Published: May 08, 2008 08:00 pm            

NIAGARA FALLS: Heritage area gets final approval

A federal appropriations bill must be passed before the federal program receives funding

A strip of land from Niagara Falls to Youngstown is officially a National Heritage Area.

But a federal appropriations bill must still be passed before $10 million becomes available over 10 years to fund the program, designed to help the area cash in on its potential for tourism and economic development.

On Thursday, President Bush signed into law the Consolidated Natural Resources Act, which earlier passed both the houses of the U.S. Congress. The law officially added 15 heritage areas, bringing the country’s total to 46.

In a release, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, lauded the bill, saying it will heighten national appreciation for the region, help preserve its environmental resources and help improve the local economy and quality of life.

“Millions of families travel to Niagara Falls every year to take in the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is right in our own backyards,” Slaughter said. “The (heritage area) gives the Falls the prominent distinction that one of seven wonders of the world deserves.”

The Falls-based heritage area was first proposed in 1999 but was most recently hung up in the Senate when Tom Coburn, R-Okla., introduced amendments with the intention of derailing it. It’s had various champions on the federal level, including former Rep. John LaFalce, Slaughter and Sen. Charles Schumer.

Local officials also hailed the signing of the bill. Falls Mayor Paul Dyster called Thursday’s announcement “fantastic news.”

“It’s an opportunity for us to band together to promote the natural environment and promote heritage tourism,” Dyster said.

Both Dyster and Falls Councilman Charles Walker said the heritage area presents an opportunity to develop and promote the city’s efforts at making its roots with the Underground Railroad a tourism theme.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to access some other funding to move that project forward,” Walker said. “It’s a big deal; a big deal. And if we do it right we can really make some big things happen.”

In past interviews on the subject, Dyster has noted that the bill gives the city a powerful ally in economic development, the National Park Service. He’s also pointed out heritage areas in other parts of the country, such as Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Steel area, which used the designation to transform its industrial legacy into a series of trails and homages to it past.

A17-person commission will now be appointed to oversee the area, according to the bill’s language, though they don’t have to begin forming plans until funds become available. Once funds are available the commission will have three years to craft a management plan for the area.

According to the bill’s language, the Falls-based heritage area is available for $1 million per year for up to 10 years. Depending on how the federal appropriations process goes, the whole $10 million could be passed at once or on a year-to-year basis.

        

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