Ocmulgee National Monument could become Georgia’s first National Park
Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott re-introduced the legislation on Thursday. Congressman Bishop realizes just how important this property is, so he plans to do something about it.
“It needs to be preserved as a lasting memorial to how people lived during the Paleo-Indian period,” explained Congressman Bishop.
The Ocmulgee National Monument has been part of Macon for sometime now. Ocmulgee National Monument Superintendent Jim David says the park was initially authorized in 1934.
“At that time they talked about a 2,000 acre park,” said David.
He adds that didn’t happen because of insufficient funding.
Congressman Bishop wants to see that original dream become a reality. He and Congressman Austin Scott are re-introducing legislation that will create Georgia’s first National Historic Park.
“It would expand the boundaries of the existing Ocmulgee National Monument to over 2,000 acres,” said Congressman Bishop.
That’s not all the bill proposes.
“It also changes the name and the third part is to do a three year study along the Ocmulgee River all the way down to Hawkinsville,” explained David.
The study will show if there are more resources to justify bringing more property into the possible Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park.
“It would increase name recognition and draw the attention of additional visitors and tourists,” added Congressman Bishop.
Congressmen Bishop and Scott are going to ask State Senators to get on board with the plan so they can all work together and pass this legislation.
Park officials said if the legislation is approved, they will work with property owners, who will have a choice on whether they want to see their land for the expansion project.
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