Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I rise today to introduce a bill to designate the Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area. This legislation will…”

“I rise today to introduce a bill to designate the Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area. This legislation will designate the 25-mile stretch of the Houston Ship Channel as the first National Heritage Area in Texas. This distinction will allow up to $1 million annually for 10 years to the area and provide the tourism benefits of Federal recognition without restriction on land or commerce. In 2002, Congressman Gene Green and I introduced the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Study Act, which directed the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a study to determine if the Buffalo Bayou was eligible to receive National Heritage Area distinction. The Department of the Interior has concluded that the Buffalo Bayou has met the criteria needed for National Heritage Area distinction, and I support this distinction. I wish to recognize Congressman Green for spearheading the efforts to designate the Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area. The Buffalo Bayou has played an important role in the development of Texas and our nation's commerce.”