Finger Lakes region named National Heritage Area under new bill
Placed on the calendarS. 1288Latest action
Sponsor: Kirsten E. Gillibrand · Senator · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 1288 designates New York's Finger Lakes region a National Heritage Area, backed by federal support for 15 years.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill creates a National Heritage Area covering the Finger Lakes region across 14 New York counties. It names the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance to manage the designation, requiring a management plan within three years, and authorizes federal financial and technical assistance for 15 years.
Who does it affect?
Residents, businesses, and tourism organizations in the 14 named counties, including Cayuga, Monroe, Seneca, and Tompkins, among others. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance and the Secretary of the Interior are directly involved in managing the designation.
Why does it matter?
The designation formalizes federal partnership with the region for heritage preservation and tourism promotion but does not impose new regulations, change zoning, or affect property rights. Federal support ends after 15 years unless future legislation renews it.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Sep 17, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 3, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 632.