Aerial shot of St. Croix from the most easterly point of the United States, Point Udall By. Pinterest
ST. CROIX — Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett has introduced a measure in Congress that seeks to designate St. Croix as a National Heritage Area, an effort Ms. Plaskett said began with former Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen, who in 2003 introduced a measure that sought authorization for a feasibility study to determine whether the island would qualify.
“National Heritage Areas (NHA) are designated by Congress as places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes," Ms. Plaskett said. "St. Croix is rich in culture, history and offers the resources ideal for establishing an NHA."
Along with the designation's historic importance, St. Croix would also see additional funding, Ms. Plaskett said.
“H.R, 5747 would assign the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office as local coordinating entity to oversee and develop programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the Heritage Area. In addition, this bill would make funding available to develop recreational and educational opportunities to inform and engage our youth on the heritage of St. Croix," she said.
She added, "It is imperative that we protect and restore historic sites and buildings in our historical district of St. Croix through public-private partnerships. I am pleased that the territorial delegates signed on to H.R. 5747 as original cosponsors and the legislation has the continued support of local government and stakeholders. This bill would be an economic boost for St. Croix and spur economic growth.”
