Murkowski offers bill to reauthorize Alaska’s only National Heritage Area

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently introduced legislation that would amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to reauthorize Alaska’s Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (NHA), the first and only NHA in the state and one of just 55 in the nation.

“The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area [KMTA NHA] draws visitors from around the world,” Sen. Murkowski said on Tuesday. “This is where mountains, glaciers and communities meet the sea, creating not just breathtaking fjords, but also a location for recreation activities, educational opportunities, historic preservation, and more.”

The senator on Aug. 5 sponsored the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act, S. 2648, to prevent the NHA from sunsetting in 2024 and extending it through 2036 to ensure the NHA remains eligible for federal support, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Murkowski’s office.

“Reauthorizing the KMTA NHA allows for the continued opportunity for various stakeholders and locals to maintain Alaska’s only National Heritage Area,” she said. “This place is special to Alaskans, and I’m proud to introduce legislation that will support southcentral communities and our state’s tourism economy.”

The bill is supported by Jessica Szelag, executive director of the KMTA NHA, who said the culturally rich area is also “a critically competent part of Alaska’s state economy” offering fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, biking, year-round employment, and support of essential commercial and trade businesses. 

“The work that KMTA NHA does to support these local communities, families and youth is essential to protecting our rich history and beautiful landscape,” Szelag said. “KMTA NHA’s Board of Directors and our communities graciously thank Senator Murkowski for her support and for introducing congressional legislation to reauthorize KMTA NHA so that we can continue on with our good work now and into the future.”