A bipartisan bill recently introduced in the U.S. Congress would reauthorize the state’s five National Heritage Areas (NHAs) for 15 years.
NHAs are partnerships between the National Park Service, states, and local communities. The areas remain in state, local, or private ownership, but are supported by grants from the federal government and other sources. They support state and local conservation and economic development.
Under the bill, funding caps would be removed and Congress would continue funding the NHAs.
The NHAs must be reauthorized by the end of fiscal year 2020 to remain eligible for federal funding.
The Pennsylvania National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act was led by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA). It was co-sponsored by 11 U.S. Congress members representing Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s NHAs include Delaware and Lehigh, Schuylkill River Valley, Lackawanna Valley, Oil Region, and Rivers of Steel.
In 2016, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley generated $72 million in economic activity in Lackawanna County, according to its user study and economic impact analysis.
In 2017, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor had an economic impact of $475 million, according to the corridor’s website. This economic impact included tax revenue, consumer spending, salaries, wages, and direct jobs.