Happy New Year!
I hope you all are enjoying this unexpectedly warm weather and are looking forward to what the new year will bring.
I'm writing to you today to bring you good news and a story of a legislative process that played out over the last few days on Capitol Hill. It was a Christmastime present from Congress, which passed the long-awaited National Heritage Areas Act, including a long-term reauthorization for Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area!
The final vote in Congress occurred just days ago. With only two days left on the Congressional legislative calendar, the National Heritage Area Act of 2022 was brought to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for a final vote. With the support of the entire Rivers of Steel congressional delegation, including Congressman Mike Doyle, Congressman Mike Kelly, Congressman Conor Lamb, and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, along with our two Senators, Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, the bill was approved and is now at the White House awaiting the signature of President Biden. It was a remarkable effort by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and those in Congress who backed the legislation for National Heritage Areas.
Upon passage, Congressman Mike Doyle offered the following comment:
“I’m pleased to have supported the reauthorization of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. This legislation is a strong endorsement by the United States Congress of the organization, and it guarantees Rivers of Steel’s continued work in southwestern Pennsylvania for the next 15 years, preserving the industrial legacy of our region while our communities transform into a new economy.”
Rivers of Steel is grateful for the strong support it receives from our congressional delegation, and we look forward to continuing our work with our community partners in the coming year.
We are also thankful for your support throughout the year. We realize this has been a challenging year finacially for many folks. If you can afford to support our efforts, your year-end donation will boost Rivers of Steel's ability to offer vital, engaging, and community-based arts, education, and heritage programs in 2023—benefitting the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.
Thank you! It has been a dynamic year, and we cannot express how much we appreciate your participation and support in 2022!
