Shoals National Heritage Area bill signed into law

WASHINGTON – A pair of bills authored by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and former Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) were signed into law by President Joe Biden today as a part of the National Heritage Area Act.

The efforts by the two senators resulted in the reauthorization of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in Northwest Alabama for another 15 years and the creation of another National Heritage Area in the state – the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area.

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area was established by Congress in 2009 and was set to expire in 2024. Their reauthorization bill extends the programs and funding eligibility for the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area for another 15 years.

“Having reauthorization settled ahead of our 2024 sunset date means that we can focus our attention and resources on continuing the work we do in our six counties instead of on securing another individual reauthorization bill,” said Dr. Carolyn Barske Crawford, director of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. “We appreciate the support of Senator Shelby, Senator Tuberville, and Congressman (Robert) Aderholt (R-Haleyville) and all of the congressional staff who helped us to see (it) through to the end.

“We are also excited for the designation of the Alabama Black Belt NHA, the second NHA in Alabama, which was also included in (the legislation).”

In April 2022, the senators introduced legislation last April to extend the authorization of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, which includes Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan counties, and partners with the University of North Alabama.

“Maintaining this National Heritage Area designation ensures the preservation of the culture, history, and landmarks Northwest Alabama is most known for and proud of,” Tuberville said. “From music to Native American heritage to the Tennessee River – this reauthorization will support education, tourism, and conservation efforts for this important region in Alabama.”

Both bills were included in the National Heritage Area Act, which unanimously passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last May.

“It was a privilege to join Senator Shelby on these two efforts to support the preservation and promotion of our state’s history,” Tuberville said. “This is a great example of how the federal government can work with local communities to ensure future generations have access to some of our country’s most historical and cultural sites.”