Miller and McKinley Introduce Legislation to Reauthorize West Virginia National Heritage Areas
Press Release
Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area, which are set to expire September 30, 2021.
"I am proud to join this effort to preserve West Virginia's historic legacy of coal mining," said Congresswoman Miller. "Located in southern West Virginia, the National Coal Heritage Area is rich in precious memories of thousands of hardworking coal miners, who produce the coal that has powered America through the last century. It's absolutely crucial that the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area be reauthorized as congressionally designated national heritage areas so the Mountain State's history can be safeguarded for generations to come."
"The Wheeling National Heritage Area brought significant economic opportunity to our city by harnessing the historic character of downtown. It is crucial we extend their designations as National Heritage Areas to help continue economic development in West Virginia," said Congressman McKinley. "National Heritage Areas deliver a significant economic return and help us showcase the sometimes-hidden gems of our cultural heritage."
Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a companion bill in the Senate last week.
Background:
The National Heritage Act established a system of national heritage areas (NHAs) designated by Congress as nationally significant landscapes that preserve American culture and history. These diverse sites include landscapes, museums, battlefields, historic buildings, and other resources that are maintained through public-private partnerships between businesses, citizen groups, municipalities and other groups interested in preserving the areas.
The National Coal Heritage Area encompasses 13 counties in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and the Coal Heritage Trail, over 187 miles of scenic industrial heritage, where hard-working miners produced the coal that built America. The Wheeling National Heritage Area shares the city of Wheeling's rich history and works to preserve its legacy for generations to come.
###
Source