SCR21, As Adopted by Senate, September 11, 2014

            Senator Hansen offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21.

            A concurrent resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that will extend the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership in Michigan.

            Whereas, Michigan's MotorCities National Heritage Area is one of only 49 federally-designated heritage areas in the country. This special heritage area was created by Congress in 1998 to preserve, interpret, and promote the cultural and historic landscape associated with the automobile in Southeast and Central Michigan. The heritage area encompasses a region of more than 10,000 miles, covering a population of more than 6 million people. The MotorCities National Heritage Area is the largest concentration of auto-related sites in the world; and

            Whereas, The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is affiliated with the National Park Service and has partnered with many organizations to create projects that tell the rich story of the people, places, and innovations that helped define Michigan's industrial importance. Projects and initiatives have been created within the heritage area to showcase our nation's industrial strength and its importance in defending our freedom and democracy in two world wars. The preservation and restoration of landmarks such as the Ford Model T Complex and R.E. Olds structures and exhibits in Flint and Lansing are examples of efforts made possible by the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership; and

            Whereas, Federal grants and assistance for the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership will expire on September 30, 2014. S. 2221 and H.R. 4421 would extend the sunset date to September 30, 2030. Extending the sunset will provide continued support for Michigan's tourism industry and projects that will bring millions of visitors to Michigan each year; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that will extend the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the managing director of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, and the Governor of the state of Michigan.