Colorado Wilderness Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment from Mr. Tonko and Mr. McKinley to reauthorize and standardize the management of the National Heritage Areas, and salute them for their commitment across multiple sessions of Congress to institute critical, lasting protections for our nation's National Heritage Areas.

This amendment would address the haphazard and confusing patchwork of authorizations for National Heritage Areas across the country, with two right here in my neck of the woods, by instituting a universal timeline to ensure these natural treasures are not subject to arbitrary lapses in authorization. These heritage areas create jobs, establish destinations that people want to visit and vacation to, and are a smart investment in both the economy and the natural environment.

Support from the federal government is what provides these areas with the foundation needed to preserve and protect these natural spaces, but the work just starts there--from that federal support, these National Heritage Areas leverage countless dollars and volunteer hours to promote the environment and identity of their surrounding regions.

Two of those treasures are especially close to my heart and would be reauthorized for 15 years under this amendment--the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. Both areas are incredible assets to eastern Connecticut and the Northeast with the Last Green Valley encompassing 35 towns stretching from eastern Connecticut to Massachusetts. First designated as a National Heritage Corridor by Congress in 1994, the area spans 1,100 miles in Connecticut alone, remains 77 percent forest and farm, and is the last stretch of dark night sky in the sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.

My colleagues from Connecticut and Massachusetts know that investments in our open spaces provide an enormous value for taxpayers, and I salute our neighbor and friend for his amendment which would ensure that these wonders are protected for future generations to enjoy.

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