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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Omnibus Appropriations package, which is set to pass Congress, raises the lifetime funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to $12 million. Designated as a National Heritage Area in 2000 (NHA), the federal investment is $2 million more than the previously authorized level.
“This increased funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Area means more resources and support for this vital attraction. This increase preserves The Erie Canal Heritage Area’s ability to receive critical annual federal funding through the National Park Service (NPS), and protects this critical attraction so that it can continue to be an economic hub and a draw for Upstate residents and tourists,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer.
“The Erie Canal is one of our most important natural treasures,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor continues to help drive our economy and provide New Yorkers with adventure and recreation. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Erie Canal.”
NHAs are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. Through their resources, NHAs tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage. NHA entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs.
NHAs are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects. The NHA program currently includes 49 heritage areas across the country, including the Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership in New York, and is administered by the National Parks Service.
