(Washington, DC): -- Congressman Michael R. McNulty announced today that Rensselaer County and the City of Schenectady were recognized by First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush and the Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus as recipients of Preserve America Grants at a ceremony in Washington, DC this morning.

"Both Rensselaer County and the City of Schenectady are communities with enormous historical and cultural value. This funding will give them the opportunity to further develop and share their extensive historical, cultural, and educational resources," said McNulty.

Rensselaer County will receive $23,075 for a Rensselaer County Heritage Tour. This funding will be used to develop a marketing template for the promotion of the County's historic and cultural resources. The project will create informative signs and other visitor resources to attract and inform local residents and visitors to the various towns.

Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino said, “We’re delighted that Rensselaer County has been awarded this grant as it allows us the opportunity to showcase quite a few of our significantly historic sites through a 21^st century style heritage tour. Members of the County’s Historic Preservation Committee will be working on the print and audio tour that will highlight historic venues throughout the County. This collaborative initiative will also be beneficial to our businesses by bringing in visitors who will undoubtedly patronize our restaurants, stores and hotels thereby boosting our local economy.”

The City of Schenectady will receive $20,000 for a Schenectady Heritage Tourism and Management Plan. This funding will be used to create a tourism plan to identify and reflect current opportunities and obstacles. The project will study how to incorporate revitalization efforts and help manage organizational changes with the opening of a new visitors' center and expansion of heritage activities.

"The Preserve America grant will allow Schenectady to develop a comprehensive plan to preserve and promote our cultural, natural and historic resources. With our partners at the Chamber of Schenectady County we will work towards the common goal of economic development through Heritage Tourism," said Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton.

Preserve America is an interagency initiative that encourages and supports the cultural, economic, and educational benefits of historic preservation and heritage tourism. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation partners with the U.S. Department of the Interior and other federal agencies to administer this program.

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