Backed by dozens of National Heritage Area supporters from across the country, Congressmen Paul Tonko (NY-21) and Charlie Dent (PA-15) today announced the creation of the National Heritage Area Caucus. With 49 NHAs currently designated by Congress, the group will help facilitate improved cooperation among numerous members of Congress interested in promoting regional conservation and sustainability. The caucus will also provide a permanent forum for all members to share information and learn about issues affecting budgets, funding and policy for NHAs.

While announcing the creation of the new caucus at a rally outside the U.S. Capitol, the Representatives also called on Congress to provide NHAs with the means to thrive, and stressed the need for the passage of programmatic legislation to formally establish NHAs as a part of the National Park System.

“National Heritage Areas not only preserve our history and create a sense of pride, but they serve as economic engines for many communities, generating tourism and creating jobs,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-21). “I am pleased to join with Congressman Dent in creating this caucus so that we can work together to preserve, protect, and provide the resources that will allow National Heritage Areas to thrive.” There are two National Heritage Areas in Congressman Tonko’s district: The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. 

“I’m extremely proud to be a founding member of this caucus with my colleague from New York, Congressman Tonko,” explained Congressman Dent, whose District is home to two NHAs: The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area. “We represent Districts that have seen incredible achievements in environmental conservation, economic growth and historical preservation through the work of National Heritage Areas. I look forward to promoting and advancing these effective and efficient programs with Congressman Tonko and the other members of this vital caucus.”

Michelle McCollum, chairman of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA), a trade group of the NHAs, strongly stressed the need for adequate funding for all NHAs at today’s caucus kickoff. “We recognize that the current economy is difficult, however, NHAs are job creators and revenue producers in their communities. Cutting the budget to the program and eliminating funding to any NHA would exacerbate the fiscal difficulties that communities are experiencing and make the economic recovery of the nation more difficult. We’re very pleased there will now be a group of Member of Congress working together to ensure the future success of the nation’s NHAs.”

A new U.S. Cultural and Heritage Tourism Marketing Council and the U.S. Department of Commerce study revealed that cultural heritage travelers contribute more than $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The positive results for America are clear. As public-private partnerships that protect nationally significant resources, NHAs are among the most efficient and sustainable programs within the Department of Interior. These programs use federal funds to leverage other public and private investments to create jobs, generate revenues for local governments and sustain local communities through revitalization and heritage tourism, while furthering the mission of the National Park Service (NPS). They contribute to smart growth and are some of the best examples of green industry Congress can endorse.

Video of Congressman Tonko’s remarks at today’s news conference can be found here.

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