Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., who spent 28 years as a healthcare professional before being elected to Congress, delivers remarks during a news conference on Capitol Hill with fellow Republican members of the freshman class as they discuss health care overhaul, Saturday, March 20, 2010 in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has introduced legislation reauthorize the Oil Region National Heritage Area’s federal charter.
This national heritage area celebrates the region’s historic role in the founding of the petroleum industry, beginning in 1859. Originally designated by law in 2004, the Oil Region National Heritage Area became the country’s 25th of 49 National Heritage Areas.
Originally designated by Congress in 2004, Rep. Thompson’s bill – H.R. 642 – would reauthorize this important National Heritage Area through 2026. The designation has had a significant impact upon Northwestern Pennsylvania’s tourism, businesses and economic development throughout 34 municipalities over 708 square miles. Included are the City of Titusville and Oil Creek Township in eastern Crawford County, Hydetown Borough in eastern Crawford County, plus all of the County of Venango.