The legislation, which was sent to President Barack Obama, authorizes the First State National Monument in Delaware, which Obama authorized by executive action last year, to become the First State National Historical Park. Prior to the more recent effort led by Carper, former Sen. Joe Biden, now Obama's vice president, tried to get the national park designation for the Great Cypress Swamp in southern Delaware, which apparently didn't go over too well with some local outdoorsmen. The Old Swedes Church had initially been designated for inclusion in the national monument proclamation, but was omitted after some congregation members expressed reservations. Officials believe the national park designation will prove to be an economic boost for Delaware, noting that parks in every other state provide a benefit of at least $1 million or more. The legislation creating the park authorizes $6.5 million for improvements and upkeep over the next decade, but until the money is actually appropriated, the park will operate under the current budget for the national monument.