THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 21, 1994 TAG: 9406210361
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: 940621 LENGTH: HAYMARKET
Prominent historians have opposed the American history theme park. Many residents support it because it would bring jobs and economic development to the area.
{REST} Historians invited to the one-day hearing are likely to continue their attacks.
Representatives of Disney and Gov. George Allen, who pushed $163 million in Disney subsidies through the General Assembly, also have been invited to testify.
The proceedings before the Senate public lands subcommittee will shed light on the Disney project's impact on the Manassas National Battlefield Park, four miles to the east.
Historians say the Disney property was the site of skirmishes related to the Second Battle of Manassas, in 1862, and was used as a Confederate campground. But they say it lacks the historical significance that halted a shopping mall proposed for a tract adjacent to the battlefield park in 1988. In a highly unusual move, the federal government bought that 542-acre property.
A spokesman for Sen. Dale Bumpers, D-Ark., who will preside over the hearing in Washington, said it ``has yet to be determined'' what role, if any, Congress will play in the Disney dispute. Last week, a group of House members vowed at a news conference to ``spare no effort'' to stop the park.
{KEYWORDS} DISNEY AMERICA HEARING by CNB