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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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