to officially designate and expand the boundaries of the Mall and requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to enhance visitor enjoyment and cultural experiences within 180 days of passage of the bill. Norton worked closely with NCPC and other agencies in framing the Mall designation and expansion section of the bill in keeping with its National Capital Framework Plan.

The Norton bill is the first step in her effort to focus the Congress on "giving the Mall its due after decades of neglect and indifference." The bill requires simple steps that can be taken now to bring the Mall up to a minimum standard, including restrooms, healthy places to eat, and free entertainment by performing artists. She went to the Mall with musicians playing jazz to introduce the bill.

HR 3088 carries out the NCPC plans to expand the boundaries of the Mall and goes further in allowing the NCPC to do future expansion, which Norton believes will enhance neighborhood tourism.

"With the powerful draw of the baseball stadium, and current redevelopment of the ‘Yards,' authorized by my SE Federal Center bill, as well as the planned southwest waterfront development, there is more to see and a special boon to D.C.'s indispensible tourist sector," Norton said. "However to take full advantage of new opportunities we will have to change the understanding of the Mall to encompass larger territory."

This is the first House hearing to examine expanding and enlivening the Mall. The Congresswoman requested the hearing to coincide with the comments periods on the plans of the various agencies involved in creating a vision for a 21st century Mall. Both the NCPC and the National Park Service anticipate releasing final plans in the fall of 2008.

HR 3088 reflects not only Norton's federal interest in the Mall, but her continuing efforts to attract all important tourist dollars to the city. Norton also has introduced two bills necessary to improve the Mall's most prominent neighbor, the Smithsonian Institution. H.R. 4098, The Smithsonian Modernization Act, would bring the Smithsonian into this century by giving it a governing board that meets modern standards and is free and equipped to raise urgently needed funds. HR 5424, The Smithsonian Free Admission Act, is important to preserve the long-standing requirements and tradition of access to Smithsonian museums and exhibits without admission charges.

See https://resourcescommittee.house.gov for Norton testimony outlining her bill and its purposes.

https://resourcescommittee.house.gov for Norton testimony outlining her bill and its purposes.