Arlen Specter: “I wish to discuss the current situation with regard to siting of the American Revolution Center at Valley Forge, a…”

“I wish to discuss the current situation with regard to siting of the American Revolution Center at Valley Forge, a museum dedicated to interpreting, honoring, and celebrating the complete story of the entire American Revolution, within Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. I have been working with the American Revolution Center for a number of years, and there has been no shortage of challenges. The current challenge is related to zoning issues in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County. The township has approved a zoning ordinance to enable development of the American Revolution Center on a 78-acre parcel of land that is within the federally authorized boundary of Valley Forge National Historical Park but not owned by the National Park Service. The 78-acre parcel is part of a larger 125-acre tract of land that is in danger of housing development. Not only would the American Revolution Center, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, develop a museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War, but it would also preserve the remaining 47 acres as open space.”