Capito: Legislation Will Support Harpers Ferry

Press Release

Capito: Legislation Will Support Harpers Ferry

Legislation Co-Sponsored by Rep. Capito to Include Harpers Ferry in National Heritage Area Passes as Part of Public Lands Bill

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today applauded legislation that would recognize historic Harpers Ferry by designating portions of Jefferson County as part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area.

"John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry was an important point in our nation's history," noted Capito. "This bill will provide resources to maintain and support areas - like Harpers Ferry - that have played important roles in shaping our national heritage."

Rep. Capito was an original co-sponsor of legislation to designate portions of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania as the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. This original bill was included in a broad package of legislation related to public lands management that passed the House today.

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground would consist of a 175-mile region that includes Civil War battlefields such as Antietam, Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry, along with other important historic landmarks like Monticello.

As part of a National Heritage Area, places such as Harpers Ferry would be eligible for federal assistance to help maintain and protect historic landmarks, while also aiding regional economic development. Under this legislation, $15 million would be allocated to the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Heritage Area.

Source