Harpers Ferry Land Transfers

Summary#

This bill transfers administrative control of specific Federal land parcels in Harpers Ferry. About 25 acres are transferred from the Secretary of the Interior to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to be administered as part of CBP's Advanced Training Center and excluded from the boundary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Three parcels totaling about 71.51 acres are transferred from CBP to the Secretary to be administered as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The transfers are without monetary reimbursement. CBP must obtain a survey to finalize the exact acreage and legal description of the 25-acre parcel, may correct clerical or typographical errors in the referenced map, pay the cost of the survey from its appropriation, and provide a copy of the survey to the Secretary. If CBP later determines the 25-acre parcel is no longer required for the training center, CBP must transfer administrative jurisdiction back to the Secretary in a manner acceptable to the Secretary and it will be included in the park boundary. An acreage limitation in a 1944 Act will not apply to that inclusion. The bill was introduced July 15, 2025 by Senators Justice and Capito and was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; current status: held at the desk, in progress.

What it means for you#

  • About 25 acres near Harpers Ferry would be managed by CBP for its Advanced Training Center and removed from the national historical park boundary.
  • Three parcels totaling about 71.51 acres would be added to and managed as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
  • Exact property lines and acreage for the 25-acre parcel will be finalized by a CBP-funded survey.
  • If CBP later decides it no longer needs the 25-acre parcel, that land would be returned to the park and added to the park boundary.

Expenses#

  • The bill states the transfers are without monetary reimbursement or additional consideration.
  • The cost of the required survey is to be charged to an appropriation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  • No publicly available information on other costs or budget effects.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.