Burr, Tillis introduce bill to reauthorize Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

U.S. Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) on July 29 introduced legislation to continue federal support for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA), a federally designated National Heritage Area encompassing the 25 westernmost counties of North Carolina that are associated with the Blue Ridge Mountains.

“The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area plays an important role in western North Carolina’s economy and protects the area’s beautiful landscapes and unique history,” Sen. Burr said. “Last year, we secured authorization for BRNHA through 2021, but this legislation will go one step further and extend BRNHA’s authorization for 15 additional years.

“That way, millions of visitors each year can continue to enjoy all western North Carolina has to offer,” he added.

Sen. Burr sponsored the BRNHA Reauthorization Act of 2020, S. 4356, with cosponsor Sen. Tillis to extend the authorization of the BRNHA through 2036.

Sens. Burr and Tillis last year introduced the BRNHA of 2019, S. 369, which became law as part of the Natural Resources Management Act and authorized $14 million a year for the BRNHA through 2021.

“The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains, is so important to the western North Carolina tourism industry, creating thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the local economy,” said Sen. Tillis. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Burr on this important legislation to extend this program so we can continue to preserve and develop the unique culture of western North Carolina.”

Created by Congress in 2003 to preserve and develop the distinctive culture of western North Carolina and South Appalachia, BRNHA since then has awarded 173 grants totaling over $2.3 million, with $5.6 million leveraged in matching contributions from local and private investments, according to information provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

Additionally, BRNHA supports more than 30,000 jobs and has an annual total economic impact of $2.39 billion, according to the information.