Smucker's Bill to Preserve Susquehanna Valley Approved by Committee

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Natural Resources today passed the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act – Rep. Smucker’s legislation that would designate Lancaster and York Counties a National Heritage Area (NHA).

“This is encouraging news for the Susquehanna Valley,” said Rep. Smucker. “We want to ensure we maintain our safe and clean environment into the future for residents and visitors. This National Heritage Area designation will attract more visitors, stimulate our local economy, and preserve natural resources and historical landmarks. Now we turn to the final push – getting it approved by the full House. I’ll continue speaking with my colleagues and House leadership about getting our measure on the legislative calendar.

“I also want to thank Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz for traveling to Washington last week and others who have visited and expressed support as well. I invited Mayor Lutz to testify in front of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands where he urged my colleagues to support this National Heritage Area designation. This is a collaborative effort, driven by constituents, and I’m glad to have the support of many in our community who wish to preserve our wonderful region of the commonwealth.”

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act passed out of committee today with unanimous, bipartisan support.

BACKGROUND

Courtesy of Susquehanna Heritage

What is a National Heritage Area?

National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are places where natural cultural, historic, and recreational resources form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from human activity shaped by geography. They tell nationally important stories about our nation and are representative of the national experience through physical features that remain and traditions that have evolved within them.

Since President Ronald Reagan designated the first NHA in 1984, community groups, businesses, local governments, and Congress have established 49 NHAs across the nation to preserve, promote, and celebrate their heritage, culture, and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

What are the Goal of National Heritage Areas?

NHAs draw visitors to local heritage and outdoor recreation attractions and businesses. They encourage public and private partners to collaboratively plan and implement programs and projects that preserve, enhance, and celebrate America’s defining historic places and landscapes.

NHAs work with communities to conserve natural resources, landscapes, and historic places; strengthen community identity and economic vitality; educate residents and visitors about the region’s history; and attract heritage and outdoor tourism to promote economic vitality.

What are the Benefits of National Heritage Areas?

As a NHA, the region will benefit from enhanced national identity and exposure and better access to National Park Service assistance. A 2012 study by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and National Park Service showed that NHAs contribute $12.9 billion annually to the national economy and support 148,000 jobs. The economic benefit of NHAs in the Northeast Region was $5.4 billion annually and 66,880 jobs.

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