(Washington, DC, May 16, 2005) — Legislation sponsored by Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen to conduct a study on the suitability and feasibility of establishing a National Heritage Area on St. Croix  passed the House of Representatives on Monday afternoon.  It passed as a provision of H.R. 938, which establishes Heritage areas in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Christensen’s provision directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing National Heritage Areas on St. Croix. 

“I can think of no more fitting place that should be studied for possible designation as a National Heritage Area than my home island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands,” Christensen stated in a statement for the record.  “The island of St. Croix has a long, distinguished  and varied history, including being the site where Christopher Columbus first stepped  onto what is now American soil,” she said.  “There is significant interest in preserving and enhancing the natural, historical and cultural resources of the island on a cooperative basis and such a study would provide guidance on how we can best achieve those purposes.”

The legislation has passed the House once before in November of 2003, but did not come before the Senate before the close of the 108th Congress.  Christensen  was optimistic that the measure would receive the nod of the U.S. Senate this time around.

National Heritage Areas are not part of the National Park System, but they contain land and properties that reflect the history of their people.  They consist mainly of private properties and may include natural, scenic, historic, cultural or recreation resources.  Conservation, interpretation and other activities are handled by partnerships among federal, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations and Congress recognizes a “management entity” to coordinate efforts.