From the Niagara Gazette:
President Bush’s signature is all that stands between Niagara Falls and its designation as a National Heritage Area, a federal program that would give the National Park Service a stake in local infrastructure and development.
The bill passed the U.S. Senate Thursday as part of the Energy Lands Act. It makes the area — which extends from the Falls to Youngstown — available for an annual $1 million per year for the next 10 years.
“Today, Niagara Falls has taken a giant step closer towards receiving the resources and attention it needs to maintain its position as one of the natural wonders of the world,†Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, said in a release. He later added, “This legislation will take great strides in balancing the inequity (between the Canadian and American sides of the Falls).â€