Oil 150 to Host Philanthropy Symposium  by Melissa Mann, Oil 150 Deputy Director

   On March 10 and 11 the Alliance and Oil 150 will host a symposium entitled "Philanthropic Legacy of the Oil Pioneers" at the University of Pittsburgh Campus in Titusville. The symposium will focus on the philanthropic role that oil pioneers played in U.S. history as well as on the current policies and priorities of foundations with energy industry roots.

 

   Oil City's Main Street effort is gaining momentum as volunteers began actively soliciting for matching funds from stakeholders in the community.  Volunteers for Main Street, including many Steering Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs gathered to pledge their contributions to the Main Street effort. 

   This pledge event brought in $1,390 from volunteers, and many more pledges are coming in daily. 

   Main Street is a proven framework that helps communities build and recreate their downtown.  Oil City will be applying for Main Street designation in March.  A match from the community totaling $125,000 over five years is needed.  Many local businesses and key organizations have already been contacted for contributions.  A total pledge amount is currently at $60,000. 

   Funds will be used to hire a Main Street manager who works with local businesses to implement the Main Street strategy for Oil City.  The strategy is a five-year plan developed by volunteers, many of whom are downtown business owners and local community leaders.  The startegy focuses on core factors for success, including promotions, economic restructuring, safe, clean and green, design, and organization. 

   Anyone interested in learning more about Main Street or pledging can contact the Oil Region Alliance at 217 Elm Street in Oil City or call (814) 677-3152.

Oil Region Alliance Represented at Washington Meetings  

by Marilyn Black, VP-Heritage Development  

   The Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA) held its annual corporate membership meeting in Washington DC on February 1.  Marilyn Black attended on behalf of the Oil Region Alliance. 

    February 1 was also when details of the Federal Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal by President Obama were released.  ANHA members were dismayed to notice that the recommendation by the Administration is to cut the National Park Service funding for the National Heritage Areas Program in half, from the $18 million in FFY 2010 to $9 million next year. 

   Even more disturbing are three paragraphs which would eliminate NPS funding to NHAs established before 2001 (which is 22 of the current 49 NHAs) UNLESS they had filed 'self-sufficiency plans on or before February 1, 2010, (the date on which this action suggestion by the Office of Management and Budget was issued)!    

   The Oil Region National Heritage Area was designated by Congressional legislation in 2004.  In light of the budget language, the Oil Region Alliance will include a self-sufficiency section in the new strategic plan for the Oil Region.  

   The ANHA prepared a new 2010 Federal Platform which encourages Congress to take three important actions:  (a) delete the three paragraphs of budget explanation from the proposal; (b) allocate $25 million to the National Park Service for this program in FFY 2011, thus coming closer to the $1 million authorized per year for each of the existing National Heritage Areas; and (c) enact the legislation jointly drafted by ANHA and the National Park Service to establish uniform criteria for the National Heritage Area Program (including such topics as criteria for designation, procedures for plan content and review, periodic performance measures, etc.).    

   Newly elected as President of the ANHA is Michelle McCollum of the South Carolina NHA, and as Vice-President the new officer will be Allen Sachse of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Area Corridor in eastern Pennsylvania.  Re-elected were Marilyn Black as Secretary, and as Treasurer, Annie Harris with the Essex National Heritage Area in Massachusetts.

Allegheny Overlook Will Soon

 by Mike Henderson, Project Manager-Heritage Development

   Bids are currently being solicited for the overlook construction which will include paver installation, sidewalk widening, fencing, benches, planters, and various landscape enhancements. The sealed bids for this federal prevailing wage project are due March 8; a pre-bid conference will be held at the Alliance office on February 18. Contract award is expected by the end of March, with ground-breaking to follow immediately, pending weather conditions. For the complete bid spec package, contact Mike Henderson at 814-677-3152, ext. 121; or at mhenderson@oilregion.org. 

   Funding for the Allegheny Overlook is being provided in part by a grant from the PA DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Community Conservation Partnership Program; Community Development Block Grant Program via the City of Oil City; and the Oil Region Alliance.