Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is once again leading the charge to secure National Heritage Area status for the Finger Lakes, a move supporters say would boost tourism and preserve the region’s cultural and environmental legacy.
On Monday, Gillibrand reintroduced the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan bill would finalize the designation process for the Finger Lakes region as a National Heritage Area (NHA), a title given by Congress to regions of natural, historic, or cultural importance.
“Home to beautiful landscapes, rich history, and thriving small businesses, the Finger Lakes are a national treasure,” Gillibrand said in a statement. “This designation will promote tourism, create jobs, conserve natural resources, and make sure local communities have what they need to thrive for years to come.”
Representative Claudia Tenney introduced a companion bill in the House. The proposal has strong regional backing, including from the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, which has long championed the effort.
“We are pleased to stand with Senator Gillibrand’s office, Congresswoman Tenney’s office and all of our regional partners,” said Meghan Nulty, President and CEO of the Alliance. “The core motivation remains unchanged: to do tourism more responsibly and to honor the reasons our region is a landmark worthy of sharing with the world.”
This marks the final legislative step in a process that began a decade ago. In 2015, Gillibrand introduced a bill directing the National Park Service to study the feasibility of the designation. That bill became law in 2019, and the Park Service completed its study in 2023, confirming the region’s eligibility.
If the new bill passes, it will formally establish the Finger Lakes as a National Heritage Area, unlocking federal support to help preserve the area’s unique identity while bolstering sustainable tourism.
The proposed NHA would span 14 counties: Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates.
Supporters say the designation honors the region’s deep roots, including the legacy of the Haudenosaunee, the women’s suffrage and abolitionist movements, and generations of innovators who shaped the region’s story.
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