Published: May 21, 2008 05:30 pm            

COLUMN: Recognizing the Falls’ heritage

Every time I travel across my congressional district, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to represent such a beautiful part of our country. From the shores of Lake Ontario to our vineyards and apple orchards, Mother Nature has bestowed some of her finest treasures upon Western New York.

However, none of these gems are as widely recognized, at home and around the world, as Niagara Falls. Each year more than 15 million people travel to the Falls to take in the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon right in our own backyard. Yet few visitors truly understand or appreciate the region’s rich history and immense contributions to our nation.

As all Western New Yorkers know, Niagara Falls is much, much more than a series of scenic waterfalls. It is an international landmark that overwhelms with its splendor and magnitude. Rich in cultural and historic resources, the Falls has served as a backdrop to America’s long and storied history from the early European exploration, to the French and Indian War, American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Underground Railroad. Central to the development of our country as a manufacturing titan, the Falls was a leading source of hydroelectric power in the late 19th century, fueling the growth of heavy industry in Western New York and enabling America to join the ranks of the major industrialized nations.

For this reason, in 2007, I revived the Niagara Falls National Heritage Act after its progress through Congress had been stalled for years. Today, I am very pleased to announce that the hard work to push this bill through the House and Senate has paid off and this critical legislation was signed into law May 8, designating the Niagara Falls region as a National Heritage Area.

As a result, the Falls will at long last receive the well deserved federal resources that accompany this prestigious designation. Such a designation will enable the National Park Service to make critical investments in state and local conservation efforts through seed money and technical assistance. Up to $1 million is authorized every year to be invested into the Niagara Falls area. And each year, I will lead the fight to ensure that the Park Service receives these much needed funds so they can continue to promote and protect our scenic and historical resources.

This is tremendously important because the steady decline of manufacturing has left Western New York’s economy increasingly dependent on tourism. These critical investments will dramatically grow the tourism industry, breathing new life into our local economy and creating new jobs.

Establishing the region as a National Heritage Area is both a long time in the making and long overdue. Already a source of pride for Western New York, this new law will allow us to finally say that our very own wonder of the world has at long last received appropriate recognition. And as a result, all of us will reap the benefits.

Representative Louise M. Slaughter represents New York’s 28th District.

        

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