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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced the Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act, bicameral legislation that would add nearly 50 acres to the Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois.
Expanding the site into Illinois, including Malcolm Martin Park and East St. Louis, will promote economic development in Illinois by attracting more visitors to the Illinois side of the river. Expanding the site was part of the original vision for the park by architect Eero Saarinen when the design was first pitched in the 1940s. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-15), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02).
“As an East St. Louis native, I’m thrilled to introduce legislation that would expand the Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois,” said Durbin. “This will bring economic growth to the region and surrounding areas. I thank my colleagues, Senator Duckworth and Congresswoman Budzinski, for joining me on this legislation, and look forward to working with our Missouri colleagues to see this expansion become a reality.”
“Expanding Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois would not only give visitors new ways to experience the Arch and the Mississippi River, but it would also help drive economic growth throughout the Metro East region,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and our local leaders in introducing the Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act of 2026, which would boost tourism and strengthen economic development in East St. Louis and communities across Metro East.”
Durbin is also a cosponsor of U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt’s (R-MO) Gateway Partnership Act.
