Sponsors
The bill creates a federally designated heritage area to boost local preservation, tourism, and infrastructure with up to 15 years of federal support, trading modest short-term federal costs and local administrative burdens (and a possible long-term funding gap) for coordinated economic and environmental benefits to the region.
Residents and visitors in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties gain federal recognition and coordinated support to preserve local history, landscapes, and recreational access.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. receives a formal coordinating role to promote tourism, education, and conservation, which can boost local economic development and support small businesses and nonprofits.
Federal assistance is authorized for up to 15 years to fund projects that conserve resources and improve recreational infrastructure and access.
After the authorized 15 years of federal assistance ends, communities may face funding gaps for maintenance and programs unless local resources replace federal support.
The local coordinating nonprofit and participating local governments must prepare an approved management plan within three years, imposing planning costs and administrative burdens.
Taxpayers may shoulder additional federal spending to support the heritage area during the authorized period.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a National Heritage Area in parts of northeastern Pennsylvania, names a local coordinating nonprofit, requires a management plan within 3 years, and limits federal assistance to 15 years.
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Dan Meuser · Last progress March 26, 2026
Creates a new National Heritage Area in northeastern Pennsylvania covering Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties and any other county portions identified in a prior feasibility study, with final boundaries set by the Secretary of the Interior. Designates a local nonprofit as the official coordinating entity, requires that entity to submit a management plan for Secretary approval within three years, and ends the Department of the Interior's authority to provide assistance for the area 15 years after enactment.