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For Immediate Release:
December 27th, 2022
CONGRESS ENACTS LANDMARK LEGISLATION
TO ENSURE LONG TERM STABILITY FOR YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Contact:
Sarah Halligan
Marketing & Communications
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
O – 928-373-5190
Press Release
On Thursday, December 22, 2022, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942) on a bi-partisan vote of 326-95. This action followed the unusual vote of “unanimous consent” by the Senate requiring no objections from any of the 100 Senators.
This legislation was championed by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) in the House and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) in the Senate.
For Immediate Release:
December 27th, 2022
CONGRESS ENACTS LANDMARK LEGISLATION
TO ENSURE LONG TERM STABILITY FOR YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Contact:
Sarah Halligan
Marketing & Communications
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
O – 928-373-5190
Press Release
On Thursday, December 22, 2022, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942) on a bi-partisan vote of 326-95. This action followed the unusual vote of “unanimous consent” by the Senate requiring no objections from any of the 100 Senators.
This legislation was championed by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) in the House and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) in the Senate.
Arizona Congressman Raul Grijavla, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, played a crucial role in shepherding the legislation through the House of Representatives. Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema helped secure the unanimous vote in the Senate.
The 55 National Heritage Areas around the country are cost-effective grass roots organizations, which promote economic development through historic preservation and natural resource conservation. The small annual investment of $29 million through the National Park Service yields an additional $5.50 of local, state and private funding for every federal dollar.
This legislation will replace a patchwork of individual authorizations with a program that creates clear criteria for designation and accountability; fiscal stability through a 15-year renewal of the program; and a commitment to protect private property rights. Reflecting the popularity of the concept, an additional seven National Heritage Areas were authorized.
Shelley Mellon, Chairperson of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, said:
“We thank all our partners, particularly our Arizona advocates, who helped secure this important legislation. We also thank the Yuma community who recently voted to extend the 2% Hospitality Tax. These are both great victories for Yuma.”
Cathy Douglas, Executive Director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, added:
“The Heritage Area now has a solid long-term financial foundation to continue our work to improve Yuma’s riverfront, to manage Yuma’s State Historic Parks, and to restore, preserve, and interpret Yuma’s rich history.”
Sara Capen, who leads the Alliance of National Heritage Areas commented:
“The National Heritage Area Act is a testament to the tremendous work National Heritage Areas do within communities across America. It is a direct reflection of the determination and resilience that is not only the bedrock of National Heritage Areas, but also the history of the places and people National Heritage Areas represent. The Alliance of National Heritage Areas is profoundly grateful for the tireless leadership and support we have received on a bipartisan basis within Congress today and look forward to serving our communities for an additional 15 years.”
The legislation becomes law with the signature of President Biden.
