[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2548-2549]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE NIAGARA FALLS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2007

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Niagara 
Falls National Heritage Area Act, which will provide Federal resources 
to preserve and promote one of America's greatest natural wonders.
  Every time I make the long drive across my congressional district, I 
am reminded of how fortunate I am to represent a region with such a 
diverse geographic make-up. From the Ontario shoreline, to vast 
vineyards and apple orchards, to the waterfront on Lake Erie, Mother 
Nature has bestowed some of her finest treasures upon western New York. 
But none are as recognized world-wide as Niagara Falls, which attracts 
more than 7 million visitors annually. The Niagara River Gorge is an 
exceptionally scenic corridor, carved by the movement of the falls 
beginning over 10,000 years ago. Federal recognition of this geological 
wonder and the Niagara frontier is long overdue.
  The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act will provide Federal 
resources to help heighten national appreciation for the falls' natural 
splendor and the region's contributions to our Nation's history. The 
bill is critically important to the district I represent. With the 
steady decline in manufacturing, the western New York economy has 
become increasingly dependent on tourism. In addition to recognizing 
the falls in our Nation's development, the Niagara Falls National 
Heritage Area Act will help revitalize and strengthen the local economy 
by creating a comprehensive strategy to attract tourists to the region.
  Niagara Falls is a geological wonder that has been a world-renowned 
tourist destination for more than 200 years. Rich in natural and 
cultural resources, the Niagara falls area has significant historical 
associations with Native Americans, early European exploration, the 
French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and 
the Underground Railroad. In addition, the falls have long been

[[Page 2549]]

an important site for hydroelectric power and ancillary industries. 
Together, these elements have greatly contributed to the development of 
the United States and deserve Federal recognition as a national 
landmark.
  A National Heritage Area designation will heighten appreciation for 
the region, better preserve its natural and historic resources, improve 
coordination among existing programs at the site, enhance the quality 
of life, and expand the economy of the Niagara region. The Niagara 
Falls National Heritage Area will be comprised of the area stretching 
from the western boundary of the town of Wheatfield to the mouth of the 
Niagara River, and from the river to Lake Ontario. It will also include 
the city of Niagara Falls, the villages of Youngstown and Lewiston, and 
all land and water lying within these boundaries. The Niagara Falls 
National Heritage Area will be managed by a Federal Commission for its 
first 5 years in existence before being turned over to a local 
management entity. This bill has widespread public support, and a 
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has been endorsed by the National 
Park Service.
  Madam Speaker, Niagara Falls has always been a source of pride for 
western New York. But the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act will 
help to solidify its standing as something more: an engine for the 
revitalization and promotion of our region's natural, historic, and 
scenic resources to residents and visitors alike. I look forward to 
working toward passage of this important legislation.

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