U.S. Senate Committee Passes Bill To Protect Essex Heritage Area

BEVERLY, MA — The U.S. Senate's Energy and Natural Resource Committee voted to advance a bill that would protect the Essex National Heritage Area through at least 2036 and raise the federal funding cap to $22 million.

A previous provision authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Essex National Heritage Area expired on Sept. 30, 2021.

Massachusetts U.S> Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren both applauded the committee's bipartisan vote on Thursday. The committee also voted to reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission.

"The Cape Cod National Seashore and Essex National Heritage Area are among the commonwealth's greatest natural and cultural treasures," Markey said. "By reauthorizing both the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission and the Essex National Heritage Area, we will help protect invaluable parklands, preserve regional history, and restore community involvement in safeguarding Massachusetts' natural wonders."

The bills now go to the full Senate for passage.

"The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission and Essex National Heritage Area protect the commonwealth's natural treasures, strengthen our local economy, and provide opportunities for communities and visitors to learn more about our rich culture and history," Warren said. "The committee passage of these two bills is great news and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure their swift passage so we continue to preserve and appreciate these special places for generations to come."

A copy of the bill to protect the Essex National Heritage Area can be found here.

The Essex National Heritage Area spans 500 square miles and connects 34 cities and towns through a region that includes Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. Since the Essex National Heritage Area's creation in 1996, Congress has been authorized to invest up to $17 million in the area over the course of the area's lifespan.

In 2019, Sens. Markey and Warren were able to secure an increase in the funding cap for the Essex National Heritage Area from $17 million to $20 million as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)