House Passes Legislation To Create Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area - October 24, 2007

For Immediate Release  
October 24, 2007
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Waterford, VA –The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Celebrating America’s Heritage Act (H.R. 1483), a bipartisan bill that, among other purposes, authorizes six new national heritage areas, including the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (JTHG NHA). Once passed by the Senate and signed by President Bush, the measure will create a NHA that encompasses the JTHG corridor—the region that generally follows the Old Carolina Road (Rt. 15/231) from Gettysburg, through Maryland, to Monticello in Albemarle County, VA.

“Today, the House stood behind the more than 150 resolutions of support from local governments; businesses; civic organizations; educators and citizens who have all acknowledged the importance of the JTHG National Heritage Area and the unparalleled American history found in this region. Today’s action is a major step forward for the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership and we could not be more thrilled,” said Cate Magennis Wyatt, President of the JTHG Partnership.

“This legislation would not be possible without the leadership of Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), who deserves enormous credit for leading this effort in the House,” Wyatt said, adding, “Congressman Wolf was joined by 19 members of Congress who have co-sponsored the original bill to create this National Treasure.”

In addition to its lead sponsor, Congressman Frank Wolf, the proposed national heritage area, which was originally introduced as H.R. 319, is co-sponsored by Representatives Richard H. Baker (R-LA), Rick Boucher (D-VA), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the late Jo Ann Davis (R-VA), Tom Davis (R-VA), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Jim McCrery (R-LA), Jim P. Moran (D-VA), Todd Russell Platts (R-PA), Ted Poe (R-TX), C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), John P. Sarbanes (D-MD), Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Allyson Y. Schwartz (D-PA), Robert C. Scott (D-VA), Mark E. Souder (R-IN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Albert Russell Wynn (D-MD).

The Journey legislation enjoys strong bipartisan support from governors, state legislators, towns, counties and regional governmental organizations. The JTHG NHA has also garnered broad-based support from local business groups, tourism officials, non-profit organizations, educators and citizens living along the region.

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership works collaboratively with its local, region and national partners to provide opportunities for interpretive historic, heritage education and recreational programs that celebrate the unparalleled American heritage found along this region. The National Heritage Area designation will expand opportunities for economic development, particularly within the heritage tourism industry, as well as the educational programs for students of every age.