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Press contact: John Judge 202-225-1955

July 24, 2006

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Act Passes Both House

and Senate - Last Hurdle Passed Before Becoming Law

(DeKalb County, GA) Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney announces that today's House vote on S 203, the National Heritage Act, a package environmental heritage bill that includes the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in her district, passed the final hurdle towards making the area a protected site.

Rep. McKinney introduced the original Arabia Mountain National Heritage Act, HR 2099, last May to preserve this historic and scenic natural area. "I was pleased to work with Senator Saxbe Chamblis and Senator Craig Thomas, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks to make this happen."

The legislation establishes the area as a national property, and sets up the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance as the local coordinator, which will develop a feasibility to protect and enhance the resources of Arabia Mountain to recognize its historic, natural, cultural, scenic and recreational value.

The management alliance will be eligible of an award of up to $10,000,000 in federal funds to assist the project, up to half the cost.

"I am proud to see this action take place under my watch," Rep. McKinney said.

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