The preservation of Virginia’s historic battlefields is one of my key priorities. Not only are these landmarks extraordinary sites, they also provide a strong educational foundation for future generations in understanding the conflicts that influenced our nation’s history. More than 200,000 acres of historically significant battlefield land remain unprotected and are threatened by development pressures.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, visitors to Virginia spent $19.2 billion in 2007 and generated $2.6 billion in revenues for federal, state and local governments.  For every $1 million spent, 11 jobs are created with the tourism industry generating approximately 215,800 jobs in the state.  The Travel Promotion Act, which I supported in the Senate, establishes a nationally coordinated travel promotion campaign through a public-private partnership.  From our beaches to pristine national parks and historic battlefields, Virginia’s tourism industry is a leading driver of the Commonwealth’s economic engine. By encouraging international tourists to visit Virginia, the Travel Promotion Act will provide jobs to our residents and invigorate local economies.

I am a sponsor of a number of measures to protect and expand Virginia’s battlefields and national parks, provide federal designations for historic sites, and to maintain current landmarks, including the D-Day Memorial in Bedford.  I have also sought additional funding for beach restoration and infrastructure projects to facilitate travel to these landmarks.

The America Battlefield Protection Program was renewed by legislation I introduced in 2007, the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act.  Passed in 2009, the American Battlefield Program continues the federal partnership with states, local governments and non-profit entities that has successfully protected more than 15,000 acres of threatened battlefield lands in 14 states.  In Virginia, this program has saved just under 7,000 acres at 17 battlefields sites. 

I was also a proud cosponsor of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act, which became law in 2008.  The Act established the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, which is comprised of 175-miles along the Route 15 corridor and certain surrounding areas through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. This pristine area encompasses eight presidential homes or sites, 15 National Historic Landmarks, 47 historic districts and the largest collection of Revolutionary War sites and Civil War battlefields in America.