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Core
Directives
1.
Economic Growth through Historic Preservation
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Heritage tourism is
a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. travel
industry, characterized by leisure travelers
who desire authentic experiences of our nation's
recreational, cultural and historical resources.
This segment currently accounts for 30% of
the U.S. travel market. Heritage tourists
generally have higher incomes, stay longer,
spend more, and travel in larger groups than
the average traveler.
The Allegheny Ridge
Corporation helps local communities tap into
this growing market by assisting them in developing
and funding comprehensive strategies for the
preservation, development and promotion of
their downtowns and other historic resources.
In addition to the
18 national heritage areas, there are over
100 other heritage development themes being
considered across the United States. Four
states have adopted and eight others are considering
official statewide heritage tourism programs.
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2.
Community and Watershed Stewardship
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Historically,
there has been an unfortunate "disconnect"
between economic development interests on
the one hand, and proponents of environmental
stewardship on the other. In the modern post-industrial
age, however, this conflict is really no longer
necessary or even relevant. Across Pennsylvania
and the rest of the country, people are re-discovering
their landscapes. A vibrant, historic downtown
is more than an amenity, it is a valuable
asset which visitors and investors are increasingly
seeking out. Similarly, a clean, healthy watershed
is more than a luxury, it is a vital component
of an ara's economic infrastructure. Therefore,
community growth and development depends on
fostering partnerships between conservationists,
preservationists, public servants, developers
and other stakeholders. Throughout the Allegheny
Ridge, ARCorp takes the role of creating and
nurturing such partnerships.
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| 3.
Grassroots Decision-Making
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Pennsylvania's
Heritage Areas contain a multitude of cultural,
historic, recreational, natural and scenic
resources of national significance that collectively
exemplify the industrial heritage of Pennsylvania.
Through regional partnerships and grassroots
planning strategies, these resources are preserved
and developed to strengthen regional economies
through increased tourism, creation of new
jobs and new investment opportunities. The
foundation upon which the Heritage Parks Program
is structured involves the building and strengthening
of regional coalitions of community leaders,
non-profit interest groups, the private sector,
state agencies and the federal government.
This grassroots approach
is designed to foster local leadership and
public participation in community projects,
while building upon the activities of existing
grassroots organizations.
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