{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/us-representative-dave-reichert-pushes-federal-designation-mountains-sound-greenway", "U.S. Representative Dave Reichert Pushes Federal Designation for the Mountains to Sound Greenway", "2013-04-30", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ISSAQUAH \u2013 Today U.S. Representative Dave Reichert announced legislation to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area.\u00a0 The bill, H.R.\u00a01785, was introduced to Congress by Rep. Reichert on Friday, April 26th.\u00a0\n\u201cDesignating the Mountains to Sound Greenway a National Heritage Area is yet another step in recognizing Washington State\u2019s distinguished influence and contribution to the national movement of keeping America green, clean, and pristine,\u201d said U.S. Representative Dave Reichert. \u201cThe natural wealth and beauty of the Greenway represents a truly unique national gem and I\u2019m proud to represent such an integral part of our nation\u2019s heritage, nestled in the heart of Washington State. The Mountains to Sound Greenway has played a vital role in many of our nation\u2019s most important industries: from salmon and coal, to timber and recreation, to technology and green building.\u00a0 I am so pleased to champion this effort, helping to preserve this important piece of Washington State\u2019s heritage, which has been so central to America\u2019s history, for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\n\u201cThe National Heritage Area designation of the Mountains to Sound Greenway will communicate the national significance of the Greenway and build public awareness, recognition and involvement in stewardship of this landscape between Seattle and Ellensburg,\u201d said Bill Chapman, President of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. \u201cOur goal is to empower citizens, businesses, interest groups and government to work together more efficiently to promote and preserve the Greenway for generations to come.\u201d\nThe Mountains to Sound Greenway is a 1.5 million-acre landscape with alpine peaks, wilderness lakes, and lush forests that connect by road, rail and trail to rural towns and city high-rises, sustaining generations through an abundance of natural resources.\u00a0 Today, the Greenway\u2019s scenic beauty is the backdrop for the daily lives of 1.4 million residents who live, work and play in communities deeply rooted to the land around them.\n\u201cShowcasing the remarkable balance between a flourishing economy and access to recreation and nature that we enjoy in our region, we have an opportunity to demonstrate to the entire country that the Greenway is a national treasure,\u201d says Chapman.\nTwenty years of innovative conservation and collaborative solutions protect the natural heritage of the Greenway. This network of parks, forests, farms, and cities is part of a regional history and a legacy for future generations. The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area will be a fitting recognition of this regional identity in the Pacific Northwest, and serve as a model of sustainability and cooperative solutions for the nation.\u00a0\nA National Heritage Area is a large, lived-in area designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a landscape of national distinction. This designation provides a flexible strategy to encourage residents, government agencies, nonprofit groups and private partners to collaboratively plan and implement projects to preserve a landscape, without affecting private property rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/us-representative-dave-reichert-pushes-federal-designation-mountains-sound-greenway"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5711118467152119, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}