LEGISLATION that would establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage area in Illinois is headed to the White House.

President Bush is encouraged to sign the heritage area legislation, which is part of the Consolidated National Resources Act.

Hal Smith, director of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition which is based in Springfield, was right when he said it will be "a great day in Illinois" if this legislation is signed into law as expected.

The legislation would provide up to $15 million in federal matching funds for use in a 42-county area that has ties to Lincoln. State, local and private funds would multiply those dollars for use in museums, outdoor exhibits and other sites of interest to Lincoln aficionados.

The money would be going into an area that already has been preparing for thousands of visitors who are expected to observe the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's famous series of debates with Stephen A. Douglas this year and the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, which will be celebrated next year.

Quincy's Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Quincy Park District are coordinating on $300,000 worth of improvements in Washington Park. In addition, 18 "Looking for Lincoln" storyboards will be erected throughout Quincy at places where either Lincoln or Douglas came into contact with Quincyans.

Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, led support for the legislation in the House this week. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, guided the bill as the Senate passed it three weeks ago. Both legislators see Lincoln's heritage as a national and an Illinois treasure.

Abraham Lincoln lived most of his adult life in Illinois and the state and its people helped shape this historic leader.

In 1860, Illinois offered its brightest political mind for the presidency and he won. In 2008, the state will be better prepared to honor Lincoln's legacy if the federal legislation is approved -- and all those who honor Lincoln will win.