Casey, Specter Reintroduce Bill to Designate York and Lancaster Counties as a National Heritage Area

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) today reintroduced a bill that would establish York and Lancaster Counties as the Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area. The bill would grant national recognition to the Susquehanna Gateway region, an area that has played a key role in the development of our nation's cultural, political and economic identity.

"For centuries, the Susquehanna River, which forms a natural border between Pennsylvania's York and Lancaster Counties and represents the heart of the proposed National Heritage Area, has been at the center of agricultural, industrial and recreational activity in the Mid-Atlantic United States," said Senator Casey. "I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Specter in introducing this important legislation which would help to bring national recognition to the region."

"The Susquehanna gateway region is rich in natural, cultural and historical significance," Senator Specter said. "I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation with Senator Casey to distinguish the Lancaster and York area as a National Heritage Area."

Since 1984, Congress has designated 40 National Heritage Areas around the country which have helped to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors for undertaking preservation, educational and recreational initiatives in diverse regions throughout the country. Through these efforts, National Heritage Areas have helped to protect our nation's natural and cultural resources while promoting local economic development. Pennsylvania is home to seven National Heritage Areas, including one created earlier this year called the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which stretches from Gettysburg to Monticello, VA, and includes all of Adams County.

Senators Casey and Specter introduced a virtually identical bill in 2008. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

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