In December of 2014 Congress passed a law establishing the Manhattan Project National Historical Park (MPNHP). On Nov. 20 of 2015, the Department of Energy and the National Park Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the new park.

 

This is a golden opportunity for Los Alamos to become a real tourist destination. With Bandelier National Monument and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, we now have three National Parks very close to Los Alamos. In terms of economic development, nothing is better than tourism.

 

So far, Los Alamos County has made a pigs breakfast of the opportunity. The tourist season is only a few months away and where is the facility to attract tourists? The only thing is a small pathetic two rooms in the old Municipal Building. There is not even a sign outside of those two rooms for the New MPNHP. However, there are several committees … Big Deal. 

 

Between the local Historical Society and the Bradbury Science Museum, it would be easy to assemble a very good display in a matter of a few weeks. There are plenty of spaces available to set up a display and staff it with experienced retired scientists and begin to attract tourists.

 

The entire Manhattan Project was accomplished in just over two years. Surely we can set up a decent visitor center in a few months. Maybe the County can appoint another commitee to explore the possibility. It should not take more than a couple years.