Ohio politicians introduce legislation to preserve Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area

Several Ohio politicians introduced legislation Thursday that would extend the authorization for the National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) for seven years. The NAHA spans across 54 acres and eight counties in western Ohio, with a large presence in Dayton.

The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Grimes Flying Field are a few of the cultural sites found within the NAHA.

As of April 2018, the NAHA has more than 2 million visitors annually and generates around $35 million in economic impact, supporting 1,500 jobs in the region.

U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown introduced the legislation, along with Representatives Mike Turner and Joyce Beatty.

"The National Aviation Heritage Area in Dayton is home to our nation's aviation history and I am proud to introduce this legislation to help ensure it is preserved and enjoyed by future generations," said Portman. "It tells the story of the Wright Brothers' development of the first airplane, which has led to a strong aviation industry in the region today. This site is a public-private partnership that has also generated economic growth in the region. It supports 1,500 jobs and generates $35 million in economic impact from the more than two million visitors per year. I look forward to working with Senator Brown, Congressman Turner, and Congresswoman Beatty to build support amongst our colleagues to pass this important legislation."

"The pioneering spirit of Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright Brothers is reflected today in Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area. It's a privilege to represent a state with such important historical significance, and I'm proud to stand with Congresswoman Beatty, Congressman Turner and Senator Portman in our effort to extend the National Aviation Heritage Area's authorization," said Brown.

"The National Aviation Heritage Area preserves and tells the story of Dayton's monumental aviation history and achievements," said Turner. "As the birthplace of aviation and home of the Wright Brothers, innovation and aviation are the heart of Dayton's cultural identity. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to extend the authorization for NAHA for an additional seven years with Congresswoman Beatty and Senators Portman and Brown."

"Central Ohio is the birthplace of aviation and home to many nationally important landmarks. I believe Congress has a responsibility to preserve the rich legacy of the Wright Brothers, Air Force, and Neil Armstrong, as well as poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, for generations to come. That is why I am proud to join in the bipartisan effort to reauthorize the National Aviation Heritage Area with Congressman Mike Turner and Senators Brown and Portman," said Beatty.

Congress created the NAHA in Dayton in 2004 as part of the 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act. That legislation included a sunset provision that would terminate federal funding for the NAHA after 15 years.

This legislation would ensure seven more years of additional funding.

This article was originally published by WDTN on March 28, 2019.