# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 2845

This bill extends the federal funding and support for two heritage areas in West Virginia: the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area. These are special regions that the federal government recognizes and helps preserve because of their historical and cultural significance. Right now, the government's authorization to fund and manage these areas is set to expire in 2021, which would essentially shut down federal support for them. This bill pushes that expiration date forward to 2036, giving these heritage areas another 15 years of continued federal backing.

Heritage areas are places where the government partners with local communities to preserve important historical sites, support tourism, and maintain cultural landmarks. In West Virginia's case, the Coal Heritage Area focuses on the state's coal mining history, while the Wheeling Heritage Area preserves the history and character of the Wheeling region. When these areas lose federal authorization, they lose funding for maintenance, visitor centers, educational programs, and preservation efforts. By extending the authorization, this bill ensures that these communities can continue receiving federal grants and support to maintain their historical sites and keep heritage tourism alive.

The bill also extends a deadline for completing management plans for these areas from three years to four years, giving the organizations running these heritage areas a bit more time to develop their long-term strategies. For West Virginia residents and visitors, this means continued access to preserved historical sites, maintained trails and attractions, and ongoing community programs that celebrate the region's heritage. Without this extension, these areas would have faced a significant loss of resources and federal partnership.

To extend the authorization of each of the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in the State of West Virginia, and for other purposes.

McKinley, David B.

 <p>This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to make any grants or provide any assistance for the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in West Virginia.</p> <p>The bill extends by one year the deadline for completion of proposed management plans for</p> <ul> <li>the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in West Virginia and Maryland,</li> <li>the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area in Washington.</li> <li>the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in Washington,</li> <li>the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area in California,</li> <li>the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona, and </li> <li>the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania.</li> </ul>