Language Page 482, after line 18, insert:"Out of the amounts for Financial Assistance for Cultural and Artistic Affairs, $140,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation."
Explanation(This amendment provides $140,000 from the general fund in the second year to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation for the development of a marketing plan for the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, which is the only congressionally-designated national heritage area located in Virginia. The development and implementation of this marketing plan is expected to draw roughly 550,000 visitors to the Shenandoah Valley annually. Since this district's creation, the foundation has begun the development of district-wide historic interpretation program; installed more than 80 "Virginia Civil War Trails" signs; worked with congressional leaders and localities to create a new national park, the "Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park"; supported the establishment of two Civil War orientation centers; and provided more than $600,000 in grants to its local partners for tourism-related projects such as improved access, parking, lighting, interpretative materials, and signage.)