Sen. Landrieu Introduces Lower Mississippi River National Historic Site Study Act
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., this week introduced the Lower Mississippi River National Historic Site Study Act. This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating sites in Plaquemines Parish along the Lower Mississippi River Area as units of the National Park System.
"This area in Southeastern Louisiana has contributed much to our nation's history, and there are many stories that have yet to be preserved for future generations," Sen. Landrieu said. "Unless Congress acts to protect these historical assets, they will be lost forever. That is why I am again, for the fourth time, introducing this legislation. It is important that this legislation become law and I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact it."
In order to be designated as a unit in the National Park System, the Department of Interior must first conduct a special resources study to determine whether an area possesses nationally significant natural, cultural or recreational resources to be eligible for favorable consideration.
In 1699, the area became the site of the first fortification on the Lower Mississippi river, known as Fort Mississippi. Since then, it has been home to ten different fortifications, including Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson. In addition, the area is home to the ancient Head of Passes site, to the Plaquemines Bend, and to two National Wildlife Refuges, as well as the longest continuous river road and levee system in the country. Unfortunately, this area has weathered the passing of several hurricanes, including Katrina and Isaac, and is now suffering from the impacts of the BP oil spill.
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