Cong. Adam Kinzinger wants to give the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area another 15 years. Its authorization will expire later this year. Kinzinger has introduced a bill to extend it to 2036.
The federal recognition can help the area get federal funding to enhance it as a tourist attraction and support economic development along it. It also provides a format in which to accomplish historic preservation goals.
Kinzinger’s office says since 2008, the canal has attracted more than 600,000 visitors and created an estimated $52 million in economic development.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal area in Ottawa where the Railsplitter canal boat replica is