Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s bipartisan bill, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act. This bill aims to enhance the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area by including all of Washington and Saratoga Counties. The proposed expansion would enable both counties to participate in federal grant programs, boost tourism, and support economic development.

Congresswoman Stefanik invited Sean Kelleher, Historian for the Town of Saratoga, to testify before the subcommittee regarding the benefits of this legislation.

“I’m proud to see my legislation to expand the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to include all of Washington and Saratoga Counties featured before the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands today. This expansion would create opportunities for both counties to increase tourism and support economic development in the region,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “I will continue to work to promote and preserve the rich history of Upstate New York and the North Country.”

“Thank you to Representative Stefanik for her leadership in sponsoring the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act, which will empower and facilitate our communities in Saratoga and Washington County to better collaborate with federal and state agencies to achieve our common goals. This bill corrects a historical oversight, thus boosting local economies and ensuring that future generations can fully appreciate the birthplace of American independence,” said Sean Kelleher.

“We are thrilled that bill H.R. 390 is being advanced to amend the boundary of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area,” said Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. “The boundary change will allow us to coordinate delivery of strong public programs and services in close coordination with our sister organization, the Hudson River Valley Greenway.”

The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act seeks alignment between federal boundaries and state boundaries while providing cultural and economic development opportunities in Upstate New York.

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