5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes has introduced the National Heritage Area Bill to protect funding for the Upper Housatonic Valley for another 15 years. Hayes says the park generates $169.9 million in economic impact, supports 1,944 jobs, and generates $15.0 million in tax revenue annually.  She added that the protection of areas like this is essential to preserving Connecticut's history and natural resources. The current authorization is set to expire in 2021. National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places of natural, cultural and historic importance.  The Upper Housatonic Valley spans the watershed of the upper Housatonic River, covering eight towns in Connecticut and eighteen in Massachusetts.