Niki Tsongas: “It is with great pleasure that I rise today in support of H.R. 2240, the Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange…”

“It is with great pleasure that I rise today in support of H.R. 2240, the Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act. This legislation will facilitate the exchange of land or interest in land between the city of Lowell and the Lowell National Historical Park. In 1978, legislation was passed establishing this park. It was championed by my late husband as well as by two Republican Members of Congress who previously represented this district. We should take bipartisan pride in its great success. This national park was given a unique mandate to not only preserve and interpret the resources representing Lowell's central role in our 19th century industrial revolution, but also to serve as a catalyst in revitalizing the city's physical, economic, and cultural environment, all outgrowths of the city's industrial heritage. In working together with the city of Lowell, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and many other public and private partners, the Lowell National Historical Park has played a vital role in rehabilitating over 400 structures and has since 1978 helped spur an estimated $1 billion in private investment in the city. All of this has been done while the park has developed a compelling array of programs, exhibits, guided tours, and other interpretive programs. {time} 1700 H.R.…”