Congressman Radanovich released the following statement last week after introducing H.R. 5405, legislation that would authorize the National Park Service to acquire up to 18 acres of land located in Mariposa, for a Yosemite Visitor Center.

“I am pleased to introduce legislation today supporting a project that provides an enhanced visitor experience for tourists at Yosemite National Park and an additional administrative site for employees outside the Park boundaries.

“Yosemite is the crown jewel of the National Park System; each year over 3.5 million visitors travel to Yosemite to enjoy the scenic vistas, hiking, and Valley destinations. This proposed legislation authorizes the National Park Service to purchase up to 18 acres of land in Mariposa County, from willing sellers, for visitor and administrative uses. The proposed site for this center will be at the junction of State Highway 140 and State Highway 49, located in Mariposa just outside the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park. A visitor center at this location will not only provide Yosemite National Park with an opportunity to enhance visitor services, it will be a tourist destination for travelers in the gateway community of Mariposa as well.”

Chairman of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Kevin Cann added, “Thirty years of planning in Yosemite all points to the need to provide administrative and visitor services outside of Yosemite Valley. Mariposa County is committed to continuing and growing its partnership with Yosemite National Park to best serve unmet visitor and Park needs. We believe Congressman Radanovich, the National Park Service and the Yosemite Conservancy have been extremely proactive in pioneering this innovative solution.”

Radanovich said, “I am eager to lend my support to a project that will benefit the local economy of Mariposa by providing tourism opportunities as well as enhancing the visitor experience at Yosemite National Park.” This non-controversial bill enjoys a broad array of local support including the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, and County Tourism Bureau, in addition to the current Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Fund. Additionally, this authorizing legislation is PAYGO neutral and does not authorize direct spending. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS STORY, OR READ OTHER COMMENTS, VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MARIPOSAGAZETTE. COM