[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22013]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO ESSEX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 10th 
anniversary of the Essex National Heritage Area and to congratulate the 
Essex National Heritage Commission on their outstanding work.
  I can still remember when Tom Leonard came down to Congress in 
September of 1995 to testify in support of legislation that Senator 
Kennedy and I had filed to create the Essex National Heritage Area.
  One of the most poignant moments in Tom's testimony was when he laid 
out his vision for a true public private partnership to preserve the 
rich history of Essex County.
  During his testimony Tom said, ``Let me stress this point about 
cooperation. The legislation that is before you today anticipates a 
true partnership between the private and public sectors. We are not 
seeking federal handouts and controls.''
  During the last 10 years that vision has ensured that the historical 
treasures in Essex County will survive for future generations.
  As you all know, over two-thirds of the money used for the Essex 
National Heritage Commission's work is from private sources.
  The Congress also plays a significant role in the important work of 
the ENHC, providing over $8.6 million in funding to date.
  Over the last 7 years, ENHC has provided over $1.3 million for 195 
projects in 33 communities in Essex County.
  In my district, the ENHC has made a number of grants to Lawrence, 
Haverhill, Andover, and Methuen to preserve and educate residents about 
our rich history.
  ENHC also organizes and funds a number of other programs including 
their groundbreaking History in the Making program and Essex Heritage 
Explorers.
  Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of the ENHC, we must also 
plan for the future.
  In Congress, we have filed legislation to extend the authorization 
and increase the cap on the amount of federal money the Essex National 
Heritage Area can receive.
  This legislation is crucial for ENHC to be able to continue the 
important preservation and educational work they do.
  I would like to congratulate the staff and volunteers of the Essex 
National Heritage Commission on 10 years of outstanding work and thank 
them for preserving our national heritage.

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