Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) joined Congressman Lloyd Doggett in introducing H.R. 885, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2013.  This legislation guarantees the growth of the San Antonio Missions Park and provides for the preservation of historic areas in and around San Antonio and Floresville.  Joining Congressman Cuellar in cosponsoring the legislation are Congressman Pete Gallego (TX-23), Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21), and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15).
 
“I’m proud to join the entire San Antonio Congressional Delegation in introducing this key legislation to provide for the growth and to protect San Antonio missions for generations to come.  San Antonio missions are a crucial piece of the history of our state, and we have to make sure that the National Parks Service has the ability to make needed improvements to the park and the ability to expand the areas under its protection,” said Cuellar. “The lands operated by the National Parks Service reflect our nation’s historical treasures and tell the story of our country, and it is important that Texas’ history is preserved and included among them.”

Specifically, this bipartisan bill would direct the National Parks Service to conduct a study of land in Bexar and Wilson Counties to identify which lands would be suitable for inclusion in the park. The study will look into the national, cultural, recreational, scenic values and characteristics of the land in these areas. 
 
In addition, the bill would authorize the transfer of 137 acres by the San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County and the City of San Antonio to the National Parks Service. This lands transfer will allow for the expansion of the Missions Park as well as enable boundary changes that have been identified by the Cities of San Antonio and Floresville as needed to help ensure that these parks are accessible and serving the public to the fullest extent possible. 

Cuellar previously introduced legislation to protect and expand San Antonio missions under the authority of the National Parks Service in the 111th and 112^th Congresses.