VICKSBURG — Legislation to authorize the expansion of the Vicksburg National Military Park — including a new addition in Port Gibson — has been reintroduced into Congress.

The Champion Hill, Port Gibson and Raymond Battlefield Addition Act would authorize the National Park Service to acquire approximately 10,000 acres of property deemed significant to the long-term preservation of historic battlefield sites in Claiborne and Hinds counties.

The bill specifies any purchases must be acquired through voluntary sales, donations or exchanges.

The bill concentrates on three separate parcels of land — the Port Gibson Unit in Claiborne County and the Raymond and Champion Hill units, both in Hinds County.

Designated modified core battlefield sites by the park service, the properties also encompass several historic homes, such as the Shaifer House in Port Gibson and the Coker House in Champion Hill.

The park service would assume maintenance and security responsibilities for these structures if they are ultimately including in the new park.

U.S. Senators Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., reintroduced the bill, which has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.