Udall-Championed Provision to Strengthen Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Included in 2015 National Defense Authorization Act
Mark Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee, welcomed news that his proposal to revitalize the historic Murdock Building as part of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site's Visitor Center was included in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. Udall, who introduced a standalone bill in April 2013 and held a hearing on his proposal in July 2013, said this welcome development will support economic growth and help revitalize the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.
"I have been honored to lead the effort to create a public-private partnership between the National Park Service and Kiowa County to revitalize the historic Murdock Building as part of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site's Visitor Center," Udall said. "This proposal, included in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act thanks to my leadership, is especially important following the 150th anniversary of this dark chapter in our state and nation's history."
The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act also includes a bipartisan proposal Udall championed alongside U.S. Senator Michael Bennet to protect Hermosa Creek.
Udall has successfully fought for a number of provisions to be included in past NDAAs, such as restricting the Army's authority to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southern Colorado in FY14; ensuring Colorado's military bases and installations remain a critical part of the state's economy, workforce and community; and helping the military save money and lives by reducing its reliance on foreign fossil fuel in FY12.