H.R. 283 – To adjust the boundaries of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and f…

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Updated April 14, 2026 at 12:03 AM UTC

The bill changes the name of the Ocmulgee National Monument to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and expands its boundaries by roughly 2,100 acres. It sets rules for how the federal government can acquire land within the new boundaries, prohibiting forced takings. The legislation also orders a study of the nearby Ocmulgee River corridor to see if it should become part of the National Park system, with a report due within three years of funding.

Key Provisions

Renames the Ocmulgee National Monument as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and treats any existing references to the monument as references to the park.
Expands the park’s boundary to add about 2,100 acres, as shown on a specific map that will be publicly available.
Allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land inside the new boundary only through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or land exchanges—condemnation is prohibited.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a special resource study of the Ocmulgee River corridor between Macon and Hawkinsville, evaluating its national significance, feasibility of adding it as a National Park unit, and other preservation options.
Requires a report on the study’s findings and recommendations to be submitted to the House and Senate natural resources committees within three years after funding for the study becomes available.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

February 5, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 8, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Natural Resources Committee

January 8, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

February 5, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 8, 2019

I

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 283

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 8, 2019

Mr. Bishop of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, and Mr. Loudermilk) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To adjust the boundaries of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and for other purposes.

1.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park boundary

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Historical park

The term Historical Park means the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in the State of Georgia, as redesignated by subsection(b)(1)(A).

(2)

Map

The term map means the map entitled Ocmulgee National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment, numbered 363/125996, and dated January 2016.

(3)

Study area

The term study area means the Ocmulgee River corridor between the cities of Macon, Georgia, and Hawkinsville, Georgia.

(b)

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

(1)

Redesignation

(A)

In general

The Ocmulgee National Monument, established pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1934 (48 Stat. 958, chapter 519), shall be known and designated as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.

(B)

References

Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Ocmulgee National Monument shall be deemed to be a reference to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.

(2)

Boundary adjustment

(A)

In general

The boundary of the Historical Park is revised to include approximately 2,100 acres of land, as generally depicted on the map.

(B)

Availability of map

The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

(3)

Land acquisition

(A)

In general

The Secretary may acquire land and interests in land within the boundaries of the Historical Park by donation, purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.

(B)

Limitation

The Secretary may not acquire by condemnation any land or interest in land within the boundaries of the Historical Park.

(4)

Administration

The Secretary shall administer any land acquired under paragraph (3) as part of the Historical Park in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations).

(c)

Ocmulgee River corridor special resource study

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of the study area.

(2)

Contents

In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A)

evaluate the national significance of the study area;

(B)

determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System;

(C)

consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the study area by the Federal Government, State or local government entities, or private and nonprofit organizations;

(D)

consult with interested Federal agencies, State or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or any other interested individuals; and

(E)

identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives.

(3)

Applicable law

The study required under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code.

(4)

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes—

(A)

the results of the study; and

(B)

any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.