Budzinski, Bost, Bell, and Wagner Introduce Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act

This bipartisan legislation marks the first step to drive economic growth in the area.
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-15), Wesley Bell (MO-01), and Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park.

Specifically, the legislation would expand the park's authorized boundary to allow the National Park Service to extend the park into Malcolm Martin Park and neighboring vacant parcels in East St. Louis, Illinois.

"Since arriving in Congress, fighting for economic development opportunities across the Metro East has been a top priority. That includes doing whatever I can to keep the doors open at Granite City Works and reinvesting in the East St. Louis waterfront," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "This introduction today represents the first and most important step Congress can take to enable the expansion of Gateway Arch National Park and bring renewed opportunity and energy to our area. I'm grateful for the local leaders who set this vision, and I'm proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this effort as we come together to strengthen the region's future."

"As the Representative of Missouri's First District, I continue to fight for economic growth in the St. Louis region. Expanding the boundaries of Gateway National Park is an important step toward promoting this growth," said Congressman Bell. "I'm proud to partner with my neighboring Representatives on this effort and bring forward positive change in our community."

"This brings us one step closer to fulfilling Eero Saarinen's original vision of expanding Gateway Arch National Park to Illinois," said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. "We are grateful to this bi-partisan, bi-state congressional delegation for advancing us further toward achieving that dream. This is collaboration at its very best and the kind of partnership that moves our region forward."

Tomorrow, Budzinski and Bell alongside local leaders and the Gateway Arch Park Foundation will participate in a press conference in East St. Louis to celebrate this key first step.

The full text of the Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act can be found HERE.

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