MACON, Ga. — Supporters of establishing Georgia's first national park at the Ocmulgee Mounds say opposition from the National Park Service will only strengthen their resolve as they continue pushing the proposal through Congress.

During a U.S. Senate hearing Tuesday, National Park Service official Mike Caldwell testified against Senate Bill 1131, which would redesignate the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve.

Caldwell said the department opposes the legislation, citing a focus on maintaining existing parks rather than creating new ones.

But Gary Wheat, president and CEO of Visit Macon, said the hearing represents progress despite the agency's stance.

"It's a step in the process that we've been a part of since day one," Wheat said. "We

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