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OP ED

January 15, 2005

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor –
Past, Present, and Future

November 10, 1986, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Act was past in Congress. Not since Samuel Slater began America’s industrial revolution 1790 would the Blackstone River Valley communities between Providence and Worcester have such an opportunity to chart a new future. This time the Valley would take the responsibility to tell the story of the national significance of Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution to the world. A second revolution had begun.

Through the years a 19 member federally appointed Commission has guided historic preservation, improved the environment, created recreational opportunities, supported economic interests, enhanced cultural attractions and created a sense of place for Blackstone Valley residents and visitors. The quality of life in the Valley and the pride in the people of the Blackstone Valley are soaring.

This federal Commission and its professional staff have brought to Rhode Island and Massachusetts over $24,000,000 in federal support since the Corridor began. Another $300,000 a year is provided in funding by the National Park Service for technical assistance to our interpretive Ranger programs. All of the projects and programs this money supported have been very exciting. From restoring an historic barn in Sutton, to establishing year-round Visitor Centers in Pawtucket, Uxbridge, Woonsocket and soon in Worcester. From creating a Canal Museum along the Bike path in Lincoln, to rebuilding the 17,000 water powered wheel at Slater Mill Living History Museum things are improving. Funds have helped create a river landing system in Central Falls, build and support the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, save the Daniels Farm in Douglas and build riverfront parks in Sutton, Cumberland, Central Falls and Uxbridge. It’s more about people and programs than projects and funding.

November 10, 2006 the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Act comes to a close. Our Congressional delegation has worked hard to insure the National Heritage Corridor Act was sustained twice since its inception in 1986. Our Rhode Island and Massachusetts governors, local governments, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, local businesses and thousands of the Valley’s residents are now gearing up for the largest battle of our National Heritage Corridor’s lifespan. We want this program to stay. Today however there are over 24 other National Heritage Areas across America. None of them are over 20 years old. Twenty years appears to be a tipping point for some in Congress. While our Congressional delegation could not be more supportive, others in Congress appear to feel different. Each year more Blackstone Valley partners approach the National Heritage Corridor adding to the growth and robustness of our programs.

If the financial success of the National Heritage Corridor federal investment were the only indicator of the success of the program the Blackstone stands tall among heritage areas in terms of attracting private investment. Over $325,000,000 in private investment has been attracted just along the Blackstone Riverfront since Nov 1996.

The Blackstone Valley’s future depends on reauthorization of legislation that will continue the work that has been so vital to the people of the Valley. If all goes poorly and reauthorization does not take place our National Park Service assistance here in the Valley will dwindle to a whisper of what it is today. The coordination, and life-blood organizing skills that the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor has become famous for will end.

Our Congressional delegation, who has been so supportive through the years and have fought for support for the Blackstone, are again taking a lead role in working to continue the work of the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Commission under the request of Senator Lincoln Chafee began a third-party study of the Commission’s impact on people, the landscape and options for the future.

This 6-month report, undertaken by the Conservation Study Institute of Vermont, has been completed and it is in the Commission’s hands for action. The Conservation Study Institute worked with the Commission staff and people from all over the Blackstone Valley to understand how the remarkable changes taking place in the Blackstone Valley are accomplished. The Institute reviewed the work that has been done over the last 18 years and the competencies needed to accomplish the work of the Corridor. They also reviewed alternative management systems if there is no reauthorization in the 2006 legislation.

The Conservation Study Institute report not only provides an assessment of the work of Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission has performed but presents strategic sustainability options for the future. This report is in intense and provides in depth research about how people work in networks to get things accomplished in the Blackstone Valley.

The Heritage Corridor has made a difference in the Blackstone River Valley. Our national story is being told across our landscape. Enthusiastic support for reauthorization is building.

Lend your voice and your support to the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor reauthorization. It may be time for a new future for the Blackstone River Valley. This future may include a new vision for our National Heritage Corridor, one that might be different from any National Park Service installation in America, with possibly an increased involvement from the Park Service. Join this second revolution. Sign on to Corridorkeepers.com for more details on how to make your voice heard.

Robert D. Billington, Chairman
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission

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