H.R. 3045, Eastern Legacy Extension Act

Floor Situation

On Monday July 23, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 3045, the Eastern Legacy Extension Act, under suspension of the rules. This bill was introduced on June 23, 2017 by Rep. Luke Messer (R-IN) and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which ordered the bill reported by unanimous consent on May 16, 2018.

Summary              

H.R. 3045 will extend the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by 1,200 miles, with a new eastern boundary at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following the path of the Ohio River.

Background

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, established in 1978, commemorates the opening of the American West by the Corps of Discovery in the early 19th Century. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson charged Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean across the United States’ newly purchased Louisiana Territory, and with seeking out and identifying wildlife, vegetation, and native populations along the way. The journey contributed greatly to scientific knowledge and helped to foster profound political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental changes to the lands and the peoples of the North American Continent. The current 3,700- mile Trail follows the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition west of the Mississippi River from Wood River, Illinois, to Astoria Oregon. The Eastern Legacy Extension recognizes the significance of the planning, preparation, and beginning stages of the Expedition. The Eastern Legacy Extension of the Trail encompasses important history and key moments for the Expedition. In February 2018, at the direction of Congress, the National Park Service completed a study on the proposed extension of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The study found the route proposed for inclusion in H.R. 3045 to be nationally significant, suitable and feasible for inclusion in the existing Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $2 million over the 2019-2023 period, subject to appropriation.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.