Garden City, NY – U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice joined local aviation enthusiasts today at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to introduce legislation directing the federal government to study ways to commemorate Long Island’s leading role in the development of our nation’s aviation industry and preserve significant sites related to aviation history.
The bipartisan Long Island Aviation History Act, which has been cosponsored by every member of Long Island’s Congressional delegation, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special study in order to evaluate the national significance of Long Island’s aviation history and assess ways to preserve significant historic sites, including by formally designating parts of Long Island as a unit of the National Parks Service and by identifying sites that could qualify for designation as National Historic Landmarks.
The bill also directs the Secretary to evaluate ways to enhance historical research, education and public awareness of Long Island’s aviation history. The Long Island Aviation History Act was first introduced by Rice’s predecessor, former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who developed the legislation after the idea was proposed by a resident of the fourth congressional district and National Parks Service volunteer named Adam Sackowitz.
“Long Island has played a major role in the development of our nation’s aviation industry, helping it grow from an obscure sport into the booming industry and critical national resource that it is today,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “That history is an important piece of our identity here on Long Island, and it’s crucial that we always remember it – not only to honor the efforts of those who came before us, but to inspire us to follow their lead and keep working to ensure that Long Island remains a center of innovation and ingenuity. That’s why I’m working to pass this bipartisan bill to help ensure that our contributions to aviation history get the recognition they deserve for generations to come.”
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