news

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered today’s vote in the House to advance Fiscal Year 2022 budget legislation that includes federal support for America’s Heritage Areas—including the Erie Canalway—as well as a stronger federal lifeline for recovering museums and libraries under the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—both causes that Tonko has long championed.

“Our nation’s heritage areas and museums are integral pieces of our communities, serving as educational, historical and cultural markers that directly contribute to our regional economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “I have been pushing to ensure our treasured sites have the resources to continue to provide these essential services to local residents and tourists alike—not just during this pandemic, but well into the future. We owe it to ourselves and to younger generations to preserve and protect our museums and heritage areas. I am proud to vote today to ensure they receive the federal support they need.”

Tonko is a longtime champion of museums and other cultural sites. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, he led a bipartisan letter from Members of the New York Congressional delegation to House leadership requesting funds for these institutions hit hard by the crisis.

Tonko authored the bipartisan National Heritage Area Act that provides vital federal support to protect America’s heritage sites. He also co-chairs the Heritage Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives alongside Rep. David McKinley (R-WV). Tonko serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and its Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands that directly oversees the National Heritage Areas program.

Federal action for National Heritage Area and museums includes:

• $282 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an increase of $25 million above the FY 2021 enacted level and $17 million above the President’s budget request.  
• Urgent congressional action to ensure that 30 National Heritage Areas facing sunset dates or funding caps, including two Capital Region heritage areas, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, can continue to receive federal funds through 2023.

###