June 15, 2007

Delhi, NY –  Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand D-Greenport, announced the selection of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce as recipient of an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for $12,500. The Appalachian Regional Initiative: Natural and Cultural Heritage Tourism Development grant will provide funds for training and technical assistance relating to natural resource and historic preservation.

The Congresswoman, a Member of the House Agriculture Committee is currently working to strengthen the conservation and rural development titles of the Farm Bill. "Preservation and promotion of our natural and historic heritage is critical to the future of our rural communities," said the Congresswoman. "These funds will go a long way to promoting these regions to tourists and protecting the character of our communities."

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. It stretches from Alabama to New York, and includes Delaware and Otsego counties in the Congresswoman's Congressional District. The competition is part of the Appalachian Regional Commission effort to promote asset-based economic development in Appalachia, and is designed to promote natural and cultural heritage tourism development in "gateway communities," or communities that border national and state parks, wildlife refuges, forests, historic sites, wilderness areas, and other public lands.

# # #