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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