Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives adopted S. 2020 last night, a bill introduced earlier this year in the Senate by Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), to adjust the boundary of the Natchez Trace Parkway to add approximately 230 acres of land.

"My interest in the Natchez Trace Parkway began back in 1973 when, as a new member of Congress, I introduced my first bill, H.R. 3074, to provide funds to complete the Parkway," Cochran said. "I am pleased the Congress has approved this bill which will protect the scenic beauty of the Trace."

The legislation authorizes 150 acres to be used for an alternative alignment of the roadway terminus to Liberty Road in Natchez and 80 acres for inclusion of Emerald Mound, the second largest Indian mound in North America, within the Parkway Boundary. The Mississippi State Legislature has provided $8.5 million in bond authority for acquisition of the 150 acres necessary to modify the terminus alignment.

The bill, which must now be signed by the President, also authorizes the Secretary of Interior to acquire, sell or exchange property to conform with the adjusted boundary.

During the late 1700's and early 1800's the Natchez Trace was a primitive trail connecting the old Southwest Territory on the Lower Mississippi River with the Ohio River Valley. Today, it is a paved road with historical points of interests that extends from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Cochran said, "Only about 20 miles of the 445-mile parkway remain to be completed, including the terminus in Natchez, and this bill will help move us toward this important goal for Mississippians and for those who visit our State."