Spending deal creates 63rd U.S. national park

摘要

The year-end spending bill signed by President Trump on Sunday will make West Virginia the home of thecountry's 63rd national park.The measure gives a major upgrade to New River Gorge National River, redesignating it as the New River GorgeNational Park and Preserve.The state's U.S. senators had sought the change as a way to promote tourism (E&E News PM, Sept. 27, 2019).With New River Gorge located within a car ride of several metropolitan areas, officials expect the park to drawmore visitors from Washington; Pittsburgh; Richmond, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; and others."This designation will increase the internationalrecognition by highlighting West Virginia's worldclassbeauty and resources," said Sen. Joe Manchin(D-W.Va.).