U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (Ky-05) applauded another achievement in the effort to include Mill Springs Battlefield in the National Parks Service. Last week, Congress approved the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2015, which included language from Rogers' bill, H.R. 298. The legislation directs the Department of Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of adopting Mill Springs Battlefield into the National Park System. 

"Rich with Civil War history, the Mill Springs Battlefield makes for an excellent addition to the National Park Service," said Rogers. "This legislation puts us another step closer to educating the nation about this historic site in Kentucky and maintains this land for future generations." 

In the early 1990s, the U.S. Department of Interior classified the site of the Battle of Mill Springs, located in Pulaski and Wayne Counties, as one of the most endangered battlefields in Kentucky. 

After years of work preserving the historic site, the Mill Springs Battlefield Association expressed its desire to turn the site over to the National Park Service and the people of the United States for future generations to enjoy.

The bill gives NPS three years to conduct a study to evaluate incorporating the battlefield into the National Park System. The analysis would consider the impacts on surrounding communities, recreational activities, and the cost of federal government operation.

The legislation passed the U.S. House by a vote of 325-98 on December 4 and was approved by the U.S. Senate, with the support of Republican Leader Mitch McConnell by a vote of 89-11, on December 11. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law before the end of the year. 

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers onTwitter or on Facebook. 

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