The purpose of the heritage partnership program funding is to engage national heritage arearecipients, partners, communities, and or visitors in shared environmental stewardship

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a $1.0 million Cooperative Agreement under the Heritage Partnership Program (CFDA 15.939) to the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Corridor Communities Association (KMTA CCA), effective August 14, 2025, with completion by September 30, 2026. This funding supports the KMTA CCA's mission to advance shared environmental stewardship and preserve the cultural and natural resources of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm region in Alaska through community engagement, heritage tourism, and education initiatives.

The agreement funds a comprehensive range of products and services designed to connect residents and visitors to the region's history and landscapes while building resource stewardship ethics. Key deliverables include community-based grant administration, youth education initiatives such as the Coastal Connections Program (which provides week-long day camps and teacher training focused on coastal ecosystems), historical preservation projects, heritage tourism development, educational programming, and technical support to partner organizations. The award also supports activities that promote outdoor recreation, preserve traditional crafts and music, and foster economic development within the designated heritage area. Beneficiaries include the general public, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities within the heritage area.

This is done bypromoting greater public and private participation in preservation, conservation, education, and outdoorrecreation programs and activities, and building resource stewardship ethics in its participants. The recipient aims to conserve and promote the cultural and natural resources of the kenai mountains-turnagain arm region. This organization fosters community engagement and economic development through heritage tourism, educational programs, and the preservation of traditional crafts and music. By connecting residents and visitors to the area s rich history and diverse landscapes, IT seeks to enhance the quality of life and sustain the region s cultural identity. Beneficiaries include general public, states and or their political subdivisions, non-profits, private entities, the heritage area management coordinating entity.