Washington, DC
Funds will preserve and promote historical cultural resources
Second District Congressman Richard E. Neal today announced that the House of Representatives approved a funding bill that includes $800,000 for the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor. The federal assistance was part of the fiscal year 2007 Interior, Environment Appropriations bill.
“As a strong supporter of National Heritage Corridors, I am pleased to secure this $800,000 for the “Last Green Valley.” This Quinebaug-Shetucket region successfully brings together natural, cultural and recreational resources. It is a local treasure that residents and visitors frequently enjoy,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
The Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor works to preserve The Last Green Valley. These federal funds will make improvements to the recreational and agricultural tourism infrastructure in the area, and will build the capacity of regional partners to preserve and promote historical cultural resources.
The assistance will also enhance and link trails and waterways for residents and tourists and would inspire and educate present land use decision-makers and stewards of the Last Green Valley. Finally, the funds would be used to continue critical land use planning assistance for 35 towns.
The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor encompasses about 695,000 acres in central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. The area stretches from Norwich, Connecticut north to Charlton, Massachusetts and from Coventry, Connecticut east to the Rhode Island border. More than half the size of the Grand Canyon National Park and ten times the area of Acadia, the National Heritage Corridor is a special type of park. Its 35 towns with numerous villages has a total population of about 300,000.
