Indiana U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks and Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have introduced legislation to designate Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in northwest Indiana and Will and Cook counties in northeast Illinois, as a National Heritage Area. A news release says the designation recognizes places where natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources converge to form nationally significant landscapes.
“The Calumet Region’s industrial legacy, unique environment, and recreational spaces have long made the area an attractive destination to live, work, and visit. Our efforts to designate the region as a National Heritage Area will preserve and promote its rich resources and culture for years to come,” said Senator Young.
“The Calumet region is both rich in history and natural resources, home to the Pullman National Historical Park, the coast of Lake Michigan, and the Indiana Dunes National Park,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Young to introduce legislation that would establish a Calumet National Heritage Area to honor the history, culture, and rich environment in the region.”
“The Calumet region tells the story of Northwest Indiana’s history and natural beauty. This NHA designation will protect it for future generations and strengthen our local communities,” said Senator Banks.
“It’s important that we honor and preserve areas that played pivotal roles in both our state and nation’s history,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Young and Senator Durbin, not only to recognize the Calumet region’s cultural legacy and the many ways immigrants enrich our communities, but also to ensure its preservation by establishing the Calumet National Heritage Area for future generations to experience and learn from.”
Illinois U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, and Indiana U.S. Representatives Frank J. Mrvan and Rudy Yakym are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
