[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CHATTAHOOCHEE TRACE NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR STUDY ACT

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                           HON. TERRY EVERETT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce legislation today, 
along with my colleagues Mike Rogers and Jim Marshall, calling for a 
Federal study of the Chattahoochee Trace region of Alabama and Georgia 
to evaluate the feasibility of designating the corridor as a National 
Heritage Area.
  The Chattahoochee Trace corridor is an 18-county region covering 
southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. This proposal would require 
the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study of the 
Trace, to determine its suitability as a National Heritage Area. In 
Alabama, the study would specifically examine seven counties--Chambers, 
Lee, Russell, Barbour, Dale, Henry and Houston Counties.
  The designation of the Chattahoochee Trace as a National Heritage 
Area would be the final piece in the Historic Chattahoochee 
Commission's corridor development plan wich will enable us to initiate 
new and innovative projects to help invigorate the economies of member 
counties.
  The 18 county bi-state Chattahoochee Trace region meets all criteria 
outlined by the National Park Service to qualify for National Heritage 
Area status. During 37 years of work, the Historic Chattahoochee 
Commission has clearly demonstrated that this area has a unique 
collection of natural, historic and cultural resources that are 
distinctive aspects of American history worthy of recognition, 
conservation and interpretation. Furthermore, the Commission has 
demonstrated its capabilities to organize regional partnerships to help 
manage and promote the resources along the lower Chattahoochee River 
corridor. It is also a well-known fact that the Chattahoochee Trace 
region provides outstanding recreational and educational opportunities 
for area residents and visitors. Ongoing efforts to conserve natural, 
cultural, historic, and scenic assets in the region will only be 
eranced by National Heritage Area designation.
  National Heritage Areas are significant geographical, cultural and 
historical sites, a designated by Congress. In contrast to National 
Parks, National Heritage Areas are not federally owned or managed, but 
remain maintained and controlled by local entities.
  Communities designated as a National Heritage Areas are eligible for 
federal funding to be used for promoting tourism and conservation. I 
urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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