Connecticut officials are celebrating congressional approval of a new national park in Hartford centering on the historic Colt firearms factory building with the blue, onion-shape dome.
The U.S. Senate on Friday approved plans for the Coltsville National Historical Park as part of a massive defense policy bill that was sent to President Barack Obama.
Finally, after 2 decades of hard work, Coltsville a national park.
— Carolyn Lumsden CT (@CarolynLumsden) December 13, 2014
Our editorial: http://t.co/ruLd7P2XsF pic.twitter.com/FRzq0NipPc
This bill also designates #Coltsville as a new national park in #CT - the culmination of a years-long effort spearheaded by @RepJohnLarson
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 12, 2014
The effort to make Coltsville a part of the national park system has been ongoing for years. Huge win for Hartford and CT.
— Chris Collibee (@ChrisCollibee) December 12, 2014
Congressman John Larson said the approval was the culmination of more than a decade of work to preserve the factory and surrounding area as well as make it a destination and history hub.
The Connecticut Democrat said the park designation will drive economic growth and help create jobs.
Plans call for a visitors' center at the former factory building built in 1855, a multimedia tour experience, and an observation area overlooking the park.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
