During these tough economic times, funds for a number of governmental projects are dwindling for preservation projects like the 49 U.S. National Heritage areas across the country. That includes the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
The Legislative Audit Council agreed to a request by state legislators to audit the program to make sure each rural area along the 240 mile corridor is getting its fair share of funding for tourism. Mike Allen of the National Park Service is coordinator of the fledgling Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor which runs partly through South Carolina. Allen says for such corridors to survive strong, stable partnerships must be formed from several federal, state, local, and private entities to help preserve the culture and history of these regions.
Allen says government and private groups working together is the key to the success in preserving historical heritage and creating opportunities for rural areas. Of the 49 government-run Heritage Corridors in the United States, the Gullah/ Geechee corridor is the first and only one dedicated to preserving the heritage and culture of African Americans.
Allen says as he meets with various groups and individuals throughout the region, people are expressing support for the project. However, he says that expression of support must include a monetary commitment.
Nationally, the National Heritage Areas get total federal appropriations of $18 million. Originally, each area received $1 million, but as more areas were added, it cut into the individual appropriations each area gets because the total budget was not expanded for the growth.
Allen says rural areas have often been left out in the planning process of developing, enhancing and maintaining historical preservation sites. For the Gullah/ Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor to realize its enormous potential, the input and support from rural areas is invaluable.
For more information on the Gullah/ Geechee and other historical corridors you can go online to www.NPS.gov.
AUDIO: Mike Allen, Gullah Geechee coordinator, National Park Service (1:31)
