Jon L. Christensen: “I rise in support of S. 211 to authorize a single new National Heritage Area in New Mexico. While the bill combines a…”

“I rise in support of S. 211 to authorize a single new National Heritage Area in New Mexico. While the bill combines a number of Heritage Area proposals, I am particularly pleased to see my legislation, H.R. 1594, to provide for a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing my home island of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area was also included in this package. The island of St. Croix has a long, distinguished, and varied history, including being the site where Christopher Columbus first stepped onto what is now American soil. There is significant interest in preserving and enhancing the natural, historical and cultural resources of the island on a cooperative basis and such a study would provide guidance on how we can best achieve those purposes. Even though each of the U.S. Islands can make a good case for designation as a National Heritage Area, the island of St. Croix with its two historic towns--Christiansted built in 1734 and Frederiksted built in 1752--is richly blessed with all of the attributes that would justify this designation.”