Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
The bill facilitates the expansion of Mammoth Cave National Park by authorizing the acquisition of specific acreage and modernizing an outdated spending limit for land purchases.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 551.14 acres of land for inclusion in the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. It also updates an existing statutory spending limit for land acquisition for the park, adjusting the historical $350,000 cap for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will enhance the ecological integrity and visitor experience of Mammoth Cave National Park by incorporating critical adjacent lands, protecting natural resources, and providing for future recreational opportunities. They also contend that adjusting the historical spending limit for inflation is a necessary and practical update to allow for realistic land acquisition costs.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about the use of federal funds for land acquisition, especially if the land is privately owned and subject to eminent domain, or if there are higher priority uses for federal conservation dollars. Some may also question the necessity of expanding the park at this time or the specific acreage proposed.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 2(1)
Adjusting Land Acquisition Spending Limit for Inflation
This provision updates an existing law from 1942 that set a maximum spending limit of $350,000 for land acquisition for Mammoth Cave National Park. The bill mandates that this $350,000 figure now be adjusted for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making the historical limit relevant to current economic conditions and land values.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this is a common-sense update, as the original $350,000 limit from 1942 is entirely unrealistic for land purchases in the 21st century. Adjusting for inflation ensures the Park Service can acquire land at fair market value when necessary for park management and expansion.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against such technical adjustments, as they are generally seen as necessary to maintain the functionality of existing legislation. However, some might argue against any increase in federal spending authority without clear justification for specific land needs.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff is between maintaining historical legislative language and ensuring practical functionality. This adjustment prioritizes functionality, allowing the NPS to operate effectively in modern economic conditions for land acquisition.
Section 2(2)
Authorization of Mammoth Cave National Park Southern Boundary Expansion
This provision authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 551.14 acres of land and any associated interests in land. This specific parcel is identified on a map titled 'Mammoth Cave National Park Proposed Southern Boundary Expansion Edmonson and Barren Counties, Kentucky,' dated May 2025. Once acquired, this land will be included within the official boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park.