A park will surround the building. In the Spring of 2000, we will break ground for the Fisher Peak Traditional Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Carroll and Grayson Counties. Earlier this year, I was pleased to host a conference on the American Heritage River designation for the New River. The American Heritage River initiative provides participating communities with assistance from various federal agencies with the intent of advancing economic development and generally improving the quality of life in the communities adjacent to the designated rivers. My conference highlighted the attendant benefits of the American Heritage River program.
Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Southwest Virginia economy.
With the state s best outdoor experience and Virginia s most interesting cultural offering we truly have much to attract the traveling public. I am extremely pleased by the success that we are continuing to achieve in the advancement of our tourism economy, and I would welcome your suggestions for additional steps we can take.