MOUNT DESERT ISLAND – Members of Maine’s congressional delegation are working to authorize Acadia National Park to acquire more than 1,400 acres on the Schoodic Peninsula.
WCSH-TV reported that park officials say the land is theirs because of a 1929 law that allows donations of land to expand the park.
But others say a 1986 bill establishing the park boundaries is the one that should be used.
Surrounding towns are concerned that the park may creep up on homes in the area.
Park officials say they’ve been managing the land for years and that a bill authorizing them to annex the land is legal.
The effort to expand the park has been in the works for at least a decade and some trails have already been privately built.
Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine says the expansion must go through Congress. He says Maine’s congressional members are weighing in to make sure the law is being followed.
Send questions/comments to the editors.