Local News

Congressman David Wu and Congressman Brian Baird introduced legislation that would lead to a National Heritage Area designation for the Columbia River region in Oregon and Washington State.

"Like the river itself, the journey to get where we are today has been long. Six years ago, I took the first step, and with the help of many others, was able to expand Fort Clatsop National Historical Monument.
Congressman Baird and I together created Oregon's and Washington's newest national park," stated Congressman Wu. "While those are great accomplishments, our collaboration does not stop here. The mouth of the Columbia River presents layers of history and culture like an ancient buried city, except that it rolls on today. This bill is another necessary step to preserve and celebrate the history that shaped this part of our great nation."

The new designation would bring even greater economic development to the region and encourage further collaboration among residents, governments, businesses and advocacy groups to preserve and celebrate the history, culture, and natural landscape of the Heritage Area. The designation would likely extend from the mouth of the Columbia River eastward into Clatsop and Columbia Counties in Oregon and into Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties in Washington.

"By designating areas at the mouth of the Columbia River as a National Heritage Area, millions of federal dollars will be available to promote tourism in the region, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy," said Congressman Baird. "This region is both historically and culturally significant, and through this designation, we can ensure this area is preserved for generations to come. I thank Congressman Wu for his continued efforts to help protect our environment and for his work on this bill."