U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski recently introduced S. 2648, the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is the first and only National Heritage Area in Alaska and just one of 55 in the country. The Heritage Area was created in the Omnibus Lands Act in 2009 with the intent to preserve the area’s history, and to promote local recreation and tourism in Southcentral Alaska.
With this legislation, the heritage area will sunset in 2024. This bill provides an extension through 2036, ensuring that the National Heritage Area remains eligible for federal support for years to come.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said:
“The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area draws visitors from around the world. This is where mountains, glaciers, and communities meet the sea, creating not just breathtaking fjords, but also a location for recreation activities, educational opportunities, historic preservation, and more. Reauthorizing the KMTA NHA allows for the continued opportunity for various stakeholders and locals to maintain Alaska’s only National Heritage Area. This place is special to Alaskans, and I’m proud to introduce legislation that will support Southcentral communities and our state’s tourism economy.”
The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area includes the communities of Cooper Landing, Girdwood, Hope, Seward and Whittier, and is managed by the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm Corridor Communities Association. The Association has worked on several recreation projects within the KMTA NHA including:
- Girdwood Trails Management Plan
- Trail Maintenance Workshops
- Hope Community Pedestrian Path
- Chugach National Forest Trail Work
- Iditarod National Historical Trail Bridge
- Cooper Landing Snug Harbor Pathway Beautification Project
- Girdwood Mountain Bike Park Trails & Interpretive Signs
- Online survey of bicycle trails users’ behaviors and priorities
- Google map of bicycle trails within KMTA and links to information
- Design of potential trail safety/etiquette sign for Resurrection Pass Trail
- KMTA Corridor Trail Improvements
Jessica Szelag, Executive Director of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area said:
“This culturally rich area of Southentral Alaska is also a critically competent part of Alaska’s state economy offering world-class fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, biking, year-round employment, and supporting essential commercial and trade businesses. The work that KMTA NHA does to support these local communities, families, and youth is essential to protecting our rich history and beautiful landscape. KMTA’s Community-Based Grant Program has provided over $1.2 million in funding for heritage area projects that has generated an additional $2.3 million in local funding to spur economic development, protect critically important historic resources, and provide support for local museums, historical societies, and youth programs. KMTA NHA’s Board of Directors and our communities graciously thank Senator Murkowski for her support and for introducing congressional legislation to reauthorize KMTA NHA so that we can continue on with our good work now and into the future.,”
Included with that are several education and interpretation projects within the KMTA NHA, including:
- This is Now and That was Then, Stories that Weave through the Eastern Kenai Peninsula documentaries narrated by Seward High School students, aired on public television
- Moose Pass Library Museum exhibit
- City of Seward Waterfront Bike Path Interpretive Signs
- Construction of Bison Hall Educational Building
- Girdwood Summer Children’s Programs
- Hope Historic District Signs
- Community Murals
- Trail Lakes Hatchery Interpretive Video Installation
- Publication of Gold Rush Wife by Dorothy Frost, edited by Dr. Rolfe Buzzell
- Snow River “Discover the Story” National Heritage Area sign
- Ghost Forest Boardwalk Signs
- Girdwood Town Square Signs
- Alaska Nellie Interpretive Sign at Kenai Lake
- Moose Pass Welcome Sign
- Jujiro Wada Monument and Plaque commemorating Japanese musher and prospector, installed along Seward waterfront
- Continued collaboration with Iditarod Trail in Every Classroom (ITrEC)
More information on the senate bill can be found here.