Contact: Amy Hybels, (202) 224-0610
Monday, February 16, 2004

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today traveled to the Commonwealth to present funding checks to two projects in the City of Pittsburgh.

Santorum began his day by traveling to the Heinz History Center, joined by NFL legend Franco Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers, to present $200,000 in funding to the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center for its upcoming Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, scheduled to open in November 2004. This funding was secured through the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services.

“Preserving and protecting Pennsylvania’s history is a priority,” said Senator Santorum. “This funding will assist the Heinz History Center expand its collection to include a special tribute to the legacy of Pittsburgh’s sports and collegiate and amateur athletics, while bringing additional tourism and revenue to the city.” The 20,000-square-foot Sports Museum will be part of the History Center’s five-story expansion, scheduled to open in November 2004. The expansion will stretch the existing History Center further down Smallman Street toward the Convention Center. The five-story expansion is being funded through a $28 million capital campaign. “We appreciate Senator Santorum’s hard work in procuring this very important funding for the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, set to open at the History Center this November,” said Andy Masich, President/CEO of the Heinz History Center. “The funding will help us create the definitive place to discover Western Pennsylvania’s fascinating sports history, giving the people of this region another reason to be proud of their heritage and introducing visitors from all over the world to our unique history.”

Continuing his travels, Santorum visited Rivers of Steel to present a one million dollar check to assist the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in funding key local projects in the City of Pittsburgh and surrounding counties. The Steel Industry Heritage Corporation works with local communities to identify and conserve resources associated with the steel industry. Since its designation as a National Heritage Area in 1996, Rivers of Steel has assisted in projects that have bettered the quality of life in Southwestern Pennsylvania, while celebrating the region’s rich cultural history.

“The region's historical significance to the nation as the former steel capital of the world demand its story be told,” said Senator Santorum. “I commend the Department of the Interior for providing this funding that will allow The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area to continue its work to preserve an important part of our heritage and to improve the quality of life in this region of Western Pennsylvania.”

Fiscal Year 2004 Interior Appropriations for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area includes funding for cultural and historic preservation, and the construction of river landings in the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio River valleys. The funding will also provide regional grants and further the construction of the Steel Valley Trail. For additional projects, click on: http://www.riversofsteel.com/

“This appropriation is a vote of confidence for the programs and projects developed by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area and its partners organizations,” said August R. Carlino, President and CEO, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation. “Working with communities, local and state agencies, and under the leadership of Senator Santorum, Congressman Doyle and other elected officials the National Heritage Area has achieved much since its enactment into law seven years ago. However, there is still much work to be done. We are excited by the opportunity of what we can continue to achieve as we work together.”

Created by Congress in 1996, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is committed to preserving, interpreting, and managing the historical, cultural, and natural resources related to Big Steel and its related industries. Encompassing 3,000 square miles in the seven counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Washington, Rivers of Steel is building on this area's remarkable transition from heavy industry to high technology and diversified services, as well as bolstering the new regional economy by promoting tourism and economic development based on this region's historic industrial saga.

Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14), along with the entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, supports these efforts.

"Since I first came to Congress, I have led the efforts of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation to preserve this important historic site for generations to come,” said Congressman Doyle. "This funding sets yet another important precedent for establishing the Rivers of Steel National Historic Site and I am hopeful that the Senate will follow the lead of the House of Representatives by enacting legislation to create such a site this year."

Senator Santorum will continue his travels in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, making stops in Perry and Franklin counties to speak to high school students and also make additional funding announcements. Santorum annually commits to visit each of the 67 counties in the Commonwealth.

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