To transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain parcels of federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 11, 2026
Bottom line
This bill optimizes federal land management in Harpers Ferry by reallocating parcels between the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to better align land use with each agency's mission.
What it actually does
This bill facilitates a land exchange in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, transferring approximately 25 acres of federal land from the Department of the Interior (National Park Service) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its Advanced Training Center. Concurrently, it transfers approximately 71.51 acres from CBP to the Department of the Interior for inclusion in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The transfers occur without monetary reimbursement and include a provision for the land given to CBP to revert to the National Park Service if it is no longer needed.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill optimizes federal land use by consolidating CBP's Advanced Training Center operations while expanding the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, thereby improving efficiency for both agencies and enhancing public access to historical parkland. It resolves potential jurisdictional overlaps and ensures appropriate administration of these specific parcels, ultimately benefiting national security and historical preservation.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns about the specific parcels being transferred, particularly the 25 acres moving from a national historical park to a law enforcement training center, potentially impacting future public access or historical preservation efforts. However, given the nature of the exchange and the reversion clause, strong opposition is unlikely to materialize unless specific environmental or historical concerns are raised about the 25-acre parcel.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 1(a)
Transfer of 25 Acres to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This provision transfers approximately 25 acres of federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from the Secretary of the Interior (National Park Service) to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This land is intended to be administered as part of CBP's Advanced Training Center, and the boundaries of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be adjusted to exclude it.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this transfer allows CBP to consolidate and enhance its training operations, improving national security capabilities and operational efficiency by providing dedicated space for its Advanced Training Center.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that transferring land from a National Historical Park to a law enforcement facility could diminish the park's integrity or public access, even if the specific parcel is not currently central to public park use.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is balancing the operational needs of a federal law enforcement agency with the mission of preserving historical and natural parkland for public enjoyment.
Section 1(b)
Transfer of 71.51 Acres to National Park Service
This provision transfers approximately 71.51 acres of federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to the Secretary of the Interior. This larger parcel will be administered as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and the park's boundaries will be adjusted to include it.
Section 1(c)
Transfers Without Monetary Exchange
This section explicitly states that the land transfers between the Department of the Interior and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will occur without any monetary reimbursement or additional financial consideration. It is a direct exchange of administrative jurisdiction.
Section 1(d)
Reversion of CBP Land if Not Needed
This provision stipulates that if the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines that the 25 acres transferred to CBP, or any portion thereof, is no longer required for the Advanced Training Center, administrative jurisdiction over that land will revert back to the Secretary of the Interior. Any such reverted land will then be administered as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
This section states that the acreage limitation in section 1(d) of the Act of June 30, 1944 (16 U.S.C. 450bb(d)) shall not apply to the land transferred under this Act, including any land that reverts to the Secretary under subsection (d).
Section 1(e)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for modifying or clarifying existing statutory limitations, not necessarily evasive. It ensures the current land transfers are legally permissible within the broader framework of park management.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures the land transfers, particularly the net gain for the National Park, can proceed without encountering existing statutory caps on park size, thus facilitating the intended expansion and consolidation.
Case against: Critics might argue that such exemptions could set a precedent for bypassing established acreage limits for national parks, potentially leading to uncontrolled expansion or changes in park character without broader review, though in this specific case, it's a relatively small, targeted adjustment.
Estimated impact: Allows the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to expand by a net 46.51 acres (71.51 - 25) without hitting a statutory ceiling that might otherwise prevent the expansion.