Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026
Latest action (29 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5169 would expand the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, which was originally established in Virginia in 1996, to include Rockbridge County, Virginia, and Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia. The bill updates the district's governing law to reflect this two-state scope and directs that the existing management plan be revised to address the newly added areas. It also confirms that the district will continue to be run under its existing "partnership model" by its current management entity, rather than being subject to the administrative rules and funding formulas that apply to other National Heritage Areas.
The bill primarily affects residents, local governments, and historic sites in the newly included Virginia and West Virginia counties, as well as the district's management entity. It sets funding levels: at least $1,250,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 for management and site operations, and $2,500,000 annually through fiscal year 2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition from willing sellers. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress within two years on how this partnership model might be applied elsewhere in the National Park System.
The bill was introduced on July 29, 2026, by Senator Jim Justice with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action and approval by both chambers before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 29, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5169 do?
- S. 5169 would expand the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, which was originally established in Virginia in 1996, to include Rockbridge County, Virginia, and Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia. The bill updates the district's governing law to reflect this two-state scope and directs that the existing management plan be revised to address the newly added areas. It also confirms that the district will continue to be run under its existing "partnership model" by its current management entity, rather than being subject to the administrative rules and funding formulas that apply to other National Heritage Areas. The bill primarily affects residents, local governments, and historic sites in the newly included Virginia and West Virginia counties, as well as the district's management entity. It sets funding levels: at least $1,250,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 for management and site operations, and $2,500,000 annually through fiscal year 2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition from willing sellers. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress within two years on how this partnership model might be applied elsewhere in the National Park System. The bill was introduced on July 29, 2026, by Senator Jim Justice with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action and approval by both chambers before it could become law.
- Has S. 5169 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Jul 2026, S. 5169 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5169?
- S. 5169 was sponsored by Sen. Jim Justice [R-WV] (Republican-WV), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5169?
- Introduced (29 Jul 2026).
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