by Nancy Beal

Early last month, the federal congressional Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Angus King and Rep. Jared Golden to name all of Washington and Hancock Counties a “Downeast Maine National Heritage Area.” Rep. Chellie Pingree and Sen. Susan Collins co-sponsored the measure. The approval came after two years of meetings and the creation of a 200-page color glossy feasibility study prepared by the Sunrise County Economic Council. Approval and funding by the full Congress lie ahead.