Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) and Rep. Thomas Perriello (D-VA) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Companion legislation in the Senate is expected to be introduced later in the week.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the nation, as well as an important source of income for Western North Carolina and a convenient access point for residents and visitors to hiking, hunting and other recreational activities,” said Rep. Shuler. “I am proud to help introduce this legislation honoring the 75th anniversary of the Parkway.”
Nearly 20 million people visit the Blue Ridge Parkway each year, making it the National Park Service’s most popular site. The Parkway is an economic driver for the region, generating about $2.3 billion in economic activity in North Carolina and Virginia annually.
Mr. Marc Rudow of Asheville, President of the Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) Board of Directors, said, “The Blue Ridge Parkway is certainly a crown jewel of the National Park Service for all the reasons this resolution cites, and for many more. CTNC and our North Carolina land trust partners are proud to help protect the Parkway by protecting the landscape around it – the working farms, clear-running streams, gorgeous mountain vistas, and lush forests. Congress helped to create this national treasure 75 years ago, and its continuing support is essential so that future generations of visitors will come to love the Blue Ridge Parkway as we do today.”
The resolution introduced today highlights the great contributions of the Parkway to the region. It acknowledges the historic and enduring scenic, recreational, and economic value of this unique national treasure. It recognizes Stanley Abbott “the father of the Blue Ridge Parkway” for his role in planning the Parkway. It also honors those who have provided volunteer support to maintain and improve the Parkway. This includes the 1,400 volunteers in 2008 who have provided more than 50,000 hours of service in Virginia and North Carolina.
In January, U.S. Representatives Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), David Price (D-N.C.), Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Tom Perriello (D-VA) introduced a bill that authorized the National Park Service to acquire up to 50,000 acres of land bordering the scenic roadway. The Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act would allow the Park Service to protect the views that make the Parkway such a popular and economically beneficial attraction.
“Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I spent much of my time outdoors camping, fishing and hunting,” said Rep. Shuler. “Through these experiences, I gained a deep appreciation and great respect for our natural environment, particularly our National Parks. The Blue Ridge Parkway is invaluable in connecting residents and visitors to the land that gives me so much pride. Our great state of North Carolina is stronger and better as a result of the access to the land that the Parkway brings.”
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