WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) have introduced legislation to extend and reauthorize funding for Dayton’s National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) to 2022. NAHA spans eight counties throughout western Ohio, with a large presence in Dayton, the home of the Wright Brothers. There are a variety of cultural sites within the NAHA, including the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Grimes Flying Field, as well as resources related to the Wright Brothers.

“The pioneering spirit of Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright Brothers is reflected today in Dayton’s National Aviation Heritage Area. It’s a privilege to represent a state with such important historical significance, and I’m proud to stand with Senator Portman in our effort to ensure that federal investment in the National Aviation Heritage Area’s will continue,” said Brown.

“The National Aviation Heritage Area in Dayton is home to our nation’s aviation history and I am proud to introduce this legislation to help ensure it is preserved and enjoyed by future generations,” said Portman. “It tells the story of the Wright Brothers’ development of the first airplane, which has led to a strong aviation industry in the region today. This site is a public-private partnership that has also generated economic growth in the region. It supports 1,500 jobs and generates $35 million in economic impact from the more than two million visitors per year. I look forward to working with Senator Brown and our colleagues to pass this important legislation.”

As of April 2018, the National Aviation Heritage Area has more than two million visitors annually, generating $35 million in economic impact and supporting 1,500 jobs in the region.

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