An earmark in the $410 billion spending bill approved by Congress this week will allow Congaree National Park to expand again.

The bill allocates $2.69 million for the purchase of land for the national park in southeastern Richland County. The funds will pay for the latest installment in the purchase of the 1,840-acre Riverstone tract, which will link the main park section with the Wateree River.

“It’s just taking us one step further to protecting that entire corridor,” said park superintendent Tracy Swartout. “Protecting this land for future generations is the best way we can have an impact.”