March 2, 2019
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is pleased to announce the passage of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. The bipartisan legislation permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), authorizes funding for federal land and water projects and protects vulnerable landscapes across the (western) United States.
Included in the bill are two improvement projects for historical sites in and around the Fifth District of Missouri;
• The acquisition of property for the Harry S. Truman Historic Site (HSTHS) to build a new visitor center and,
• The designation of the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas as a National Commemorative Site.
The Harry S. Truman Historic Site’s current visitor center is located in an old firehouse that was never intended for this purpose. S. 47 would allow the City of Independence to convey property adjacent to the HSTHS to the National Park Service so that a proper, modern visitor center can be constructed.
“This is a critical win for the conservation of America’s public land and historic sites – and one I am proud to support. Since funding lapsed in September, many of my constituents have expressed their support for the LWCF and dismay at congressional Republicans for failing to fund the program. Thankfully, Congress was able to come to a bipartisan agreement that balances much-needed conservation funding with community development. Now we can move forward with improvement projects that will benefit our district, including the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site,” said Congressman Cleaver.
The bill also recognizes the Quindaro Townsite as a National Commemorative Site. Congressman Cleaver co-sponsored legislation that would do exactly that with Congresswoman Sharice Davis (D-KS) in the 116th Congress and previously with Congressman Kevin Yoder (R-KS) in the 115th Congress. The town of Quindaro was founded in 1857 and was a key site during the Bleeding Kansas conflict, serving as a safe port of entry into Kansas on the Missouri River for those opposed to slavery. In addition, the town aided runaway slaves as they escaped to freedom in Kansas through the Underground Railroad.
“The Quindaro Townsite deserves to be recognized and appreciated for its purpose in history. I’m excited to see this area get the recognition needed to preserve the stories of freedom,” said Congressman Cleaver.
Other highlights of S. Bill 47 include:
• The measure would establish a research and development program for drones to monitor wildfires and designate several new national parks, wildernesses, and other areas.
• Reauthorizes the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program at previous level of $75 million through FY23.
• The bill would codify and expand the Public Lands Corps program, public-private partnerships through which agencies engage young people and veterans in conservation and other service projects.
• It would reauthorize $10 million annually for a preservation program for HBCUs through FY24.
The Senate passed the bill last week. With passage in the House, the bill will now go to the President for signature.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.
