The House Natural Resources Committee passed the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act (H.R. 1785) out of committee on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert, who represents the Valley as part of the Eighth District, had written and testified on behalf of the legislation.

“I am very pleased that Chairman Hastings and the Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed my Mountains to Sound Greenway legislation this morning,” he said Wednesday. “Ensuring the proper recognition of both the achievements and beauty of our state, will always be a top priority for me. The Mountains to Sound Greenway is an important part of that, as it has played a role in nearly every major industry in the state – from agriculture to energy to technology. This legislation will highlight the heritage and legacy of the area while also protecting property rights. Clearing the committee is a critical step in the legislative process and I will continue working with my colleagues to make this law.”

A National Heritage Area is a large, lived-in area designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a landscape of national distinction. This designation provides a flexible strategy to encourage residents, government agencies, nonprofit groups and private partners to collaboratively plan and implement projects to preserve a landscape, without affecting private property rights.