From staff reports
U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-15th District, on Thursday introduced legislation to reauthorize the Oil Region National Heritage Area’s federal charter through 2026. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District.
National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes, according to a news release from Thompson’s office.
This National Heritage Area celebrates the region’s historic role in the founding of the petroleum industry, beginning in 1859.
The area includes Venango County, Titusville, Oil Creek Township and Hydetown Borough.
“Extending the sunset date will enable pivotal programmatic and financial assistance from the National Park Service to continue the Oil Region National Heritage Area’s programs and projects to preserve, promote, develop and support historical, educational, natural, recreational, commercial and industrial resources of Venango and eastern Crawford counties,” said John Phillips, the Oil Region Alliance’s president chief executive officer.
