Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) today announced a measure to reauthorize the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area designation has passed the Senate in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This reauthorization through 2021 keeps the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area operating to promote recreation and tourism, as well as enables the area to access federal funding for local projects. The legislation passed the House on December 4, 2014 and passed the Senate today; and now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
“The Hudson River Valley is truly one of America’s richest treasures, and holds enormous potential that we are still unlocking,” Senator Gillibrand said. “From the Adirondacks to the busy ports of New York City, the Hudson River Valley helps fuel our economy, inspires our artists, and provides New Yorkers with miles of adventure and endless recreation. As New York’s first Senator from upstate in nearly 40 years, I will always work to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Hudson River Valley.”
“The Hudson Valley’s scenic, historic, agricultural, and natural resources have inspired and captivated for generations – by working together, we will make a long-term investment to protect these gifts for generations to come,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who introduced the legislation in the House in 2013. “This legislation is a true collaboration to boost tourism, invest in our local economy, create jobs, and preserve our region’s heritage.”
“This reauthorization ensures that our ability to be a catalyst for partnership projects that protect and promote the Hudson River Valley’s unparalleled natural, cultural, and historic resources continues well into the future,” said Mark Castiglione, Acting Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. “A recent study showed that this work generates nearly $90 million in economic impact annually. What’s more, these federal resources complement the significant investment in heritage tourism New York State is making under the leadership of Governor Cuomo through the Path Through History initiative. We are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her leadership, and thank the entire Hudson River Valley Congressional delegation for their unwavering support for the important work of the National Heritage Areas.”
Stretching from Saratoga to Westchester Counties, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area links over 100 individual sites that promote tourism and recreation in the region, while showcasing the Hudson Valley’s unique role in American history and development.
First authorized in 1996, the National Heritage authorization expired in 2012. The authorization was extended in two, short one-year terms, once in 2013 and in 2014. Senator Gillibrand and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney both introduced legislation for a 10-year reauthorization. This legislation renews the designation and eligibility to apply for matching federal funding to be used to help preserve and promote historical, cultural, recreational, and natural sites in the region. The authorization will be extended through 2021.