WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) today announced that the House has passed S. 203, the National Heritage Act of 2005, which establishes the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area among other areas.  National Heritage Areas must have distinctive and historic features that are representative of events and traditions that shaped our nation.  

“The creation of this Heritage area means a great deal for Utah.  This area will honor the brave men and women who, 150 years ago, began a remarkable adventure that continues to this day,” Cannon said. 

Congress has established 27 National Heritage Areas around the country, in which conservation, interpretation, and other activities are managed by partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and the private sector.

The National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Act designates an area of 250 miles, starting in Fairview, Utah, and traveling south through Kane, Garfield, Piute, Sevier, Wayne, and Sanpete counties to the Arizona border.

S. 203 was passed by the Senate last year and will now go to the President for his signature.