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The United States House of Representatives acted today to advance Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's (Ga-01) legislation to allow the expansion of the Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. The House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on Carter's legislation paving the way for passage out of the Committee leading to consideration by the full House. 

Carter's legislation, H.R. 3480, will increase the maximum number of acres that may be included in the monument from 250 acres to 525 acres. Due to current statute, legislation is required to expand the authorized boundary and remove the 250-acre ceiling established by Congress in 1958. 

During the hearing, Carter spoke on the importance of the legislation. 

"Today, Fort Frederica National Monument is a popular destination in Glynn County, featuring portions of the original fort, excavated remains of the town's foundations, a museum, and extensive hiking trails," Carter said. "H.R. 3480 would authorize the National Park Service to obtain adjacent land that likely contains artifacts from prehistoric human settlements."

Carter also noted the support for this legislation from the community. 

"A portion of this land authorized by the bill is currently held in trust by Saint Simons Land Trust, a 501-C3 stewarding the property," Carter said. "I am pleased to say that this bill has the support of the full Georgia delegation, the Glynn County Administration, the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, and the Glynn County Board of Eduction." 

After the hearing, Ben Slade, Executive Director of the St. Simons Land Trust highlighted the need for the legislation and praised Carter for his work. 

"The Saint Simons Land Trust was very willing to protect this property from development which would have forever altered the ambience of a great community and national resource,"Slade said. "We appreciate Congressman Carter’s authorship of this legislation that will allow the trust to be reimbursed for some of the cost of holding this land in trust for the National Park Service. We are excited to see this legislation advance through the House."

The areas being assessed by the National Park Service for inclusion in the Fort Frederica National Monument are within the direct viewshed of the park including, the fort, King’s magazine, tabby ruins of soldiers’ barracks, and other trails. The areas were once used by the British Town of Frederica founded in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe. Based on archival data and a reconnaissance study, there is a high potential that the remains of a colonial cannon battery, Point Battery, exists within the southern area. The northern area is believed to have been used as a campground for troops in 1743.

Click here to see Carter's full testimony on H.R. 3480.