Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026

The Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026 proposes a formal expansion of the park’s authorized boundaries. If enacted, the bill would increase the park's size from 100 acres to approximately 102.18 acres. This change is specifically designed to incorporate the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park and several neighboring vacant land parcels located across the Mississippi River in East St. Louis, Illinois.

By expanding the boundary, the legislation aims to allow the National Park Service to manage and potentially acquire these Illinois properties. Proponents suggest this move would fulfill the original architectural vision for the park to span both sides of the river. For local citizens, the expansion is intended to spark economic development on the East St. Louis waterfront, improve visitor amenities, and create new opportunities for recreational and educational programming.

Because this is standard legislation, it would require approval from both the House and Senate and the President's signature to become law. Currently, the bill has only been introduced and referred to a committee, which is the earliest stage of the legislative process.