"Historic preservation plays a vital role in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing a multitude of benefits for Pennsylvania and its residents."(The Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation Activities in Pennsylvania: Executive Summary, PHMC 2011). Distinct geographic areas compose the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor. These areas are also referred to as "reaches".  The "Anthracite Reach" is classified as an "Industrial Reach" of the Heritage Corridor which begins in Philadelphia. The Mahanoy Valley and the Route 54 Corridor are noted as areas of special interest, specifically the Pioneer Tunnel historic attraction located in the borough of Ashland (ExplorePAHistory.com, WITF, Inc., 2023). Pioneer Tunnel appears on the Schuylkill River Greenways "Places to Visit" within the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area. A National Heritage Area is designated by Congress for its unique nationally significant qualities and resources.