WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously passed a bill out of committee which included two pieces of legislation he championed. The bill contained the reauthorization of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and established Alabama’s Black Belt region as a National Heritage Area. The package now heads to the Senate floor to be voted on by the full Senate.
“Alabama has played a huge role in our nation’s history, and this is great news for our state,” said Senator Tuberville. “Extending authorization for the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and establishing a new National Heritage Area in Alabama’s Black Belt region ensures we can continue to share the story of our heritage with Alabamians and visitors alike.”
The National Heritage Area Act provides authorization for National Heritage Areas (NHAs) nationwide. NHAs are partnerships between the National Park Service, states, and local entities to protect and support conservation and public access. Through these public-private partnerships, NHAs create a diverse, community-driven approach to increase heritage conservation, economic development, recreation, and tourism. Currently, the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is the only NHA in the state. If the bill is passed, Alabama’s Black Belt region will be a new NHA – as established by Senator Tuberville and Senator Shelby’s bill.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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