U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, Republicans from North Carolina, on Dec. 13 introduced legislation reauthorizing the continued protection of unique state resources that help support the regional economy.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act of 2017, S. 2225, would reauthorize funding for the area established by Congress in 2003 as the regional steward of living Appalachian traditions in the west and foothills of North Carolina. The area encompasses 25 western counties in the state and includes the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, two of America’s most-visited national parks.
The federal legislation that designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area also created a nine-member board of directors that formed a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization — which operates under the name the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership — to handle the federal funds that support its congressional designation, build partnerships in the region, attract matching funds, and implement projects, according to the official website.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area plays a vital role in the state’s tourism industry, Sen. Tillis said, adding that he’s “proud to partner with Sen. Burr to introduce legislation extending this important program so we can continue to preserve the unique culture and natural beauty of our great state.”
In fact, Heritage tourism in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area contributes $2.39 billion annually to the economy of the region, supports more than 30,000 jobs and generates over $176 million annually in state and local tax revenues, according to a 2014 economic impact study by the partnership.
And Heritage tourism also supports the conservation and sustainability of the region’s parks, forests, waterways, historic sites and cultural traditions.
“This program has boosted the tourism economy in our state by billions with only a fraction of that coming from federal coffers,” Sen. Burr said. “By extending this authorization for an additional four years, millions more will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and culture of western North Carolina for a long time to come.”
In the last 15 years, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area program funded more than 154 grants totaling $2.1 million, with more than double that amount leveraged in local and private investment, Burr’s office said. The program also supports the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville, N.C., which annually welcomes more than 100,000 visitors.
S. 2225 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.