Interior Secretary Gale Norton Approves Plan For
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton and New York Governor George E. Pataki today announced a new management plan that will help with heritage tourism, education, and historic preservation throughout the Hudson River Valley. With Secretary Norton's approval of the designation, the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council and the Greenway Conservancy can use federal funding for an important program to enhance and promote the heritage of the area.

"As management entities in the law, the Greenway Council and Greenway Conservancy have developed a plan that will promote the continued appreciation of the natural, historic and cultural resources of a remarkable place in our nation's heritage by every citizen who visits the Hudson River Valley," Norton said. She also commended both organizations for completing a well-conceived plan and for engaging the interested citizens and organizations of New York State in its development.

Essential to the Secretary's approval was strong support from New York State Governor George E. Pataki who said, "This is an historic occasion for New York State, the Hudson River Valley, and the many local communities that have worked so hard to make this Management Plan a model for the future of heritage tourism and historic preservation in the Valley. With the Secretary's approval of the plan, New York can move forward with our local partners promoting and developing the rich historic and cultural resources of the Hudson River Valley."

"I thank Secretary Norton for her support, along with the ongoing support of her staff, as we strive for new ways to unlock the potential of the Valley and tell the many stories of profound significance to our state and nation," Governor Pataki said. The approval of the Management Plan is a critical step in this effort and will enable us to establish the Valley's place in American history."

As part of the approval, Secretary Norton requested a report be submitted in a year through the Northeast Regional Director of the National Park Service. The report will outline specific responsibilities of the Heritage Area Committee to be formed by the Council and Conservancy. The Committee is a key element for the plan's successful implementation.

Established by Congress in 1996, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area comprises a rich array of nationally significant natural and cultural features. Stretching four million acres from New York City to Troy, the Valley remains famous for its rural character that inspired the great American school of landscape painters and Knickerbocker writers. From Henry Hudson's first discovery to the legacy of the American and Industrial Revolutions, the Hudson River Valley is one of America's most compelling places. The Heritage Area concept offers a locally led umbrella network to link thousands of citizens who together can enhance opportunities to ensure a bright future for the Hudson River Valley.

In designating the Hudson River Valley a National Heritage Area, Congress authorized federal funding to complement efforts of local communities, private entities and individuals, and other state and federal agencies. With this designation and approval of the Management Plan, along with the federal naming of the Hudson River as an American Heritage River, national attention is turning to the unique and diverse treasures of the Hudson River Valley. Secretary Norton, Governor Pataki and New York State's commitment to this effort is expected to bring increased tourism and revitalization to those communities seeking to capitalize on this history.

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