Heritage Designation May Be Studied For Highway 49

The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce is backing a proposal to study whether or not Highway 49 should be designated a National Heritage Area. Chair Patrick Greenwell of the Government Affairs Committee says it could be an economic boost for the Mother Lode. Greenwell notes not all Federal gifts come without strings, and his panel plans to be on the lookout for them. If a bill to actually make the designation is developed, he says the panel will scrutinize it to make sure there are no onerous conditions attached.