Congress Passes Landmark Legislation for National Aviation Heritage Area
Dayton, Ohio – The National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942) has been signed into law enabling the National Aviation Heritage Area in Southwest Ohio to continue its long-term support of the region and Ohio’s rich aviation and aerospace heritage. The bill was passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bi-partisan vote of 326-95 on December 22, 2022. Days earlier, the Senate passed the same bill by unanimous consent which required that there be no objections from any of the 100 Senators.
“The pioneering spirit and technological advancements of the Wright brothers, and those who followed in their footsteps are reflected throughout the eight counties in Western Ohio that make up the National Aviation Heritage Area,” said Senator Sherrod Brown. “It’s a privilege to represent a state with such significance in the history of flight, and I’m proud to ensure that federal support for the National Aviation Heritage Area will continue.”
This legislation creates a standard criterion for the funding, management, and designation of all National Heritage Areas across the country. The National Aviation Heritage Area is one of 55 established National Heritage Areas in the United States and US territories. Furthermore, the legislation makes the National Aviation Heritage Area eligible for federal funding through 2037.
The National Aviation Heritage Area creates a forum of collaboration and cooperation for the numerous heritage assets in its 8-county region. The board, staff, and partners advance regional projects and programs to preserve and promote the region for cultural heritage tourism and economic development. For example, a recent success was leading the project team that secured the National Park Service World War II American Heritage City designation for Montgomery County (City of Dayton and surroundings).
“The next few years will be an exciting time in the National Aviation Heritage Area,” shared executive director, Mackensie Wittmer. “This year is the 100th anniversary of both the National Museum of United States Air Force and of the WACO aircraft company in Troy, Ohio. In 2024, the region will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse and our Heritage Area partners are already preparing to host umbraphiles (eclipse enthusiasts). And in 2026, the nation and Ohio will be celebrating America250, or 250 years of the United States. Aviation and aerospace will play a large role in the national and State of Ohio themes.” Wittmer continued on to thank the federal delegation that supported this legislation. The legislation was advanced by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and supported by Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. Rob Portman, Rep. Michael Turner, Rep. Steve Chabot, and Rep. Mike Carey.
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The National Aviation Heritage Area is the recognized center of aviation heritage tourism and aerospace innovation, sustaining the legacy of the Wright Brothers. Our mission is to preserve and develop the assets in the National Aviation Heritage Area and promote the heritage and future of aerospace. www.visitNAHA.com
Media Contact: Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director | [email protected] | 937.626.8816
