[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LEVIN:
  S. 2221. A bill to extend the authorization for the Automobile 
National Heritage Area in Michigan; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the automobile is central to who we are as 
Michiganians. The automotive industry helped create the middle class, 
shape the labor movement, establish America's dominance in 
manufacturing, and spur new innovation across a range of other economic 
sectors.
  For these reasons, Congressman Dingell in the House of 
Representatives and I in the Senate introduced legislation in 1998 to 
establish the Motor Cities National Heritage Area. That legislation 
specified the heritage area would serve not only to preserve and 
interpret the history of our Nation's automotive heritage, but that it 
would also promote current and future economic opportunities.
  The MotorCities National Heritage Area has provided over one million 
dollars to support tourism projects that have boosted economic activity 
and jobs. These grants attract additional investment because funding is 
typically matched by more than $6 for each $1 in grant funding. 
MotorCities also connects a broad range of auto-related organizations 
and attractions, and has connected more than 100 organizations, which 
has bolstered their visibility and impact.
  Michigan is a magnet for car enthusiasts and history buffs around the 
globe and MotorCities helps them learn about our history and celebrate 
it with us. When visitors come to Detroit to see where Henry Ford built 
the Model T or to Lansing to learn about the rise of Oldsmobile, the 
existence of the Motor Cities National Heritage Area enhances their 
visit.
  These activities will not be supported by the National Park Service 
after September 30, 2014 due to a sunset clause in the original 
enabling legislation. For this reason I am introducing today 
legislation to extend the date for which federal assistance may still 
be provided. Congressman Dingell is introducing similar legislation in 
the House. We have extended the period during which the Park Service 
can support the Heritage Area to September 30, 2030.
  Michigan's automotive heritage is worthy of celebration, remembrance 
and appreciation. I hope my colleagues will support the legislation I 
am introducing today.

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