Bess Mitchell Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park, passionately advocated for H.R. 4467 during a recent U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources meeting. This legislation aims to modify the boundaries of the Vicksburg National Military Park, a crucial step toward constructing a new visitor center that will enhance the park's educational and cultural offerings.

Averett emphasized the inadequacy of the current visitor center, built in the 1960s, which struggles to accommodate nearly half a million annual visitors. The proposed state-of-the-art facility will not only provide immersive experiences and educational resources but also alleviate maintenance burdens on the National Park Service by utilizing funding from the state of Mississippi and private donations.

The boundary modifications outlined in H.R. 4467 are essential for the project's success, including a vital connector road and pedestrian bridge that will link the new center to the park's tour road. The legislation also clarifies ownership of a portion of the existing Mississippi welcome center, ensuring that the state assumes all maintenance responsibilities.

Averett highlighted the broad bipartisan support for the bill, noting that it is backed by the entire Mississippi congressional delegation and various local and private partners. She underscored the economic benefits of heritage tourism, stating that the new visitor center will attract more visitors, thereby boosting local businesses.

In conclusion, Averett urged the committee to support H.R. 4467, framing it as a necessary step to preserve and promote the significant historical narratives of the Vicksburg campaign for future generations. The legislation promises to enhance the park's role as a cultural and economic engine for Mississippi and the nation.