​Congressman David McKinley (R-WV-1) has introduced House Bill 3142 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Co-sponsors are Representatives Jenkins (R-WV-3) and Delaney (D-MD-6). The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Act of 2017 will bring national recognition for the organization.

Designation as a National Heritage Area will bring national recognition of the importance of the Appalachian Forest Heritage story, technical assistance through the National Park Service, and funding for local projects.

Appalachian Forest Heritage Area (AFHA) has been seeking National Heritage Area designation since 2006.

“This designation, should it go through Congress, would create us as a National Heritage Area. There are 49 other National Heritage Areas around the country, including two others in West Virginia. It would give national recognition of the national significance of our story,” said AFHA Executive Director Phyllis Baxter.

A companion bill, S. 401, was introduced earlier this year by lead sponsor Senator Manchin (D-WV) and co-sponsors Senators Capito (R-WV), Cardin (D-MD), and Van Hollen (D-MD)  .  It is currently referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Read the full story at 12 News – WBOY – http://www.wvalways.com/story/35818974/mckinley-supports-national-recognition-for-afha

Show your support for these bills by thanking your Senators and Representatives for their support, or ask them to co-sponsor the legislation if they have not already done so.  Find contact information at the following link: https://www.congress.gov/members?q={%22congress%22:%22115%22}