February 12, 2026
Mrs. Hyde-Smith (for herself and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
July 23, 2026
Reported by Mr. Lee, without amendment
To establish the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Establishment of the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Affiliated area
The term affiliated area means—
(A)
the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Natchez, Mississippi, established as an affiliated area of the National Park System by subsection (b)(1); and
(B)
Historic Jefferson College in Natchez, Mississippi, established as an affiliated area of the National Park System under subsection (b)(2).
(2) Management entity
The term management entity means the management entity for the affiliated areas designated by subsection (d).
(3) Map
The term Map means the map entitled Affiliated Areas, Adams County, Mississippi Proposed Boundaries
, numbered 964/194,653, and dated August 2024.
(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Establishment
(1) Grand village of the natchez indians
To promote public appreciation of the significant historic contributions of the Natchez Indians, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Natchez, Mississippi, as generally depicted on the Map, is established as an affiliated area of the National Park System.
(2) Historic jefferson college
On the date on which the Secretary determines that Historic Jefferson College in Natchez, Mississippi, as generally depicted on the Map, meets National Park Service criteria for designation as an affiliated area, Historic Jefferson College, shall be established as an affiliated area of the National Park System.
(3) Map
(A) In general
As soon as practicable after the establishment of an affiliated area in accordance with this section, the Secretary shall prepare a map depicting the boundaries of the applicable affiliated area.
(B) Availability
The map prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.
(c) Administration
The affiliated areas shall be managed in a manner consistent with—
(1)
this section; and
(2)
the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System.
(d) Management entity
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall be the management entity for the affiliated areas.
(e) Agreements
The Secretary—
(1)
may provide technical assistance to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the management entity for the purpose of providing financial assistance for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and preservation of the affiliated areas; and
(2)
shall enter into an agreement with the management entity that delineates the roles and responsibilities for the management of the affiliated areas consistent with the policies and standards that apply to units of the National Park System.
(f) Limited role of the secretary
Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary—
(1)
to acquire property at the affiliated areas; or
(2)
to assume financial responsibility for the operation, maintenance, or management of the affiliated areas.