A bill to expand access and boost tourism at the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument has been introduced by Maine U.S. Sen. Angus King.

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act would expand the monument by giving the National Park Service permission to acquire land to connect the monument to the Millinocket region and nearby major roadways.

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is a cosponsor of the legislation.

“The expansions the bill authorizes would allow for a smoother entry into the park, bring visitors closer to the heart of the Millinocket community, and further expand the Katahdin region’s tourism economy. It’s an important step to support the future of the Monument and Maine’s outdoor recreation heritage,” said Sen. King.

His office says the expansions would occur with cooperation from landowners, and protect fishing, hunting and snowmobile use. Those expansions would also be forbidden from being done through eminent domain.

Sen. King hopes to hold a hearing on the legislation later this year.