Stabenow, Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Support MotorCities National Heritage Area Moves Forward in Congress

Legislation to Support National Heritage Areas Across Country Passes in Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heads to the Full Senate

Thursday, May 05, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that their bipartisan bill, the National Heritage Area Act, passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill would support National Heritage Areas across the country including Michigan’s MotorCities National Heritage Area in Southeast Michigan.

 

The National Heritage Area Act reauthorizes MotorCities and the 44 other National Heritage Areas set to expire by 2024 for another 15 years, ensuring long term security for these sites and the communities they benefit. The bill also sets up a much needed framework for the designation and management of new and existing National Heritage Areas.

 

“National Heritage Areas not only commemorate our nation’s history, but also create jobs and boost tourism for communities across the country,” said Senator Stabenow. “This legislation ensures that Michigan’s own MotorCities National Heritage Area has the funding to continue to preserve and share our rich automotive history for years to come.”

 

“National Heritage Areas not only commemorate our nation’s history but serve as economic boosters to regions across the country. In Michigan, we’re proud to be home to the MotorCities National Heritage Area, which highlights how our automotive heritage – and the workers that built automobiles across generations – transformed society,” said Senator Peters. “Supporting the MotorCities National Heritage Area will uphold our state’s reputation as a leader in mobility and generate further economic development in Michigan. I am pleased our bill advanced that would preserve the story of how Michigan put America on wheels and built a world-class workforce that has transcended generations.”

 

Designated by Congress in 1998, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service. The Partnership’s mission is to preserve and promote the region’s automotive and labor heritage. Every year, MotorCities attracts thousands of visitors and helps generate $410 million in economic support to Michigan communities, supporting 4,560 jobs.

 

Stabenow and Peters have been champions for funding for Motorcities, successfully authoring and passing the Preserving the Motorcities Heritage Act in 2019.

 

U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) are also co-sponsors of the National Heritage Area Act. The National Heritage Area Act is supported by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). 

 

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