S2102-119

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a National Park System unit centered on West Hunter Street Baptist Church and Ralph David Abernathy's civil-rights leadership. Establishment takes effect only after the Interior Secretary determines that enough land or interests have been acquired for a manageable unit and publishes notice. Interior may acquire private interests by donation, willing-seller purchase, or exchange; Georgia and local-government property may enter only by donation. The National Park Service must administer the site under park laws, complete a management plan within three years after funds first become available, and may partner with public or private entities on interpretation, education, parking, signage, tours, and preservation.

Who Benefits and How

Visitors, students, educators, and civil-rights researchers gain a federally protected place interpreting Abernathy's ministry and leadership. West Hunter Street Baptist Church and nearby Atlanta institutions may gain preservation assistance, visitor activity, and cooperative programming. Willing property owners retain control over whether to sell or donate.

Who Bears the Burden and How

National Park Service staff must acquire or accept sufficient interests, publish notice, administer the unit, prepare a management plan, and coordinate partner services. Federal taxpayers bear authorized acquisition and operating costs. State and local governments can contribute property only by donation, foregoing sale proceeds for those interests.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Abernathy historic site after Interior assembles a manageable unit.
• Authorizes donation, willing-seller purchase, or exchange for private land interests.
• Requires National Park Service administration and a management plan within three years of initial funding.
• Authorizes cooperative agreements for interpretation, education, access, and preservation.