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Gene Taylor introduces Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Act
THE SEA COAST ECHO
U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor has introduced the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Act (H.R. 2689). The bill would create a six-county area in South Mississippi that would allow funding for a program that would showcase the heritage of the Gulf Coast. The counties included in H.R. 2689 are Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, George, Stone and Pearl River.
Dr. Bill Walker, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR), had requested Congressman Taylor to introduce the legislation. Walker said,
"Congressman Taylor's bill creates a program that gives us an opportunity to promote the assets, activities, fishing and seafood heritage of our state's six lower counties. I'm very pleased that Congressman Taylor has introduced this bill. It will allow us to work with the city and county officials of this area to promote economic development and tourism."
Taylor said, "I appreciate Dr. Walker and DMR's initiative on this issue that will be important to the heritage of these six counties. I'm also pleased that the other members of Mississippi's delegation in
the U.S. House have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 2689 and that Sen. Lott has introduced a companion bill in the Senate. As person who loves the outdoors, this bill would create a real opportunity for generations of Mississippians and visitors to enjoy the beautiful natural resources and heritage of our coastal area."
Taylor's bill would allow the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage to designate a number of programs that would be eligible for federal funding. The programs would include educational projects, preservation of resources and artifacts and enhancement of natural
resources. Walker said that DMR has a Comprehensive Resource Management Plan that is a joint effort of federal, state and local governments. The plan provides a natural foundation to establish the Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. Taylor's bill would authorize appropriations of $10 million, of which not more than $1 million would be available during any single fiscal year. The federal share of any activity under the Gulf Coast National Heritage Act would not be more than 50 percent.
Taylor's bill has been referred to the House Committee on Resources.