A bill authored by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., would allow certain donated properties and parcels that are tax delinquent to be acquired by the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

H.R. 573, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Technical Corrections Act, has two key provisions that would allow properties to be added to the National Lakeshore.

One provision would allow, but not obligate, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to accept donations of lands outside of the existing National Lakeshore boundary if they are contiguous with the park or separated by a right-of-way. Currently, such donations of land are not allowed.

The second provision would allow the acquisition of land within the National Lakeshore’s authorized boundaries that have been transferred to state or local government units through tax delinquency. The parcels could be acquired for the National Lakeshore if the delinquent taxes are satisfied.

Visclosky, along with Save the Dunes Council board member Tom Serynek, testified in support of the bill before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands on Thursday.

“The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a great natural treasure,” Visclosky said. “My bill would enhance the Lakeshore in the most affordable fashion and improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana by helping the public gain further access to this natural wonder. Lake Michigan and the dunes are for everybody to enjoy, and I take great pleasure in helping the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore mature and helping people gain access to it.”

Posted 6/6/2008