2010-05-12
The U.S. Park Services announces that five public
meetings will be held to discuss the the Northern Neck National Heritage
Area Feasibility Study. The study, authorized by the United States Congress,
will help determine whether the Northern Neck area can be considered
for potential congressional designation as a National Heritage Area.
Actual news release available here.
2009-10-26
U.S. Park Service representatives Lisa Kolakowsky-Smith
and Peter Samuel attended a meeting of the Northern
Neck Tourism Commission to describe the steps in producing a National
Heritage Area Feasibility Study.
2009-03-25
The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which
includes the Northern Neck Heritage Area Study Bill, passed the U.S.
House of Representatives today. It has already passed the Senate, and
the President is scheduled to sign it on Monday, March 30th. The legislation
directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability
and feasibility of establishing a Northern Neck National Heritage Area.
2009-03-19
The U.S. Senate re-passed the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 today as an amendment to a House bill that had
been passed previously. The House is due to consider the legislation
again soon.
2009-03-12
News Release from Congressman Rob Wittman's Office:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Springer
March 12, 2009
Phone: 202-225-4261, Cell: 202-225-5887
WITTMAN VOTES IN FAVOR OF NORTHERN NECK HERITAGE
PROVISION
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Rob
Wittman joined members from both sides of the aisle to vote in favor
of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The bill contained
a provision providing for a Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study
which would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study
of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck
National Heritage Area in Virginia. The legislation was previously introduced
by the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis.
“I was glad to cast my vote in favor of the
Omnibus Land bill to help preserve and protect the unique nature of
the Northern Neck,” said Wittman.
“This is an issue which has been a priority
for the First District for some time, and it is my hope that when this
bill comes around for a second vote, we will be able to pass it with
continued bipartisan support,” said Wittman.
National Heritage Areas expand on traditional approaches
to resource stewardship by supporting large-scale, community centered
initiatives that connect local citizens to the preservation and planning
process. The National Park Service (NPS) provides technical, planning
and limited financial assistance to National Heritage Areas. The NPS
is a partner and advisor, leaving decision-making authority in the hands
of local people and organizations.
A majority of House members supported the wilderness
bill, but the measure was defeated because it did not receive the needed
two-thirds vote. The vote was 282-144 in favor — two votes short
of approval.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District
of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008
and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services
Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations
Subcommittee.
###
2009-01-15
News release from Senator Jim Webb's office:
For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Contact: Jessica Smith - 202-228-5158
Kimberly Hunter - 202-228-5258
Webb-Sponsored Measure to Study Historic
Northern Neck Region as a “National Heritage Area” Passes
Senate
Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today passed
legislation introduced last year by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to begin
the process of establishing a National Heritage Area in the historically
rich Northern Neck region of Virginia.
The legislation, the Northern Neck National Heritage
Area Study Act (S.3039), will direct the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing a
Northern Neck National Heritage Area.
The measure was included in the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 (S.22), passed today. Other successful Webb-sponsored
measures in the package include the Civil War Battlefield Protection
Program and the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act to support the preservation
of Virginia’s historic and natural resources.
“It is my hope that this study will put the
Northern Neck on track to be recognized as a national heritage area,”
continued Webb. “The unique Northern Neck region is an important
part of both Virginia and our nation’s cultural history and deserves
federal recognition to preserve and cultivate tourism.”
The Northern Neck area features a number of historic,
cultural and recreational assets including two Virginia State Parks,
the birthplaces of George Washington, James Monroe, and Robert E. Lee,
and a multitude of other historic places and museums. A designation
would help the region’s economy through promoting tourism, as
well as preserving these sites for future generations.
A “National Heritage Area” is a place
designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic
and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally-distinctive
landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography.
The Department of the Interior study is the first step in the process
of establishing the National Heritage Area.
“Senator Webb’s legislation to study
the feasibility of designating the historic Northern Neck as a National
Heritage Area is another example of his dedication and commitment to
the preservation of Virginia's historic sites and buildings,”
said former Virginia legislator and Natural Resources Secretary Tayloe
Murphy. “The Commonwealth is fortunate to have a Senator who appreciates
the state’s heritage and is willing to fight to protect it.”
“The Northern Neck community is thankful to
Senator Webb for his assistance and support on this important matter,”
said Jerry W. Davis, Executive Director of the Northern Neck Planning
District Commission. “The designation of the Northern Neck as
a National Heritage Area will recognize the role that this region has
had in the creation of this nation and will help preserve for future
generations the culture, the history and the beauty of this region.”
###
2008-05-22
News release from Senator Jim Webb's office:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jessica Smith - 202-228-5185
Kimberly Hunter - 202-228-5258
Senator Jim Webb Introduces S. 3039
Washington, D.C. --- Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) this
week introduced legislation, S. 3039, which would start the process
to establish a National Heritage Area in the historically rich Northern
Neck region. The legislation will direct the Secretary of the Interior
to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing
a Northern Neck National Heritage Area. Senator John Warner (R-VA) is
an original cosponsor of the Senate version and the late Representative
Jo Ann Davis introduced the legislation, H.R. 105, last year in House
of Representatives.
The Northern Neck area features several historic
sites including the birthplaces of George Washington, James Monroe,
and Robert E. Lee. A designation would help the region's economy through
promoting tourism, as well as preserving these sites for future generations.
The Northern Neck is an important part of Virginia’s
and American cultural history,” said Webb. “The area hosts
a number of historic, cultural and recreational assets including two
Virginia State Parks, George Washington’s Birthplace, Stratford
Hall, and a multitude of other historic places and museums.
I am hopeful that this study will put the Northern
Neck on the right track to be recognized as a national heritage area,”
continued Webb.
A National Heritage Area is a place designated by
the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational
resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally-distinctive landscape
arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. The Department
of the Interior study is the first step in the process of establishing
the National Heritage Area.
The designation of the Northern Neck as a National
Heritage Area will recognize the role that this region has had in the
creation of this nation, allow for economic development that is consistent
with its character, and will help preserve for future generations the
culture, the history and the beauty of this region,” said Jerry
W. Davis, Executive Director of the Northern Neck Planning District
Commission.
“The Northern Neck community is thankful to
Senator Webb for his assistance and support on this important matter,
concluded Davis.
###