U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on May 1 cheered U.S. Senate passage of her bill proposing a land swap at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia.

“The passage of this bill is welcome news as it will benefit not only West Virginia, but our nation’s security as well,” said Sen. Capito, who cosponsored the unnamed S. 2280 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) to approve the deal between the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Specifically, S. 2280 would authorize a land transfer of 71.51 acres in Harpers Ferry from CBP to become part of NPS and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. The proposed land transfer to NPS would add a site of exceptional historical significance to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Additionally, the bill would transfer around 25 acres of federal land at Harpers Ferry from NPS to CBP. The 25 acres borders CBP’s Advanced Training Center and would allow the agency to expand its training capabilities.

“By allowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry to expand, we are ensuring our hardworking Border Patrol agents and federal law enforcement officers have access to the world-class training facilities they need to do their jobs safely and effectively and continues my long-standing support for this world class facility,” said Sen. Capito. “I’m also glad this land swap will allow us to preserve a historic battlefield, honoring the rich heritage of our state.”

Although CBP and NPS have delegated authority to acquire interests in real estate under certain circumstances, neither agency had the authority to affect a transfer of the specific parcels at issue. Therefore, an act of Congress is required to authorize the transfers.

The bill, which the Senate approved on April 29, was received on May 4 by the U.S. House of Representatives for action.