Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ben Ray Luján have announced the Senate's unanimous approval of their Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. This legislation allows the U.S. National Park Service to acquire approximately 6,100 acres along the park's western boundary.

"Big Bend National Park exemplifies the natural beauty and vibrant wildlife of the Lone Star State," stated Senator Cornyn. He expressed satisfaction with the Senate's unanimous passage of this important legislation, which aims to enhance access for Texans and all Americans to national parks.

Senator Luján emphasized the significance of Big Bend National Park as a treasure in the Southwest. "I am proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn to pass our legislation through the Senate to preserve and expand this national park," he said. The bill will enable conservation efforts along the Terlingua watershed.

The legislation was initially introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Tony Gonzales.

The act permits limited expansion by authorizing land acquisition adjacent to Terlingua Creek, clarifying that such acquisitions must be made through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange, and explicitly prohibiting eminent domain or condemnation.