Congressman Canseco introduces bill to expand boundary of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6th, 2011
Contact: Valentina Weis
(202) 225-4511 or Valentina.Weis@mail.house.gov
Congressman Canseco introduces bill to expand boundary of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Washington, DC – Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco (TX-23) proudly represents the 23rd District of Texas, which includes the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. He released the following statement after introducing the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act (H.R. 3100), along with Representatives Lamar Smith (TX-21), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Charles Gonzalez (TX-20), on October 5th:
"The San Antonio Missions National Park is a treasure for San Antonio, Texas, and the nation. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio and Texas, and gives visitors an understanding of an important chapter in United States and Texas history. However, besides its historical and cultural value, the San Antonio Missions National Park is also an economic driver for San Antonio and Bexar County. In a study conducted by the University of Texas at San Antonio, it was estimated that in 2009 the San Antonio Missions National Park supported over 1,000 local jobs and accounted for almost $100 million in economic activity throughout the region.
While visitors already receive a world-class experience when visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, many efforts are underway to further enhance the visitor experience. Just last week, I was honored to be able to participate in a ceremony marking the occasion of water flowing in the San Juan Acequia once again. I, along with Congressmen Lamar Smith, Henry Cuellar, and Charles Gonzalez, have introduced the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act to build on the efforts underway, and allow further expansion of the park and ultimately reconnect the missions with the San Antonio River. Reconnecting the San Antonio Missions with the San Antonio River is critical to understanding mission life in Spanish Colonial Texas. This expansion is also critical to the Mission Reach project, a massive redevelopment project that is already underway along the San Antonio River, whose purpose is to connect the South Side of San Antonio with downtown and with that connection create greater economic opportunities on the South Side.
The San Antonio Missions National Park enjoys strong, community-wide support in San Antonio and Bexar County. I am pleased to be able to do my part to support efforts to enhance the park, joining the efforts of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, elected officials with Bexar County and the City of San Antonio, and local groups like Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions and the San Antonio Conservation Society.”
To schedule an interview please contact Valentina Weis at (202) 225-4511 or Valentina.Weis@mail.house.gov
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