Press Releases

PLASKETT HIGHLIGHTS THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT IN ST CROIX

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement on her outreach to the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources on the Requirements and Responsibilities for the National Heritage Area Act in St Croix: as the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation office becomes the local coordinating entity.

“The National Heritage Area Act, which President Biden signed into law this month, includes the designation of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area (NHA). Included in that designation are the responsibilities and requirements of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources as well as the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (VISHPO) as the local coordinating entity (LCE).

“The St Croix’s NHA designation is the culmination of nearly 20 years of advocacy and efforts coming to fruition and as such, DPNR and VISHPO must act in a timely, intentional, and transparent manner for St. Croix to reap the benefits of the designation. It holds the potential for both long and short-term benefits. NHAs average $5.50 for every $1 of federal investment and as we reimagine the future of St. Croix, DPNR can leverage federal funds to create jobs, generate revenue for the Government of the Virgin Islands, and sustain our community through revitalization and heritage tourism.

“In order to ensure a seamless transition on the roll out of NHA projects, the local coordinating entity, the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office, must submit to the Secretary of the Interior a proposed management plan no later than 3 years of the enactment of the Act (January 5, 2023) for approval. The National Park Service (NPS) will aid with the development of the management plan to ensure compliance with all Federal requirements. NHA management plans include long-range policies, goals, strategies, and actions; an implementation plan with short, mid, and long-range actions and performance goals; a business plan for the heritage area coordinating entity; and an interpretive plan. 

“We have strongly suggested that DPNR engage local organizations and thought leaders in the development of the management plan and execution of the goals and actions of that plan. I look forward to the completion of NHA projects as they have the potential to improve St. Croix’s air and water quality through restoration projects, which is a tremendous boon for our beautiful, culturally rich home and an honor to our ancestors.”

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