For Immediate Release
January 4, 2008

Rep. Pitts Congratulates Lancaster County on Being Named a Preserve America Community

First Lady Laura Bush awards prestigious honor to county

Washington– Today, First Lady Laura Bush, the Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated Lancaster County as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Communities.  The designation shows Lancaster’s commitment to “preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said.

The designation makes Lancaster eligible to receive Preserve America Grants.  The county will also be included on a listing in a Web-based directory that showcases Lancaster County’s preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations. 

Congressman Pitts’ statement follows:

“I am very pleased the Preserve America initiative has chosen to honor Lancaster County for its commitment to the rich history of the community,” Congressman Pitts said.  “I strongly supported the county’s application because I believe Lancaster lives up to the goals of the initiative, which are to preserve the cultural heritage of the county for the enjoyment and education of future generations.”

Background

Preserve America is an initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy the priceless cultural and natural heritage of communities across the nation. The initiative strives to create a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of communities.

President Bush’s fiscal year 2008 budget requests $10 million in grant funds for which designated Preserve America Communities may apply.  Grants of $20,000 to $150,000 are awarded on a competitive, matching fund basis to help communities develop sustainable management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of their heritage assets. 

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