The Chronicle Express - Area U.S. Representatives Back Bill to Boost Finger Lakes

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By The Chronicle Express

In a bipartisan effort to recognize the natural beauty and value of the Finger Lakes, U.S. Reps. Tom Reed, John Katko, Louise Slaughter and others have introduced legislation to designate the region as a National Heritage Area.

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the Finger Lakes a National Heritage Area, which would increase the ability for the community to promote the lakes and draw more tourists and businesses to the area, while also protecting the region for generations to come.

"We care about protecting and preserving our lakes for future generations. They are an invaluable natural resource that bolsters our local economy, providing jobs and recreation for all," Reed said in a statement. "It's only right that we come together and recognize our rich regional heritage."

Reed represents Yates County.

The Finger Lakes also is a region rich in history, said Katko, who represents all of Wayne County.

"With tourism on the rise, it is poised to become a prime region for economic development," Katko said.

National Heritage Areas must have a nationally unique natural, cultural, historic, or scenic resource and tell a unique story about the United States. Unlike National Parks, National Heritage Areas are managed locally either by state governments, nonprofits, or private corporations.

The Finger Lakes stretch over 14 counties and 650 miles of shoreline. There are over 400 registered historic sites and landmarks, 135 museums, and numerous art galleries, theater companies, and bed and breakfasts. The Finger Lakes provide the area with a $2.8 billion tourism industry that supports over 50,000 jobs.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Niagara Falls National Heritage Area are among the 49 such areas in the nation.

The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, a nonprofit based in Penn Yan, has been an advocate of the designation process.

This news is very exciting for the Finger Lakes tourism region because such designation will work to enhance tourism, said Cynthia Kimble, president of the alliance.

"It is the first step to having the Finger Lakes recognized on the national level along with other national treasures that also hold wonderful historic landmarks, natural wonders and simply stunning landscapes," Kimble said.

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