July 31, 2017July 31, 2017 by River Stewards Admin

Congress To Create Susquehanna River National Heritage Area

Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster), along with Congressmen Scott Perry (R-Cumberland) and Pat Meehan (R-Lancaster/ Philadelphia), and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation in Congress in June to create the Susquehanna River National Heritage Area.

The bills would include Lancaster and York Counties as a National Heritage Area– a Congressional designation where “natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from human activity shaped by geography.” NHAs receive conservation assistance from the National Park Service.

“For centuries, the Susquehanna River, which forms a natural border between 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 reintroduced this bill during National Rivers Month to bring recognition to the Susquehanna River and the region for its historical and cultural significance.”

“I’m very proud of the natural beauty we find in our communities,” said Cong. Smucker. “We want to ensure we maintain that safe and clean environment into the future for residents and visitors. This National Heritage Area designation will attract more visitors, stimulate the local economy, and preserve natural resources and historical landmarks. I am pleased to introduce this bill with Reps. Perry and Meehan, and look forward to reinvigorating our community’s investment in our land.”

“I’m glad to partner with Congressmen Pat Meehan and Lloyd Smucker and Susquehanna Heritage on legislation seeing the National Heritage Area designation of York and Lancaster Counties,” said Cong. Perry. “This would be a step forward in advancing heritage and outdoor tourism in our region and promoting the Susquehanna River and its special significance in our nation’s history.”

“The Susquehanna River Valley has played a key role in America’s economic and cultural development and today the Valley is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists from across the country,” said Cong. Meehan. “Designating this beautiful part of Pennsylvania as a National Heritage Area will not only help ensure its preservation and conservation – it will generate more tourism dollars and the jobs that accompany them for our region. I’m pleased to join Reps. Smucker and Perry in this effort.”

Read more at the PA Environmental Digest >>>