This funding will allow the blackstone river valley national heritage corridor, INC

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $600,000 to Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. under the Heritage Partnership Program (CFDA 15.939) through a Cooperative Agreement effective August 15, 2025, through August 15, 2026. As the managing entity for the John H. Chafee Blackstone Heritage Corridor spanning 25 cities and towns across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the organization delivers comprehensive environmental stewardship and heritage preservation services. Key products and services include volunteer program administration for the Blackstone National Historical Park, including volunteer recruitment, training, tracking of service hours, and provision of volunteer uniforms; implementation of infrastructure projects such as the Blackstone River Bikeway; community engagement and regional event promotion; and strategic partnerships with government entities and private sector organizations to advance conservation and heritage tourism objectives.

The award supports the organization's core mission of protecting, preserving, and interpreting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Blackstone Valley region through planning, community outreach, and implementation of heritage area management activities consistent with the Heritage Partnership Program's emphasis on shared environmental stewardship and public participation in preservation and conservation efforts.

To continue their work as the managing entity for the john h. Chafee blackstone heritage corridor. The corridor works with local communities and nonprofits to protect, preserve and interpret the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the 25 cities and towns of the blackstone valley.