By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

DETROIT (AP) - U.S. Rep. John Dingell and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin have introduced legislation that would maintain federal funding for the MotorCities National Heritage Area, which is set to expire Sept. 30.

The House and Senate bills would grant a 16-year extension of funding through September 2030 for the area in southeastern and central Michigan. MotorCities receives about $500,000 annually and is authorized to receive up to $1 million in a fiscal year, Dingell’s office said. The area aims to raise awareness of the automobile’s impact in Michigan by promoting tourism and education.

Congress authorized the region in 1998 to “help preserve and promote Michigan’s rich automotive and labor heritage,” Dingell said in a statement issued Wednesday. The area covers 10,000 square miles in Michigan, including parts of 13 counties and more than 6 million people.

“Without federal support, this statewide landmark will face significant financial burdens which will threaten MNHA’s very existence before the end of 2014,” Dingell said. “It’s vital that we protect our heritage and the impact of our auto industry here in Michigan, and the programs and activities administered by MotorCities help to do just that.”

An appropriations bill has given extensions to nine other National Heritage Areas, and MotorCities funding would be the first of its kind to expire if Congress doesn’t act, according to Dingell’s office.

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