History of fort is highlighted in Fort Monroe legislation

Last Wednesday's visit to Fort Monroe by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar may have overshadowed another piece of news on Fort Monroe — the introduction of a bill to establish a unit of the park service by Virginia's U.S. Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner.

The Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act would create an entity in Hampton known as the Fort Monroe National Historical Park.

Its purpose would be to "preserve the historic resources and natural and recreational resources; to provide land and water-based recreational opportunities at the park; and to interpret for the benefit of present and future generations."

The bill states "nothing in this Act inhibits the commonwealth from providing for the adaptive reuse of the interior of any non-federally owned historic resource for such compatible uses."

However, plans should be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties under existing regulations.

The legislation says federal funds made available under a cooperative agreement or for joint visitor services facilities shall be matched on an equal basis by non-federal funds.

Some parts of Fort Monroe do not automatically revert to the state when the Army leaves on Sept. 15, although the Fort Monroe Authority is presently working with federal authorities on an economic development conveyance to sort out the future of those parcels. The legislation says land or interests in land owned by Virginia or any political subdivision of the commonwealth may only be acquired by donation.

U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, is poised to introduce a similar bill to the House of Representatives, but the text has not yet been released.

Local politicians have also called on President Barack Obama, to designate Fort Monroe a National Monument under the Antiquities Act, a more speedy process than the Congressional route.

Former governor and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine has also voiced his support for the idea.

"Fort Monroe is an important landmark not only in Virginia's history but in our nation’s history," he said.