2.10.2010

Proposed Legislation to Protect the Blue Ridge Parkway


This year represents the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway.To celebrate, a congressional delegation from North Carolina and Virginia is sponsoring legislation to preserve the land adjacent to the parkway. The proposed legislation will protect 50,000 additional acres along the 469 mile road.

Construction on the parkway began during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the days of the New Deal it was built by a number of public work agencies, mainly the Civilian Conservation Corps. 52 years later in 1987 the final stretch was laid near Grandfather mountain in Linville, NC. Over the past few years though, a number of private developments have started obstructing the scenic views that bring in nearly 2.3 billion dollars annually to the National Park System. U.S. Representatives David Price and Heath Shuler hope that the proposed $75 million investment will help protect the breath taking views and expand the parkway's recreational offerings.

At present the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Despite the recent economic downturn we hope that Congress will see the importance in preserving this national treasure. If you want to get involved with the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th anniversary visit the site below.

Website: http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org/

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