
The state’s rich history, abundant natural resources, waterways,
recreational activities and tourism all contribute to a robust Mississippi
economy and a thriving National Heritage Area Program.
Federal and state investments help boost visibility and economic
vitality of the six coastal counties that make up the Gulf Coast Heritage Area.
These resources serve as a source of pride and offer visitors authentic
experiences in our historic homes and museums, our bountiful waterways, scenic
trails and our culture of festivals and traditional southern food. We are home
to ship building, space travel and seafood industries. It is this that helps
tell our story. Communities benefit from a National Heritage Area designation
through a collaborative approach to conservation that doesn’t compromise
tradition and local control over the use of the landscape.
A federal investment provides a bigger opportunity to leverage
funds and create more partnerships. The NHAs maintain a successful partnership
with the National Park Service, a trusted and publicly recognizable entity,
which partners value when investing non-federal dollars in projects.
In June, I had the opportunity to visit with our Congressional
Representatives, to communicate how important their support is to continue to
fund the National Heritage Area Program. Federal appropriations are crucial to
National Heritage Areas and are a valuable leveraging tool to help the
Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area provide funding for quality
projects that support environmental, historical, cultural traditions and
lifestyles of residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- RHONDA
PRICE, MGCNHA DIRECTOR