WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to establish the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, highlighting the region of New England that gave birth to the historic events of the American Revolution. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), who helped move the legislation through Congress, is a strong supporter of the new Heritage Area which will include Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford and Woburn, along with 39 other communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
“I am proud to support the creation of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area which will help preserve the history of our region. Sometimes we forget that the small towns and cities where we were born and live are also the birthplace of this great nation. The new Heritage Area designation will ensure that future generations will be able to visit, tour and learn about the communities that shaped our young nation,” said Rep. Markey.
H.R. 1483, the Celebrating America's Heritage Act, authorizes the creation of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area along with funds to support it that would be matched by local and state funds. The new Heritage Area designation will allow for cooperation between the local communities and the National Park Service to better conserve these special places and develop increased recreational and educational opportunities for these tremendous resources.
The Senate must now act on this issue. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate, S. 827, which is currently pending before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2007 |
CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836 |
