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[Senate Report 113-300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                       Calendar No. 640
113th Congress  }                                        {       Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session     }                                        {      113-300

======================================================================

 
         MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT

                                _______
                                

               December 10, 2014.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

   Ms. Landrieu, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                         [To accompany S. 2602]

    The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was 
referred the bill (S. 2602) to establish the Mountains to Sound 
Greenway National Heritage Area in the State of Washington, 
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an 
amendment and recommends that the bill, as amended, do pass.
    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``National Heritage Area Authorization 
Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.

  In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the 
Interior.

SEC. 3. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA DESIGNATIONS.

  The following areas are designated as national heritage areas, to be 
administered in accordance with this Act:
          (1) Appalachian forest national heritage area, west virginia 
        and maryland.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Appalachian 
                Forest National Heritage Area in the States of West 
                Virginia and Maryland, as depicted on the map entitled 
                ``Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area'', numbered 
                T07/80,000 and dated October 2007, including--
                          (i) Barbour, Braxton, Grant, Greenbrier, 
                        Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Morgan, Nicholas, 
                        Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, 
                        Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties in West 
                        Virginia; and
                          (ii) Allegany and Garrett Counties in 
                        Maryland.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Appalachian 
                Forest Heritage Area, Inc., shall be the local 
                coordinating entity for the national heritage area 
                established under subparagraph (A).
          (2) Maritime washington national heritage area, washington.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Maritime 
                Washington National Heritage Area in the State of 
                Washington, to include land in Whatcom, Skagit, 
                Snohomish, San Juan, Island, King, Pierce, Thurston, 
                Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, Grays Harbor 
                counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map 
                entitled ``Maritime Washington National Heritage Area 
                Proposed Boundary'', numbered 584/125484 and dated 
                August, 2014.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Pacific Northwest 
                Maritime Heritage Advisory Council, operating under the 
                Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, shall be 
                the local coordinating entity for the national heritage 
                area established under subparagraph (A).
          (3) Mountains to sound greenway national heritage area, 
        washington.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Mountains 
                to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State 
                of Washington, to consist of land in King and Kittitas 
                counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map 
                entitled ``Mountains to Sound Greenway National 
                Heritage Area Proposed Boundary'', numbered 584/125,484 
                and dated January 31, 2011.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Mountains to 
                Sound Greenway Trust shall be the local coordinating 
                entity for the national heritage area established under 
                subparagraph (A).
          (4) Susquehanna gateway national heritage area, 
        pennsylvania.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Susquehanna 
                Gateway National Heritage Area in the State of 
                Pennsylvania, to include Lancaster and York counties in 
                the State.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Susquehanna 
                Heritage Corporation, a nonprofit organization 
                established under the laws of the State, shall be the 
                local coordinating entity for the national heritage 
                area established under subparagraph (A).
          (5) Sacramento-san joaquin delta national heritage area, 
        california.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Sacramento-
                San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area in the State 
                of California, to consist of land in Contra Costa, 
                Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo counties in 
                the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled 
                ``Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area 
                Proposed Boundary'', numbered T27/105,030 and dated 
                October 2012.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Delta Protection 
                Commission shall be the local coordinating entity for 
                the national heritage area established under 
                subparagraph (A).
          (6) Alabama black belt national heritage area, alabama.--
                  (A) In general.--There is established the Alabama 
                Black Belt National Heritage Area in the State of 
                Alabama, to include Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, 
                Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, 
                Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, 
                Washington and Wilcox counties in the State.
                  (B) Local coordinating entity.--The Center for the 
                Study of the Black Belt at the University of West 
                Alabama shall be the local coordinating entity for the 
                national heritage area established under subparagraph 
                (A).

SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) Authorities.--For purposes of carrying out the management plan 
for each of the national heritage areas designated by section 3, the 
Secretary, acting through the local coordinating entity, may use 
amounts made available under section 9--
          (1) to make grants to the State or a political subdivision of 
        the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
          (2) to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide 
        technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision 
        of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested 
        parties;
          (3) to hire and compensate staff, which shall include 
        individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical 
        resources protection, and heritage programming;
          (4) to obtain money or services from any source including any 
        money or services that are provided under any other Federal law 
        or program;
          (5) to contract for goods or services; and
          (6) to undertake to be a catalyst for any other activity that 
        furthers the national heritage area and is consistent with the 
        approved management plan.
  (b) Duties.--The local coordinating entity for each of the national 
heritage areas designated by section 3 shall--
          (1) in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a 
        management plan for the national heritage area to the 
        Secretary;
          (2) assist units of local government, regional planning 
        organizations, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out the 
        approved management plan by--
                  (A) carrying out programs and projects that 
                recognize, protect, and enhance important resource 
                values in the national heritage area;
                  (B) establishing and maintaining interpretive 
                exhibits and programs in the national heritage area;
                  (C) developing recreational and educational 
                opportunities in the national heritage area;
                  (D) increasing public awareness of, and appreciation 
                for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural 
                resources of the national heritage area;
                  (E) protecting and restoring historic sites and 
                buildings in the national heritage area that are 
                consistent with national heritage area themes;
                  (F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate 
                signs identifying points of public access and sites of 
                interest are posted throughout the national heritage 
                area; and
                  (G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among 
                governments, organizations, and individuals to further 
                the national heritage area;
          (3) consider the interests of diverse units of government, 
        businesses, organizations, and individuals in the national 
        heritage area in the preparation and implementation of the 
        management plan;
          (4) conduct meetings open to the public at least semiannually 
        regarding the development and implementation of the management 
        plan;
          (5) for any year that Federal funds have been received under 
        this section--
                  (A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that 
                describes the activities, expenses, and income of the 
                local coordinating entity (including grants to any 
                other entities during the year that the report is 
                made);
                  (B) make available to the Secretary for audit all 
                records relating to the expenditure of the funds and 
                any matching funds; and
                  (C) require, with respect to all agreements 
                authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by other 
                organizations, that the organizations receiving the 
                funds make available to the Secretary for audit all 
                records concerning the expenditure of the funds; and
          (6) encourage by appropriate means economic viability that is 
        consistent with the national heritage area.
  (c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The local 
coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds made available under 
section 9 to acquire real property or any interest in real property.

SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.

  (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the local coordinating entity for each of the national 
heritage areas designated by section 3 shall submit to the Secretary 
for approval a proposed management plan for the national heritage area.
  (b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
          (1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for 
        the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, 
        cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the 
        national heritage area;
          (2) take into consideration State and local plans;
          (3) include--
                  (A) an inventory of--
                          (i) the resources located in the national 
                        heritage area; and
                          (ii) any other property in the national 
                        heritage area that--
                                  (I) is related to the themes of the 
                                national heritage area; and
                                  (II) should be preserved, restored, 
                                managed, or maintained because of the 
                                significance of the property;
                  (B) comprehensive policies, strategies and 
                recommendations for conservation, funding, management, 
                and development of the national heritage area;
                  (C) a description of actions that governments, 
                private organizations, and individuals have agreed to 
                take to protect the natural, historical and cultural 
                resources of the national heritage area;
                  (D) a program of implementation for the management 
                plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a 
                description of--
                          (i) actions to facilitate ongoing 
                        collaboration among partners to promote plans 
                        for resource protection, restoration, and 
                        construction; and
                          (ii) specific commitments for implementation 
                        that have been made by the local coordinating 
                        entity or any government, organization, or 
                        individual for the first 5 years of operation;
                  (E) the identification of sources of funding for 
                carrying out the management plan;
                  (F) analysis and recommendations for means by which 
                Federal, State, and local programs, including the role 
                of the National Park Service in the national heritage 
                area, may best be coordinated to carry out this 
                section; and
                  (G) an interpretive plan for the national heritage 
                area; and
          (4) recommend policies and strategies for resource management 
        that consider and detail the application of appropriate land 
        and water management techniques, including the development of 
        intergovernmental and interagency cooperative agreements to 
        protect the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, 
        and recreational resources of the national heritage area.
  (c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the 
Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to receive 
additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary 
receives and approves the management plan.
  (d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        receipt of the management plan under subsection (a), the 
        Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall approve or 
        disapprove the management plan.
          (2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to approve 
        the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether--
                  (A) the local coordinating entity is representative 
                of the diverse interests of the national heritage area, 
                including governments, natural and historic resource 
                protection organizations, educational institutions, 
                businesses, and recreational organizations;
                  (B) the local coordinating entity has afforded 
                adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for 
                public and governmental involvement in the preparation 
                of the management plan; and
                  (C) the resource protection and interpretation 
                strategies contained in the management plan, if 
                implemented, would adequately protect the natural, 
                historical, and cultural resources of the national 
                heritage area.
          (3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary 
        disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall--
                  (A) advise the local coordinating entity in writing 
                of the reasons for the disapproval;
                  (B) make recommendations for revisions to the 
                management plan; and
                  (C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of any 
                proposed revision of the management plan from the local 
                coordinating entity, approve or disapprove the proposed 
                revision.
          (4) Amendments.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or 
                disapprove each amendment to the management plan that 
                the Secretary determines make a substantial change to 
                the management plan.
                  (B) Use of funds.--The local coordinating entity 
                shall not use Federal funds authorized by this section 
                to carry out any amendments to the management plan 
                until the Secretary has approved the amendments.

SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

  (a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a 
Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any 
other law.
  (b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency 
planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on a national 
heritage area designated by section 3 is encouraged to consult and 
coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the local coordinating 
entity to the maximum extent practicable.
  (c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
          (1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation 
        authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the 
        jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
          (2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to 
        implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of a 
        national heritage area designated by section 3; or
          (3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal 
        land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.

SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.

  Nothing in this Act--
          (1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public 
        or private), including the right to refrain from participating 
        in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a 
        national heritage area designated by section 3;
          (2) requires any property owner--
                  (A) to permit public access (including access by 
                Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of 
                the property owner; or
                  (B) to modify public access or use of property of the 
                property owner under any other Federal, State, or local 
                law;
          (3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved 
        land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, 
        State, tribal, or local agency,
          (4) conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the 
        local coordinating entity;
          (5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of 
        water or water rights;
          (6) diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish and 
        wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting 
        within a national heritage area designated by section 3; or
          (7) creates any liability, or affects any liability under any 
        other law, of any private property owner with respect to any 
        person injured on the private property.

SEC. 8. EVALUATION AND REPORT.

  (a) In General.--For each of the national heritage areas designated 
by section 3, not later than 3 years before the date on which authority 
for Federal funding terminates for each national heritage area, the 
Secretary shall--
          (1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the 
        national heritage area; and
          (2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
  (b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) 
shall--
          (1) assess the progress of the local management entity with 
        respect to--
                  (A) accomplishing the purposes of the authorizing 
                legislation for the national heritage area; and
                  (B) achieving the goals and objectives of the 
                approved management plan for the national heritage 
                area;
          (2) analyze the investments of Federal, State, tribal, and 
        local government and private entities in each national heritage 
        area to determine the impact of the investments; and
          (3) review the management structure, partnership 
        relationships, and funding of the national heritage area for 
        purposes of identifying the critical components for 
        sustainability of the national heritage area.
  (c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection 
(a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations 
for the future role of the National Park Service with respect to the 
national heritage area.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated for each 
national heritage area designated by section 3 to carry out the 
purposes of this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may 
be made available in any fiscal year.
  (b) Availability.--Amounts made available under subsection (a) shall 
remain available until expended.
  (c) Cost-sharing Requirement.--
          (1) In general.--The Federal share of the total cost of any 
        activity under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.
          (2) Form.--The non-Federal contribution of the total cost of 
        any activity under this Act may be in the form of in-kind 
        contributions of goods or services fairly valued.
  (d) Termination of Authority.--The authority of the Secretary to 
provide assistance under this Act (other than sections 10 and 11) 
terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 10. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA AUTHORITIES.

  (a) Section 12 of Public Law 100-692 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 102 Stat. 
4558; 112 Stat. 3258; 123 Stat. 1292; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314) is 
amended--
          (1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2015'' and inserting 
        ``2030''; and
          (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2015'' and inserting 
        ``2030''.
  (b) Division II of Public Law 104-333 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended 
by striking ``2015'' each place it appears in the following sections 
and inserting ``2030'':
          (1) Section 107 (110 Stat. 4244; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314).
          (2) Section 408 (110 Stat. 4256; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314).
          (3) Section 507 (110 Stat. 4260; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314).
          (4) Section 707 (110 Stat. 4267; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314).
          (5) Section 809 (110 Stat. 4275; 122 Stat. 826; 127 Stat. 
        420; 128 Stat. 314).
          (6) Section 910 (110 Stat. 4281; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314).
  (c) Section 109 of Public Law 105-355 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 112 Stat. 
3252) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting 
``September 30, 2030''.
  (d) Public Law 106-278 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended--
          (1) in section 108 (114 Stat. 818; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 
        314), by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2030''; and
          (2) in section 209 (114 Stat. 824), by striking ``the date 
        that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this title'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
  (e) Section 157(i) of Public Law 106-291 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 114 
Stat. 967) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2030''.
  (f) Section 7 of Public Law 106-319 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 114 Stat. 
1284) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2030''.
  (g) Section 804(j) of title VIII of division B of H.R. 5666 (Appendix 
D) as enacted into law by section 1(a)(4) of Public Law 106-554 (16 
U.S.C. 461 note; 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-295; 123 Stat. 1294) is amended 
by striking ``the day occurring 15 years after the date of enactment of 
this title'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.

SEC. 11. JOHN H. CHAFEE BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                    CORRIDOR AMENDMENTS.

  Public Law 99-647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 100 Stat. 3625) is amended--
          (1) in the first sentence of section 2 (110 Stat. 4202), by 
        striking ``the map entitled `Blackstone River Valley National 
        Heritage Corridor Boundary Map', numbered BRV-80-80,011, and 
        dated May 2, 1993'' and inserting ``the map entitled `John H. 
        Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor--
        Proposed Boundary', numbered 022/111530, and dated November 10, 
        2011'';
          (2) in section 7 (120 Stat. 1858, 125 Stat. 155)--
                  (A) in the section heading, by striking ``TERMINATION 
                OF COMMISSION'' and inserting ``TERMINATION OF 
                COMMISSION; DESIGNATION OF LOCAL COORDINATING ENTITY'';
                  (B) by striking ``The Commission'' and inserting the 
                following:
  ``(a) In General.--The Commission''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(b) Local Coordinating Entity.--
          ``(1) Designation.--The Blackstone River Valley National 
        Heritage Corridor, Inc., shall be the local coordinating entity 
        for the Corridor (referred to in this section as the `local 
        coordinating entity').
          ``(2) Implementation of management plan.--The local 
        coordinating entity shall assume the duties of the Commission 
        for the implementation of the Cultural Heritage and Land 
        Management Plan developed and approved under section 6.
  ``(c) Use of Funds.--For the purposes of carrying out the management 
plan, the local coordinating entity may use amounts made available 
under this Act--
          ``(1) to make grants to the States of Massachusetts and Rhode 
        Island (referred to in this section as the `States'), political 
        subdivisions of the States, nonprofit organizations, and other 
        persons;
          ``(2) to enter into cooperative agreements with or provide 
        technical assistance to the States, political subdivisions of 
        the States, nonprofit organizations, Federal agencies, and 
        other interested parties;
          ``(3) to hire and compensate staff, including individuals 
        with expertise in--
                  ``(A) natural, historical, cultural, educational, 
                scenic, and recreational resource conservation;
                  ``(B) economic and community development; or
                  ``(C) heritage planning;
          ``(4) to obtain funds or services from any source, including 
        funds and services provided under any other Federal law or 
        program;
          ``(5) to contract for goods or services; and
          ``(6) to support activities of partners and any other 
        activities that further the purposes of the Corridor and are 
        consistent with the approved management plan.'';
          (3) in section 8 (120 Stat. 1858)--
                  (A) in subsection (b)--
                          (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
                        inserting the following:
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
                          (ii) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(2) Cooperative agreements.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 of 
        title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may enter into 
        cooperative agreements with the local coordinating entity 
        designated by paragraph (1) and other public or private 
        entities for the purpose of--
                  ``(A) providing technical assistance; or
                  ``(B) implementing the plan under section 6(c).''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
                following:
  ``(d) Transition Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary shall 
enter into a memorandum of understanding with the local coordinating 
entity to ensure--
          ``(1) the appropriate transition of management of the 
        Corridor from the Commission to the local coordinating entity; 
        and
          ``(2) coordination regarding the implementation of the 
        Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan.'';
          (4) in section 10 (104 Stat. 1018, 120 Stat. 1858)--
                  (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``in which the 
                Commission is in existence'' and inserting ``until 
                September 30, 2016''; and
                  (B) by striking subsection (c); and
          (5) by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 11. REFERENCES TO THE CORRIDOR, INC.

  ``For purposes of sections 6, 8 (other than section 8(d)(1)), 9, and 
10, a reference to the `Commission' shall be considered to be a 
reference to the local coordinating entity.''.

SEC. 12. REDESIGNATION OF THE LAST GREEN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                    CORRIDOR.

  (a) In General.--The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National 
Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; Public Law 103-449) 
is amended--
          (1) in section 103--
                  (A) in the heading, by striking ``QUINEBAUG AND 
                SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR'' 
                and inserting ``LAST GREEN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                CORRIDOR''; and
                  (B) in subsection (a), by striking ``the Quinebaug 
                and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage 
                Corridor'' and inserting ``The Last Green Valley 
                National Heritage Corridor''; and
          (2) in section 108(2), by striking ``the Quinebaug and 
        Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor under'' and 
        inserting ``The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor 
        established by''.
  (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor shall be deemed to 
be a reference to the ``The Last Green Valley National Heritage 
Corridor''.

                                Purpose

    The purpose of S. 2602 as introduced is to establish the 
Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State 
of Washington.
    The purpose of the bill as ordered reported is to establish 
six National Heritage Areas, including the Mountain to Sound 
Greenway National Heritage Area, and to rename or extend 12 
existing National Heritage Areas.

                          Background and Need

    National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as areas 
of national significance in order to protect and promote their 
natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources. Unlike 
units of the National Park System, which are owned by the 
Federal Government and managed by the National Park Service, 
National Heritage Areas are community-based initiatives to 
preserve, promote, and interpret an area's resources. The 
property within the National Heritage Area is not acquired by 
the Federal Government, and the resource management plan for 
the area is developed and implemented by a local coordinating 
entity. Congress authorizes the National Park Service to 
provide technical and limited financial assistance to the 
coordinating entity, but the National Park Service does not 
manage the Areas itself. National Heritage Areas have been 
shown to provide economic benefits to the communities and 
regions they serve.
    S. 2602, as ordered reported, designates six new National 
Heritage Areas.

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area

    The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area encompasses eighteen 
counties in the highlands of West Virginia and western 
Maryland. They include Allegany and Garrett counties in 
Maryland, and Barbour, Braxton, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, 
Hardy, Mineral, Morgan, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, 
Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties in West 
Virginia. These counties collectively represent the significant 
highlands timber-producing areas of these two states. The 
forest and industry from the forest have been commanding 
factors in the region's economy.
    A study conducted by West Virginia University's Davis 
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences 
determined the feasibility of establishment of a national 
heritage area found that the central Appalachian Forest has 
outstanding natural resources and historical and cultural 
themes of state and national significance. Timber harvesting in 
the region helped fuel the industrial revolution. This area is 
the core of the central hardwood forest that is today the 
largest of its kind in the world, having regrown from the 
original cutting aided by forest management and protection of 
public lands.
    Protected and designated natural resources within the 
Heritage Area include Monongahela National Forest, portions of 
George Washington National Forest, Canaan Valley National 
Wildlife Refuge, the nation's first National Recreation Area at 
Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob, 14 National Natural Landmarks, 5 
wilderness areas, 12 West Virginia State Parks, 5 West Virginia 
State Forests, 9 Maryland State Parks, and 4 Maryland State 
Forests, plus a number of natural areas protected by non-profit 
organizations.
    Significant historic and cultural sites and resources 
within the Heritage Area include five National Historic 
Landmarks, portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, 
the Historic National Road, Canal Place Heritage Area, four 
national scenic byways, significant Civilian Conservation Corp 
(CCC) works at Watoga State Park, state designated byways, and 
a total of 26 historic districts and 215 individual sites 
listed on the National Register.
    The Forest Heritage story can be expressed in the Heritage 
Area through a variety of existing resources, such as remnants 
of old growth forests, protected wilderness areas, historic 
sites from the logging era including the intact logging company 
town at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, national and state 
forest lands created to foster regrowth of the forest, CCC 
structures demonstrating conservation efforts, experimental 
forests demonstrating the evolution of forestry management, 
managed public and private forests, and a dynamic forest 
industry with mills and value-added products that demonstrate 
the ongoing importance of the forest and forest products to 
this region.
    The extensive central hardwood forests and undeveloped 
rural character of the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area provide 
natural and recreational resources, scenic vistas, outdoor 
recreation, and opportunities for nature observation for people 
throughout the United States to enjoy.
    The central Appalachian culture includes folk life, music, 
dance, crafts, and traditions that are inextricably tied to the 
forest and reliance upon forest products. The Heritage Area 
represents a cross section of American history illustrating how 
people lived in and interacted with the forested mountains, 
including Native Americans, frontier settlements, the Civil War 
First Campaign and formation of a state, blending of cultures 
from periods of European and African-American immigration, and 
adaptation to changing economies in contemporary America. The 
forested landscapes of the present directly link the Forest 
Heritage of the past to the future, as do the historic valley 
settlements, farmlands, and industrial landscapes.

Maritime Washington National Heritage Area

    The Maritime Washington National Heritage Area covers an 
area in the counties of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, 
Island, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, 
Clallam, and Grays Harbor in western Washington State. Western 
Washington State's heritage is defined by its relationship to 
the waters of Puget Sound, the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the 
Pacific Ocean. Native communities found a bounty of resources 
in the waters and shorelines of this area where permanent 
settlements arose. While salmon and sea life provided an 
abundance of sustenance, western red cedar provided the 
material to make these people a maritime culture. Canoe culture 
allowed an extensive trade and social network throughout the 
region and was reliant on these open waterways. The very 
resources that provided for native peoples to have a thriving 
culture also attracted European and American explorers and 
settlers.
    In 1774, Spanish ships were the first European craft to 
sail the region's waters. Juan Perez landed men along 
Washington's coast and the following year Bruno de Heceta 
established Spanish claims to the region. They soon were 
followed by other explorers including James Cook (1778), who 
spotted Cape Flattery at the entrance to the waterway that 
leads to Puget Sound. It wasn't until 1787 that a non-Native 
entered these straits when Captain Charles Barkley named it for 
Juan de Fuca. For the next five years both Spanish and British 
explorers explored more of the region, including Captain George 
Vancouver who named the Sound for Peter Puget, one of his 
sailors. American inroads to the region began in earnest when 
Captain Robert Gray discovered the Columbia River and also that 
otter furs obtained from the natives of the Pacific Northwest 
sold for a handsome profit in China. Trading vessels 
foreshadowed fur trade forts including the Hudson's Bay 
Company's Fort Nisqually in 1833. From this establishment's 
farms came an export trade that tied Puget Sound to Russian 
Alaska, Mexican California, Hawaii and Great Britain.
    Following the settlement of the international boundary 
between British and American land, American settlements began 
to gain strength following 1846. The timber industry spurred 
these settlements and the transformation of the region from a 
backwater to a center of maritime commerce. Pacific Northwest 
ships helped supply the Klondike gold rush. Lumber shipped from 
the region helped rebuild San Francisco after the earthquake of 
1906 and was exported throughout the world.
    Shipyards followed after exporting of lumber began. In 
fact, the history of ship building--both civilian and 
military--highlights a major economic activity of the region 
today. Naval activity at Bremerton, Bangor and Everett a vital 
connection to the region's maritime past.
    Today, the region continues to be tied to its saltwater 
heritage both in commerce and recreation. In 2010, the 
Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic 
Preservation undertook a feasibility study of the designation 
of a national heritage area to preserve and promote this 
heritage. Designation of a National Heritage Area and a 
coordinating organization would allow for the significant 
number of maritime resources (museums and interpretive centers, 
historic vessels, maritime education centers, lighthouses and 
locks, waterfronts and public spaces) to actively develop 
opportunities for visitors.

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area

    Stretching from the shores of Puget Sound to the heart of 
Washington State, the Mountains to Sound Greenway is a mosaic 
of thriving communities, living history, and vast natural lands 
in King and Kittitas counties, Washington. With 1.5 million 
acres of rugged mountains, vast forests, high desert, suburban 
parks and gardens, and metropolitan streets, the Greenway 
encompasses a shared heritage of historic towns, healthy 
ecosystems, spectacular alpine wilderness, working farms and 
forests, and extensive outdoor recreation in a region that 
includes one of the major metropolitan areas in the United 
States.
    Following an initial surge of logging and mining, local 
residents began to consider ways of living close to the land 
without exhausting it. Twenty years ago, a coalition of civic 
leaders and community activists came together around the need 
to preserve the Greenway and its natural and historical assets.
    During 2009 and 2010, the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust 
(Trust) engaged stakeholders in discussions about the Greenway 
and what opportunities exist for conserving and enhancing a 
sustainable balance into the future. In March, 2012, the Trust 
completed a study of the feasibility of establishing the 
Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.

Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area

    The Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area includes the 
Lower Susquehanna River corridor and all of Lancaster and York 
Counties in south-central Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna 
River. It stretches along the banks of the longest river on the 
East Coast, the 441-mile long Susquehanna River. The cultural 
and religious beliefs of this area's European settlers 
flourished and spread to the outlying East Coast regions during 
the 17th and 18th centuries.
    The area's name is based on its earlier inhabitants, an 
Iroquoian tribe who called themselves the Conestoga. The 
Virginia Algonquian name for the Tribe was Susquehannock. 
Captain John Smith entered a trade alliance with the Tribe when 
he traveled up the Susquehanna River in the summer of 1608, 
beginning a tradition of commerce that spanned hundreds of 
miles and years. The region is recognized as an area of not 
just commerce, but also invention. Along the banks of the 
Susquehanna John Elgar constructed the first iron steamboat in 
America and it was the birthplace of the original inventor of 
the boats, Robert Fulton. During the Revolutionary War, the 
Continental Congress met in Lancaster and York Counties and it 
was in York where the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual 
Union were approved.
    The area is also known for its natural resources, including 
remnant old growth forests and migratory bird nesting grounds. 
Within the area are also two designated National Natural 
Landmarks, Ferncliff and the Susquehanna Gorge, and two 
National Recreation Trails, Kelly's Run and Susquehanna River 
Water trails.
    In 2001, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and 
Natural Resources designated the Lancaster-York Heritage Region 
as a state heritage area, now known as the Susquehanna Gateway 
Heritage Area. The management entity, formerly known as the 
Lancaster-York Heritage Region, changed its name to the 
Susquehanna Heritage Corporation in order to highlight its 
connection to the Susquehanna River and its focus on, ``the 
cultural and economic value of the river's heritage and outdoor 
recreation.'' The Susquehanna Heritage Corporation prepared a 
feasibility study for the area. After a review of the 
feasibility study, the National Park Service found the study 
area to meet the national significance criteria for potential 
designation as a heritage area.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area

    The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is formed by the 
confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers as well as 
the Mokelumne, Consumnes, and Calaveras Rivers within the five 
counties of Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and 
Yolo. The resulting rare inland Delta is the largest estuary on 
America's west coast (1,000 square miles). Today, the Delta's 
diverse habitats support a wide variety of plants and animals 
including migrating birds and anadromous fish.
    Native American groups used the Delta prior to the influx 
of fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the mid-
1800s Gold Rush, prospectors recognized the agricultural value 
of the Delta's fertile soils and abundant water. Marshlands 
were converted into agricultural lands, which are still in 
production today. The process of reclamation and the ensuing 
agriculture brought with it a diversity of cultural heritage 
including Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, East Indians, 
Portuguese and Italian immigrants who helped develop the former 
marsh lands into highly productive agricultural lands. By 1930, 
the Delta marsh lands had been reclaimed into a network of 
waterways and islands. Approximately 1,100 square miles of 
levees are still in use today to support the agricultural 
industry.
    Recreational opportunities within the Delta include 
boating, wakeboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and bird watching. 
These opportunities attract visitors and provide outdoor 
experiences for people living nearby in the large urban centers 
that surround the area. The Delta area also serves as an 
important infrastructure corridor between northern and central 
California for power, gas, water, roads, and shipping canals. 
The Delta is one of California's largest watersheds, draining 
approximately 40 percent of California's land. Since the early 
1900s, urban sprawl has been identified as a significant threat 
to the Delta.
    In 2009, the California State Legislature charged the Delta 
Protection Commission to develop a proposal to establish State 
and Federal designation of the Delta as a place of special 
significance, including the ability to apply for designation as 
a National Heritage Area. As a result, the Delta Protection 
Commission, along with public and private stakeholders, worked 
together to develop a draft feasibility study of the 
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area. The draft 
study is currently under review by the National Park Service 
and the Delta Protection Commission.

Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area

    The Black Belt region of Alabama (Black Belt) stretches 
across the lower-central portion of Alabama, from the eastern 
border of Mississippi to the western border of southern 
Georgia. The Black Belt is named for the exceptionally fertile 
black soil in the region.
    In the 1820s and 1830s, this soil influenced the 
construction of a large network of cotton plantations, which in 
turn made the region one of the wealthiest and most politically 
powerful in the United States. When the Civil War began in the 
early 1860s, the city of Montgomery was established as the 
first capital of the Confederacy. The region is recognized by 
many as the center of the civil rights movement of the 1950s 
and 1960s. Several pivotal events in the civil rights movement 
took place in the region including the Montgomery bus boycott 
and the march from Selma to Montgomery, which helped lead to 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
    The geography of the Black Belt is comprised of prairies, 
forests, and rivers, and the area contains diverse species of 
flora and fauna as well as many fossils, including shells and 
bones of ancient sea life.
    The Black Belt contains three units of the National Park 
System: the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail; the 
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site; and the Tuskegee 
Institute National Historic Site. The region also includes the 
Talladega National Forest and the Tuskegee National Forest. The 
Bartram Trail, a National Recreation Trail, runs through the 
Tuskegee National Forest. Additionally, the region contains two 
National Wildlife Refuges and two Army Corps of Engineers 
projects: the Alabama River Lakes and the Black Warrior and 
Tombigbee Lakes, river basins provide public recreation 
opportunities and natural resource sites.
    The Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area Task Force was formed 
in 2004 with the purpose of exploring National Heritage Area 
designation. It completed a feasibility study in February 2009, 
which concluded that National Heritage Area designation would 
best promote and preserve the unique historical, cultural, 
ecological, and geographical assets of the Black Belt, while 
creating much-needed economic and community development.

Extension and modification of existing National Heritage Areas

    Congress has traditionally authorized National Heritage 
Areas for periods of 15 years. In addition to designating 6 new 
National Heritage Areas, S. 2602, as ordered reported, extends 
the authorizations for 13 National Heritage Areas to 2030. The 
13 National Heritage Areas are: the Delaware and Lehigh Canal 
National Heritage Corridor in Pennsylvania; the National Coal 
Heritage Area in West Virginia; the Rivers of Steel National 
Heritage Area in southwestern Pennsylvania; the Essex National 
Heritage Area in Massachusetts; the Silos to Smokestacks 
National Heritage Area (America's Agricultural Heritage 
Partnership) in Iowa; the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage 
Corridor in northeast Ohio; the Hudson River Valley National 
Heritage Area in New York; the Automobile National Heritage 
Area in southeastern Michigan; the Lackawanna Valley National 
Heritage Area in Pennsylvania; the Schuylkill River Valley 
National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania; the Wheeling National 
Heritage Area in West Virginia; the Yuma Crossing National 
Heritage Area in Arizona; and the Erie Canalway National 
Heritage Corridor in New York.
    In addition, S. 2602, as ordered reported, designates the 
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc., as 
the local coordinating entity for the John H. Chafee Blackstone 
River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island, and redesignates the Quinebaug and Shetucket 
Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor in as the Last Green 
Valley National Heritage Corridor in south-central 
Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut.

                          Legislative History

    S. 2602 was introduced by Senator Cantwell on July 15, 
2014. A similar bill, H.R. 1785 was introduced in the House of 
Representatives by Representative Reichert on April 26, 2013. 
The subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 2602 on 
July 23, 2014. At its business meeting on November 13, 2014, 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources ordered S. 2602 
reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
    The amendment incorporates the text of 14 other National 
Heritage Area bills. They are:
    S. 219, the Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area Act, 
which was introduced by Senator Casey on February 4, 2013. The 
Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 219 on 
April 23, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-27). During the 112th Congress, 
Senator Casey introduced identical legislation, S. 1150. The 
Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 219 on 
March 7, 2013 (S. Hrg. 112-401).
    S. 228, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage 
Area Establishment Act, which was introduced by Senators 
Feinstein and Boxer on February 4, 2013. The Subcommittee on 
National Parks held a hearing on April 23, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-
27). In the 112th Congress similar legislation, S. 29, was 
introduced by Senator Reid for Senators Feinstein and Boxer on 
January 25, 2012. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 29 on March 7, 2012 (S. Hrg. 112-401).
    S. 371, the Blackstone River Valley National Historical 
Park Establishment Act, which was introduced on February 14, 
2013, by Senators Reed, Whitehouse, Warren, and Cowan. The 
Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 371 on 
April 23, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-27). The amendment adopted only 
portions of this bill that pertain to the John H. Chafee 
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Area. A similar bill, 
H.R. 706, was introduced was introduced on February 13, 2013, 
in the House of Representatives by Representative Cicilline. In 
the 112th Congress similar legislation, S. 1708, was introduced 
on October 13, 2011. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 1708 on March 7, 2012 (S. Hrg. 112-401).
    S. 702, a bill to designate the Quinebaug and Shetucket 
Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor as ``The Last Green 
Valley National Heritage Corridor,'' which was introduced by 
Senators Blumenthal, Cowan, Murphy, and Warren on April 10, 
2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 
702 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93). A similar bill, H.R. 
1471, was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 
10, 2013, by Representative Courtney.
    S. 869, the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Act, which 
was introduced by Senators Shelby and Sessions on May 7, 2013. 
The Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 869 on 
July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93). A similar bill, H.R. 2254, was 
introduced into the House of Representatives on June 4, 2013, 
by Representative Sewell. In the 111th Congress, a similar 
bill, S. 2892, was introduced by Senators Shelby and Sessions 
on December 16, 2009. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on the bill on March 17, 2010. The Committee ordered S. 
2892 favorably reported, as amended, at its business meeting on 
June 21, 2010. (S. Rept. 111-265.)
    S. 1138, a bill to reauthorize the Hudson River Valley 
National Heritage Area, which was introduced by Senator 
Gillibrand on July 11, 2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks 
held a hearing on S. 1138 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93). A 
similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on 
June 18, 2013, by Representative Maloney.
    S. 1151, America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership 
Reauthorization Act, which was introduced by Senator Harkin on 
June 12, 2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 1151 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93).
    S. 1157, a bill to reauthorize the Rivers of Steel National 
Heritage Area, the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area, 
the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Area, and the 
Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area, which was 
introduced by Senator Casey on June 13, 2013. The Subcommittee 
on National Parks held a hearing on S. 1157 on July 31, 2013 
(S. Hrg. 113-93). A similar bill, H.R. 2360, was introduced 
into the House of Representatives on June 13, 2013, by 
Representative Fitzpatrick.
    S. 1186, the Essex National Heritage Area Reauthorization 
Act, which was introduced by Senators Warren and Cowan on June 
19, 2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on 
S. 1186 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93). A similar bill was 
introduced in the House of Representatives on June 27, 2013, by 
Representative Tierney.
    S. 1339, a bill to reauthorize the Ohio & Erie Canal 
National Heritage Canalway, was introduced by Senator Brown on 
July 23, 2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 1339 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113-93).
    S. 2111, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area 
Reauthorization Act, which was introduced by Senator McCain on 
March 12, 2014. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 2111 on July 23, 2014. A similar bill was 
introduced in the House of Representatives on March 12, 2014 by 
Representative Grijalva.
    S. 2221, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Extension 
Act, which was introduced by Senators Levin and Stabenow on 
April 8, 2014. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a 
hearing on S. 2221 on July 23, 2014. A similar bill was 
introduced in the House of Representatives on April 8, 2014 by 
Representative Dingell.
    S. 2318, a bill to reauthorize the Erie Canalway National 
Heritage Corridor Act, which was introduced by Senator 
Gillibrand on May 12, 2014. The Subcommittee on National Parks 
held a hearing on S. 2318 on July 23, 2014. A similar bill was 
introduced in the House of Representatives on May 9, 2014, by 
Representative Higgins.
    S. 2576, the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area 
Act, which was introduced by Senators Cantwell and Murray on 
July 9, 2014. The Subcommittee on National Park held a hearing 
on S. 2576. A similar bill was introduced in the House of 
Representatives on July 8, 2014 by Representative Kilmer.

                        Committee Recommendation

    The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in 
open business session on November 13, 2014, by a voice vote of 
a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 2602, if 
amended as described herein.

                          Committee Amendment

    During its consideration of S. 2602, the Committee adopted 
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. The amendment 
incorporated provisions from 14 other National Heritage Area 
bills into S. 2602, establishing 5 new National Heritage Areas 
(in addition to the Mountains to the Sound Greenway National 
Heritage Area), extending the authorization for 13 existing 
national heritage areas, designating a new management entity 
for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National 
Heritage Corridor, and renaming the Quinebaug and Shetucket 
Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor the Last Green Valley 
National Heritage Corridor. The amendment also amends the short 
title and consolidates management provisions for the National 
Heritage Areas designated by the measure.
    The Committee Amendment is explained in detail in the 
section-by-section analysis below.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis

    Section 1 provides the short title, ``National Heritage 
Area Authorization Act of 2014.''
    Section 2 defines the term ``Secretary''.
    Section 3 establishes six new national heritage areas 
including the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in the 
states of West Virginia and Maryland; the Maritime Washington 
National Heritage Area in the State of Washington; Mountains to 
Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State of 
Washington; Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area in the 
State of Pennsylvania; Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National 
Heritage Area in the State of California; and, Alabama Black 
Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama. For each 
of the new national heritage areas, a local coordinating entity 
is named.
    Section 4 details how the new national heritage areas will 
be administered. Subsection (a) provides the Secretary with the 
authority to: use funds authorized by section 9; provide 
grants; enter into cooperative agreements; hire and compensate 
staff; and obtain money or services.
    Subsection (b) details the duties of the local coordinating 
entities.
    Subsection (c) prohibits the local coordinating entity from 
using Federal funds to acquire real property or any interest in 
real property.
    Section 5 requires that the local coordinating entities 
submit a proposed management plan within 3 years of enactment.
    Section 6 affirms the authority of Federal agencies to 
provide technical or financial assistance under any other law; 
encourages agencies to consult and coordinate activities with 
the Secretary and local coordinating entity; and clarifies that 
nothing in this Act modifies authorities of Federal agencies to 
manage Federal land, limits the discretion of a Federal agency 
to implement an approved land use plan, or modifies or alters 
any authorized use of Federal land.
    Section 7 contains several savings provisions to clarify 
that the designation of the national heritage area will not 
affect private property rights, affect governmental land use 
regulation, reserve or appropriate water rights, diminish the 
authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, or create 
any liability for property owners within the heritage area.
    Section 8 requires the Secretary to conduct an evaluation 
of the National Heritage Areas that assesses the progress of 
the local coordinating entity with respect to accomplishing the 
purposes of this Act and whether the local coordinating entity 
achieved the goals and objectives of the approved management 
plan. The evaluation is also required to analyze governmental 
and private investments in the heritage area to their impact.
    Section 9 authorizes not more than $1 million to be 
appropriated for any fiscal year and a total authorization of 
$10 million.
    Section 10 extends the following national heritage area 
authorities: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor; Coal 
National Heritage Area; Steel Industry (Rivers of Steel) 
National Heritage Area; Essex National Heritage Area; America's 
Agricultural Heritage Partnership (Silos and Smokestacks) 
National Heritage Area; Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage 
Area; Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area; Automobile 
(MotorCities) National Heritage Area; Lackawanna Valley 
National Heritage Area; Schuylkill River National Heritage 
Area; Wheeling National Heritage Area; Yuma Crossing National 
Heritage Area; and, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
    Section 11 designates the Blackstone River Valley National 
Heritage Corridor, Inc. as the local coordinating entity for 
the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage 
Corridor.
    Section 12 renames the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers 
Valley National Heritage Corridor as the Last Green Valley 
National Heritage Corridor.

                   Cost and Budgetary Considerations

    The Congressional Budget Office estimate of the costs of 
this measure has been requested but was not received at the 
time the report was filed. When the Congressional Budget Office 
completes its cost estimate, it will be posted on the Internet 
at www.cbo.gov.

                      Regulatory Impact Evaluation

    In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following 
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in 
carrying out S. 2602.
    The Act is not a regulatory measure in the sense of 
imposing Government-established standards or significant 
economic responsibilities on private individuals and 
businesses.
    No personal information would be collected in administering 
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal 
privacy.
    Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the 
enactment of S. 2602, as ordered reported.

                   Congressionally Directed Spending

    S. 2602, as reported, does not contain any congressionally 
directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited 
tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the Standing Rules 
of the Senate.

                        Executive Communications

    The testimony provided by the National Park Service to the 
Subcommittee on National Parks hearing on S. 2602, and other 
National Heritage Area legislation incorporated in the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute follows:

  Statement of Christina Goldfuss, Deputy Director, Congressional and 
 External Relations, National Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
Department of the Interior's views on S. 2602, a bill to 
establish the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage 
Area in the State of Washington.
    The Department supports the objectives of S. 2602. The 
Mountains to Sound Greenway area has been found to meet the 
National Park Service's interim criteria for designation as a 
National Heritage Area. However, the Department recommends that 
Congress pass program legislation that establishes criteria to 
evaluate potentially qualified National Heritage Areas and a 
process for the designation, funding, and administration of 
these areas before designating any additional new National 
Heritage Areas. The Department also recommends a technical 
amendment to provide for an official NPS map to accompany the 
legislation.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
although there is no authority in law that guides their 
designation and administration as a national system. National 
Heritage Area Program legislation would provide a much-needed 
framework for evaluation of proposed national heritage areas, 
guiding planning and management, clarifying roles and 
responsibilities, and standardizing timeframes and funding for 
designated areas.
    S. 2602 would establish the Mountains to Sound Greenway 
National Heritage Area to include lands within the Yakima River 
basin upstream of Manastash Creek and the cities of Ellensburg, 
Roslyn, Cle Elum, and South Cel Elum in Kittitas County. It 
would also include all lands in the Snoqualmie River, Cedar 
River, and Lake Washington watersheds, the Puget Sound near 
shore watersheds within and including the cities of Seattle and 
Shoreline, and 22 additional cities in King County.
    The proposed local coordinating entity would be the 
nonprofit corporation Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust 
(Trust).
    NPS review of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National 
Heritage Area Feasibility Study completed by the Trust in March 
2012, found that the study did not meet the NPS Interim 
National Heritage Area Feasibility Study Guidelines. The NPS 
requested the Trust provide a revised statement of national 
importance; themes and a list of associated resources; a 
summary of traditions, customs, beliefs and folk life; and a 
boundary justification. The NPS received the Addendum from the 
Trust on May 27, 2014, which (1) explained that the Mountains 
to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area is nationally 
important for its association with the expansion of our 
national transportation system and the creation of our modern 
timber industry; (2) identified three themes associated with 
the region's national importance and their related historic and 
natural resources; (3) summarized the ongoing traditions, 
customs, beliefs, and folklife that interprets and celebrates 
the region's national importance; and (4) justified the 
proposed boundary in relation to the strategic assemblage of 
resources and opportunities for conservation, recreation and 
education, as well as public interest in this national heritage 
area designation.
    The proposed Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage 
Area tells a nationally important story of how the Northern 
Pacific and Milwaukee railroads, and later the Sunset Highway 
and Interstate 90, created the final section of an historic 
transportation corridor that wove the Northwest into the 
nation's fabric, opened up trade between the United States and 
Asia, and led to the development of the nation's modern timber 
industry.
    Although the Puget Sound area was part of the United States 
by 1950, the Cascade Range isolated the region from the rest of 
the nation, with little access to its abundant natural 
resources and sheltered deep-water ports. Chartered by 
President Lincoln in 1864, the Northern Pacific Railroad was 
constructed along a Native American pathway through the nearly 
impassible Snoqualmie Pass to reach Seattle 20 years later. The 
connection of the Eastern seaboard and Great Lakes with the 
farthest reaches of the continental United States reinforced 
the newly drawn American-Canadian border. The City of Seattle 
grew into a booming hub for shipbuilding and the trade of 
foreign goods and the region's own wealth of natural resources, 
opening the country's first trade routes on what we now call 
the Pacific Rim. Rail towns sprung up along the main lines with 
mill and coal towns on the spurs, while piers stretched into 
Puget Sound, attracting immigrant workers whose descendants 
live in the region today.
    The Milwaukee Road crossed the Cascades in the early 1900s 
using pioneering tunneling and electrification techniques. The 
high speed electric trains of the Milwaukee Road carried 
Japanese silk to New York, the nation's most precious rail 
commodity after gold and silver bullion, but the railroad made 
its money carrying passengers to ski, hike, and climb at 
Snoqualmie Pass. The conservation ethic that developed in the 
region from enjoyment of the region's natural beauty is 
strongly held today.
    Washington's modern economy is descended directly from the 
Northern Pacific Land Grant that was used to build the 
railroad. In place of public financing, the railroad received 
the largest federal land grant in American history. The 
railroad was granted 40 million acres--every other square mile 
of land in a checkerboard pattern up to forty miles on either 
side of the right-of-way. This consolidated ownership, as well 
as steam technology brought by the railroad, created the 
booming timber industry that helped rebuild San Francisco after 
the 1906 earthquake and fueled shipbuilding in World War I. 
Airplanes being produced for the military on a large scale for 
the first time were built from the region's prized spruce 
trees. Demand for this aircraft led William Boeing to found a 
company in the region in 1916 that supplies the nation's air 
transportation industry today.
    Plantation forestry involving sustained-yield harvest and 
reforestation was invented in 1937 by William Weyerhauser, who 
had amassed one and a half million acres of Washington 
timberland. He established the first seedling industry at 
Snoqualmie Falls and began to manage timber across multiple 
harvests, a radical idea at the time. This remains the industry 
standard across much of the country today,
    The cultural heritage of the Mountains to Sound Greenway 
National Heritage Area is alive in the ethnic diversity of the 
region's population, in the traditions, customs and 
celebrations, and in museums, festivals, historic sites, and 
interpretive trails that both residents and visitors enjoy 
today. Following modern-day political and land-management 
structures, the proposed heritage area boundaries are 
pragmatic, thus offering the best formula for long-term success 
as communities seek to manage, enhance, and interpret resources 
across this landscape.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy 
to answer any questions you or any other members of the 
subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Christina Goldfuss, Deputy Director, Congressional and 
 External Relations, National Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
Department of the Interior's views on S. 2576, a bill to 
establish the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area.
    The Department supports the objectives of S. 2576. The 
Maritime Washington National Heritage Area has been found to 
meet the National Park Service's interim criteria for 
designation as a National Heritage Area. However, the 
Department recommends that Congress pass program legislation 
that establishes criteria to evaluate potentially qualified 
National Heritage Areas and a process for the designation, 
funding, and administration of these areas before designating 
any additional new National Heritage Areas. The Department also 
recommends a technical amendment to provide for an official NPS 
map to accompany the legislation.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
although there is no authority in law that guides their 
designation and administration as a national system. National 
heritage area program legislation would provide a much-needed 
framework for evaluation of proposed national heritage areas, 
guiding planning and management, clarifying roles and 
responsibilities, and standardizing timeframes and funding for 
designated areas.
    S. 2576 would establish the Maritime Washington National 
Heritage Area to include Federal, State, local and tribal lands 
that allow public access and are at least partly located within 
one-quarter mile landward of the shoreline from Grays Harbor to 
the Canadian border and extending through the City of Seattle 
to include Lake Union. This ``Salt Water Coast'' covers 3,000 
linear miles of coastline.
    The proposed local coordinating entity would be the Pacific 
Northwest Maritime Heritage Advisory Council operating under 
the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
    A Feasibility Study for a Washington State National 
Maritime Heritage Area was completed and published by the 
Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 
in April 2010. The NPS conducted a review of the study for 
consistency with the interim National Heritage Area Feasibility 
Study Guidelines. The review of this document and a subsequent 
revised Statement of Importance and boundary justification, 
submitted March 5, 2012, found that it meets these criteria. 
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation was informed of 
this finding in a letter dated June 5, 2012.
    The unique geography of the Puget Sound, northern coast, 
and Grays Harbor region reflects a maritime history both before 
and after our nation's borders were set. The steep terrain of 
glacier-clad mountain ranges juxtaposed to saltwater shoreline 
with a temperate climate enabled native people build a complex 
culture around canoe routes and salmon cycles. By the late 18th 
century Spanish, English, and Russian explorers were mapping 
and naming places in the region in the name of science and the 
interest of colonial empire. After the 49th parallel was 
established as the nation's northern border in 1846, this new 
corner of the country entered a dramatic period of social, 
political and military development. The vast conifer forests 
were easily accessible for timber production and the coastal 
geography made possible its transport to the developing 
American west. The timber trade and the abundant marine 
resources--especially salmon--of the Strait of San Juan de 
Fuca, Puget Sound, and the Pacific Ocean, attracted American, 
European, and Pan-Asian settlers who provided the labor for 
thriving port economies such as Port Angeles, Port Townsend, 
and Port Gamble.
    The proposed Maritime Washington National Heritage Area 
stretches from northern points of entry at Bellingham and 
Blaine south to the protected harbors of Aberdeen and Hoquiam. 
The focal point of the heritage area is the greater Puget Sound 
area, a system of interconnected marine waterways, harbors, 
bays, and inlets along the shores of the San Juan Archipelago 
and the many waterfront towns, cities, and ports that have 
grown up here over time. The naval facilities on Puget Sound 
have built and repaired vessels in their fleet for over a 
century. Today, the region still relies on these waterways to 
make up the largest marine highway system--its famous ferries--
for day-to-day transportation.
    The cultural landscape of the region tells the stories of a 
rich Native American civilization, development of the farthest 
territorial corner of the United States, of gold rushers and 
ship builders, and of a gateway to Alaska, Asia, and the 
seaports of the world. Traditional Native American sites, 
lumber towns, logging mills, salmon processing plants, historic 
ships, lighthouses, museums, and a host of other maritime-
related objects, sites, and traditions relate these stories and 
make up the proposed Maritime Washington National Heritage 
Area. The designation would strengthen and encourage the 
partnership of organizations that have for two decades been 
committed to the recognition, preservation, and continued 
economic, recreational, and educational use of this landscape 
and its resources.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy 
to answer any questions you or any other members of the 
subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Christina Goldfuss, Deputy Director, Congressional and 
 External Relations, National Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
Department of the Interior's views on S. 1641, a bill to 
establish the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, and 
for other purposes.
    The Department supports the objectives of Title I of S. 
1641, which would designate the Appalachian Forest National 
Heritage Area. This area has been found to meet the National 
Park Service's interim criteria for designation as a National 
Heritage Area. However, the Department recommends that Congress 
pass program legislation that establishes criteria to evaluate 
potentially qualified National Heritage Areas and a process for 
the designation, funding, and administration of these areas 
before designating any additional new National Heritage Areas.
    Regarding Title II, which provides for the extension of 
funding authority for the National Coal Heritage Area and the 
Wheeling National Heritage Area, the Department recognizes the 
important work that has been done by the organizations involved 
with both national heritage areas. However, we recommend that 
Title II be amended to authorize an extension for both heritage 
areas' program funding until such time as the National Park 
Service (NPS) has completed an evaluation and report on the 
accomplishments of the area and the future role of the NPS; and 
until national heritage area (NHA) program legislation is 
enacted that standardizes timeframes and funding for designated 
national heritage areas.
    The NPS is initiating phase-in of a funding formula for 
NHAs, which is a merit-based system for allocating heritage 
area funding that considers a variety of factors based upon 
criteria related to program goals, accountability, and 
organizational sustainability. When fully implemented, the 
performance-based funding formula plan will reward NHA entities 
that bring in additional non-Federal investment and that have 
developed a sustainability plan. The Department would like to 
work with Congress to determine the future federal role when 
national heritage areas reach the end of their authorized 
eligibility for heritage program funding. We recommend that 
Congress enact national heritage area program legislation 
during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides their designation 
and administration as a national system. National heritage area 
program legislation would provide a much-needed framework for 
evaluation of proposed national heritage areas, guiding 
planning and management, clarifying roles and responsibilities, 
and standardizing timeframes and funding for designated areas.
    Title I of S. 1641 would establish the Appalachian Forest 
National Heritage Area encompassing 16 counties in northeastern 
West Virginia and two counties in western Maryland, a region 
that has a rich history of human activity shaped by the 
geography of the forested central Appalachian Mountains. The 
proposed local coordinating entity would be the Appalachian 
Forest Heritage Area, Inc., a non-profit organization that 
currently coordinates forest-related heritage tourism 
activities in this region. The provisions in this bill are 
similar to provisions in most of the other NHA designation 
bills that have been enacted in recent years, including a total 
authorization of $10 million and a sunset date for the 
authorization of funding 15 years after the date of enactment.
    The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Inc. prepared a 
feasibility study for designation of the area as a national 
heritage area several years ago. The National Park Service 
reviewed the study and found that it met the NPS interim 
criteria contained in National Heritage Area Feasibility Study 
Guidelines. The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Inc. was 
informed of this finding in a letter dated August 16, 2007.
    The area encompassed by the proposed NHA is a significant 
part of the central Appalachian highlands that has a long 
history of timber harvesting, forest management, and the 
production of forest products. It is an area that provided 
resources for industrial expansion in the late 19th and early 
20th Centuries, but where large portions of the forests have 
regrown. Areas within the proposed NHA include the Monongahela 
National Forest, portions of the George Washington National 
Forest, the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the 
Seneca Rocks-Spruce Knob National Recreation Area, along with a 
large number of state forests and parks and areas protected by 
nonprofit conservation organizations. The extensive hardwood 
forests and undeveloped rural character of the area provide 
scenic vistas, opportunities for nature observation, and 
outdoor recreation opportunities.
    There are also numerous historic and cultural sites within 
the area, such as historic sites from the logging era and 
Civilian Conservation Corps structures. It is an area well-
suited to demonstrate the connection between forest and forest 
products, and the folklife, music, dance, crafts, and 
traditions of central Appalachia. Designation as a NHA would 
help the region realize the full potential of the cultural, 
natural, historic, and recreational resources of the region.
    Title II of S. 1641 would extend the authorization of 
funding for the National Coal Heritage Area until September 30, 
2017. The National Coal Heritage Area was established in 1996 
by Public Law 104-333. Its funding authorization, which expired 
in 2012 under that law, has been extended through 
appropriations acts through September 30, 2015. In total, the 
NHA has received approximately $3.6 million, and every federal 
dollar has been matched at least once with non-federal funds or 
in-kind services.
    The National Coal Heritage Area spans 13 counties in the 
Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and includes significant 
resources such as coal mines, camps, company stores, train 
depots, memorials, parks, National Register Districts, and 
trails. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and interpret 
historic, cultural, and natural resources associated with West 
Virginia's coal mining heritage to stimulate tourism and 
economic development, enhancing the quality of life for 
residents. The NPS is currently concluding an evaluation of 
this NHA, as required under Public Law 110-229.
    Title II would also extend the authorization of funding for 
the Wheeling National Heritage Area until September 30, 2017. 
The Wheeling National Heritage Area was established in 2000 by 
Public Law 106-291. Its funding authorization will expire under 
that law on September 30, 2015. In total, the NHA has received 
approximately $9.7 million of the total $10 million authorized 
to be appropriated, and every federal dollar has been matched 
in accordance with its enabling act.
    The Wheeling National Heritage Area encompasses significant 
historic and cultural resources in and around City of Wheeling, 
West Virginia, including many that are National Historic 
Landmarks or listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places. Wheeling played an important role in the development 
and establishment of a multitude of industries in the United 
States that facilitated the Nation's expansion. The NHA helps 
preserve the city's Victorian architecture, waterfront park, 
historic city markets, and renovated industrial buildings.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the Title II heading 
and to the section subheadings to make it clear that the bill 
would extend the authorization for federal funding for the two 
national heritage areas, instead of reauthorizing the national 
heritage areas. While both National Coal and Wheeling face 
sunset dates for their federal funding, their national heritage 
area designations will not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy 
to answer any questions you or any other members of the 
subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to appear before you today to present the views 
of the Department of the Interior on S. 869, a bill to 
establish the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, and 
for other purposes.
    The Department recommends deferring action on S. 869 until 
the National Park Service (NPS) completes a final review of the 
feasibility study for the proposed Alabama Black Belt National 
Heritage Area. The NPS has reviewed the current feasibility 
study, submitted by the Center for the Study of the Black Belt 
at the University of West Alabama, and determined that there 
are nationally significant resources and stories associated 
with the Alabama Black Belt. However, the study needs to be 
revised before the NPS can determine that it meets the interim 
criteria for designation as a national heritage area. We 
recommend that the Center for the Study of the Black Belt 
continue to work with the NPS National Heritage Area Program to 
refine the statement of national importance, contributing 
resources, supporting themes, and boundary for the proposed 
heritage area, as well as other key sections of the study 
associated with these assessment topics.
    In addition, the Department recommends that Congress enact 
program legislation that establishes criteria to evaluate 
potential qualified national heritage areas and a process for 
the designation, funding, and administration of these areas 
before designating any additional new national heritage areas.
    Geographically, Alabama's Black Belt is part of a larger 
crescent-shaped area known as the Southern Black Belt, which 
extends from Virginia to Texas. The term refers to the fertile 
black soil of the region. This soil drew pioneers to settle the 
lower-central portion of Alabama in the 1820s and 1830s where 
they established and operated a network of cotton plantations 
using the labor of enslaved African Americans. During the 
Antebellum era, the Alabama Black Belt became one of the 
wealthiest and most politically powerful regions in the United 
States.
    Throughout the Twentieth Century, this area gained fame as 
the site where the Tuskegee Airmen trained during World War II, 
and as a center of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 
1960s. Montgomery County was the site of the 1955-56 bus 
boycott that challenged segregation of public transportation. 
Highway 80 in Dallas, Lowndes, and Montgomery counties shaped 
the route taken by participants of the historic march for equal 
rights from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The Lowndes County 
Freedom Organization, later the Black Panther Party, was an 
outgrowth of that march.
    S. 869 would establish the Alabama Black Belt National 
Heritage Area within nineteen counties in the State of Alabama. 
The Center for the Study of Black Belt would be designated as 
the Heritage Area's local coordinating entity, and the bill 
defines the duties of the Center for the Study of Black Belt, 
including the preparation and implementation of a management 
plan. S. 869 also provides a process for review and approval of 
the management plan by the Secretary of the Interior.
    If the committee decides to move forward with S. 869, we 
would like to work with the committee to provide the 
appropriate map reference for the national heritage area and to 
ensure that the language of the bill is consistent with 
previously enacted national heritage area designations.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my prepared remarks. I would 
be pleased to answer any questions you or any members of the 
subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Peggy O'Dell, Deputy Director for Operations, National 
                Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
Department of the Interior's views on S. 228, a bill to 
establish the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage 
Area.
    The Department supports the objectives of S. 228. The 
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) area has been found to 
meet the National Park Service's interim criteria for 
designation as a National Heritage Area. However, the 
Department recommends that Congress pass program legislation 
that establishes criteria to evaluate potentially qualified 
National Heritage Areas and a process for the designation, 
funding, and administration of these areas before designating 
any additional new National Heritage Areas.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    S. 228 would establish the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta 
National Heritage Area within the counties of Contra Costa, 
Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo, in the State of 
California, with the Delta Protection Commission designated as 
the Heritage Area's management entity.
    The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a rare inland/inverse 
delta at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin 
Rivers, the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas. 
Its vast size, unique shape, and geographic location in the 
heart of California have produced a heritage of habitat and 
community diversity, industry, innovation, and unique 
infrastructure.
    After the last ice age 10,000 years ago, a rapid rise in 
sea level inundated the alluvial valley of the Sacramento River 
and formed the Delta, an extensive system of freshwater and 
brackish marshes, grassland, oak woodland, savannah, chaparral, 
and riparian habitat rich with wildlife. Native Americans built 
villages and trading posts, and early fur traders such as 
Jedediah Smith trekked into the region in search of otter, mink 
and beaver.
    Then, gold seekers on their way from San Francisco to the 
gold fields in the Sierra Nevada recognized the fertility of 
the Delta's soils. Beginning in the 1880s, with significant 
contributions from Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, East Indian, 
Portuguese and Italian immigrants, and the development of 
innovative equipment, one of the largest scale reclamation 
projects in the United States converted the vast marshes into 
the landscape that characterizes the Delta today.
    The Delta is the lynchpin of a vast watershed, linking 
waterways originating in the Cascade, Coastal and Sierra Nevada 
mountain ranges with the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific 
Ocean. While the Delta today is predominantly agricultural, it 
also encompasses diverse habitats--intertidal, non-tidal, and 
seasonal wetlands, rivers, sloughs, riparian woodland, scrub, 
grasslands, floodplains--that support hundreds of species of 
flora and fauna. The Delta is a key stopover on the Pacific 
Flyway and an important anadromous fish corridor.
    The Delta's heritage values are inextricably linked to its 
economic activities. As one of the most productive agricultural 
regions in the country, the Delta irrigates over seven million 
acres of the State's farmland, contributes billions of dollars 
to the California economy, and exports crops throughout the 
world. The Delta also supplies two-thirds of California's 
residents with drinking water.
    Recreation and tourism are also important economic drivers, 
and a Delta National Heritage area has the potential to 
increase access to many resource-based recreational 
opportunities, such as boating and fishing, both for regional 
residents and large, nearby, urban populations in the San 
Francisco Bay area and Great Central Valley. Opportunities to 
watch wildlife are abundant on the Delta's quiet waterways, and 
many influential artists reside in the Delta, attracted by the 
slower pace of life. Planning for the Great Delta Trail is 
underway, and agritourism projects and programs--local markets, 
farm stays, and wineries--are springing up to showcase and 
share the region's agricultural traditions.
    A Feasibility Study for a Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta 
National Heritage Area was completed and published by the Delta 
Protection Commission in July 2012. The National Park Service 
conducted a review of the Commission's study for consistency 
with the interim National Heritage Area Feasibility Study 
Guidelines, found that it meets these criteria, and informed 
the Delta Protection Commission of this finding in a letter 
dated July 11, 2012.
    The mission for the Delta National Heritage Area would be 
to recognize, enhance and promote ``Delta as Place'' to help 
cultivate and retain appreciation and understanding of the 
Delta as an ecological, agricultural, recreational, historical 
and cultural treasure. According to the feasibility study, 
``The center of the Delta's story is that of a young nation 
encouraging the reclamation of swampland to create some of the 
world's most productive farmlands in the center of California, 
from which spawned innovations, technologies, and 
infrastructure unique to the development of the State, as well 
as other parts of the nation and world.''
    The proposed National Heritage Area would promote a wide 
range of partnerships among governments, organizations and 
individuals to educate the public about ``Delta as Place'' and 
build more support for its preservation, protection and 
enhancement. It would support economic development by drawing 
visitors to designated partner sites and other recreation and 
visitor facilities. It would promote heritage tourism, 
ecotourism, and agri-tourism consistent with existing 
activities, infrastructure, and land uses in the Delta. As the 
proposed management entity for a Delta heritage area, the Delta 
Protection Commission is already working to establish 
partnerships and to further projects in the region compatible 
with a national heritage area, such as a historical resources 
and recreation inventories, development of the Great California 
Delta Trail, and a Delta narratives project. Through 
partnerships and community engagement it has the potential to 
connect and unite citizens in the conservation and increased 
resilience of the natural, historic, scenic and cultural 
resources of the Delta, while sustaining the area's economic 
vitality.
    If the committee decides to act on S. 228, we recommend 
that the bill be amended to address the following matters: 1) 
To change the bill's map reference to a map that is fully 
consistent with the feasibility study boundary recommendation; 
2) to change ``management entity'' to ``local coordinating 
entity'' throughout the bill; and 3) to make the bill language 
more consistent with other National Heritage Area legislation 
enacted most recently.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy 
to answer any questions you or any other members of the 
subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Peggy O'Dell, Deputy Director for Operations, National 
                Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
Department of the Interior's views on S. 219, a bill to 
establish the Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area in 
Pennsylvania.
    The Department supports the objectives of S. 219. The 
Susquehanna Gateway area has been found to meet the National 
Park Service's interim criteria for designation as a National 
Heritage Area. However, the Department recommends that Congress 
pass program legislation that establishes criteria to evaluate 
potentially qualified National Heritage Areas and a process for 
the designation, funding, and administration of these areas 
before designating any additional new National Heritage Areas.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    Flowing for 441 miles, the Susquehanna River is the longest 
river on the East Coast and the largest contributor of fresh 
water to the Chesapeake Bay. The portions of the river flowing 
through Lancaster and York Counties in Pennsylvania exhibit 
exceptional natural and recreational value and traverse 
landscapes of historical importance to our nation.
    The region of the proposed Susquehanna Gateway National 
Heritage Area was first inhabited by Native Americans who left 
evidence of their occupation in a myriad of archeological 
sites, as well as rock art at several petroglyph sites. When 
Captain John Smith journeyed up the Susquehanna River in the 
summer of 1608, he sent emissaries to the Susquehannock town 
located on the east side of the river near present day 
Washington Boro in Lancaster County. Tribal leaders there 
entered a trade alliance, opening to the English a trade 
network extending hundreds of miles.
    In 1668, William Penn set the tone for religious tolerance 
in Pennsylvania and brought colonists who settled the great 
fertile valley of the Susquehanna Gateway region, beginning its 
long history as an abundant agricultural center. Serving as an 
important transportation corridor, the river provided 
opportunities for commerce and invention. It was here that John 
Elgar constructed the first iron steamboat in America. The 
birthplace of Robert Fulton, the original inventor of steam 
powered boats, is a National Historic Landmark in Lancaster 
County. Here, too, Phineas Davis designed and built the first 
practical coal burning steam locomotive, thereby 
revolutionizing railroad transportation.
    The region is the home ground of the ``Plain People''--the 
Amish and Mennonites. Their religious values, simple way of 
life, and well-tended farms speak to the deepest feelings that 
Americans have about ourselves and our national experience.
    In this region, visitors also find evidence of our 
Revolutionary War past. Lancaster and York Counties served as 
venues for the Continental Congress when it left Philadelphia 
upon the British occupation of that city. In the courthouse in 
York, the Congress approved the Articles of Confederation and 
Perpetual Union, the nation's ``first constitution,'' and sent 
it forth to the states for ratification. In the summer of 1781, 
Continental Army General James Wood established Camp Security, 
housing more than a thousand British soldiers from General John 
Burgoyne's army, which had surrendered at Saratoga.
    The region also has an abundance of natural resources 
including migratory bird nesting sites, remnants of old growth 
forests, and areas of both ecological diversity and scenic 
quality. Ferncliff, known for its wildflowers, and the 
Susquehanna Gorge are both designated National Natural 
Landmarks. Recreational resources abound in the region, 
including the Kelly's Run and Susquehanna River Water Trails, 
both National Recreation Trails.
    S. 219 designates the Susquehanna Heritage Corporation, a 
non-profit organization, as the local coordinating entity for 
the Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area. This 
organization has served as the coordinator for the state 
heritage area covering this region designated in 2001. The 
Susquehanna Heritage Corporation has demonstrated success in 
coordinating diverse partners in Lancaster and York Counties. 
Over the past nine years, the Corporation has been effective in 
facilitating preservation, interpretative, and educational 
projects and in leveraging community participation and funding. 
The heritage area has strong support from the public and from a 
myriad of state, local, federal, and non-govemmental partners 
throughout the area. In 2008, the Corporation prepared a 
national heritage area feasibility study that was reviewed by 
the National Park Service and found to meet the interim 
criteria for potential designation found in the National 
Heritage Area Feasibility Study Guidelines.
    If the committee decides to act on S. 219, we would like to 
recommend language to make the bill more consistent with other 
National Heritage Area legislation enacted most recently and 
also to simply the criteria for approval of management plans.
    Mr. Chairman, that concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions from members of the Committee.
                              ----------                              

 Statement of Peggy O'Dell, Deputy Deflector for Operations, National 
                Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 371, a bill to establish the Blackstone River 
Valley National Historical Park, to dedicate the Park to John 
H. Chafee, and for other purposes.
    The Department supports S. 371.
    S. 371 would establish a new unit of the National Park 
System, the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park 
(Park) within the existing, bi-state, Blackstone River Valley 
National Heritage Corridor (Corridor) that extends from 
Worcester, Massachusetts, to Providence, Rhode Island. The bill 
directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to establish 
a park boundary after acquiring a sufficient amount of land or 
interests in land containing the historic resources to 
constitute a manageable park unit. The bill allows the 
Secretary to include in the boundary resources that are subject 
to a cooperative agreement with either of the two states or 
their political subdivisions. It authorizes the Secretary to 
enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit organizations, 
including the coordinating entity for the Corridor, as well as 
state and local govemments, for the purpose of collaborating on 
programs, projects, and activities that further the purposes of 
the Park. It also permits the acquisition of up to 10 acres in 
Woonsocket, Rhode Island for the development of facilities for 
the Park.
    The bill directs the Secretary to complete a General 
Management Plan for the Park within three years after funds are 
made available. Among other things, the plan must seek to make 
maximum practicable use of certain named visitor facilities in 
the Corridor that are operated by Corridor partners, many of 
which were developed with significant investment of federal 
funds. The bill also allows the Secretary to provide technical 
assistance, visitor services, interpretive tours and 
educational programs to sites outside the boundary of the Park 
that are within the Corridor. And, the bill dedicates the Park 
to former Senator John H. Chafee and requires the Secretary to 
display an appropriate memorial to him.
    Finally, the bill amends the authorization for the John H. 
Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor to 
provide for a non-profit organization, the Blackstone River 
Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc., to be the local 
coordinating entity for the Corridor. This entity would assume 
the responsibility for coordinating activities for the Corridor 
that have rested with the Blackstone River Valley Heritage 
Corridor Commission since the National Heritage Area was first 
established. The new coordinating entity would be eligible to 
receive National Heritage Area funding for through the end of 
fiscal 2016.
    S. 371 reflects the findings of the special resource study 
that the National Park Service (NPS) completed in accordance 
with Public Law 109-338, which directed the NPS to conduct the 
study to ``evaluate the possibility of (A) designating one or 
more sites or landscape features as a unit of the National Park 
System; and (B) coordinating and complementing actions by the 
[Corridor] Commission, local governments, and State and Federal 
agencies, in the preservation and interpretation of significant 
resources within the Corridor.'' The NPS consulted with Native 
American tribes associated with the Blackstone River Valley in 
the preparation of the study.
    The study evaluated a broad range of sites, features and 
resources throughout the Blackstone River Valley and concluded 
that the following meet the criteria for designation as a unit 
of the National Park System: Old Slater Mill National Historic 
Landmark district in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the historic mill 
villages of Ashton and Slatersville in Rhode Island, and 
Hopedale and Whitinsville in Massachusetts; the Blackstone 
River and its tributaries; and the Blackstone Canal. The study 
also evaluated various management alternatives with different 
scopes and levels of NPS involvement. The preferred alternative 
was a new unit of the National Park System that consists of 
these sites and features, and that would partner with the 
coordinating entity for the Corridor and others to undertake 
the protection and interpretation of these resources.
    If established based upon the management alternative 
recommended in the study, we estimate that the cost to create 
the Park would be $6.1 million in one-time expenditures on 
research, planning, construction and/or rehabilitation, and 
exhibits. When the Park is fully established, operational costs 
are estimated to be $3.5 million annually for salaries, 
supplies and equipment. All funds would be subject to NPS 
priorities and the availability of appropriations.
    We would like to thank the sponsor, Senator Reed, and the 
committee for working with us in making changes to last 
Congress' version of this legislation. We appreciate that this 
legislation now includes a matching requirement for the 
expenditure of Federal funds under cooperative agreements, 
authority to acquire land for administrative purposes in 
Woonsocket, where the NPS currently has office space, and an 
appropriate recognition for Senator John H. Chafee's role in 
preserving the resources of the Blackstone River Valley that 
does not set a precedent in naming the park for a congressional 
sponsor, as the previous version would have done.
    Mr. Chairman, that concludes my statement. I would be happy 
to answer any questions that you or other members of the 
Subcommittee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1138, a bill to reauthorize the Hudson River 
Valley National Heritage Area.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the Hudson 
River Valley National Heritage Area to preserve heritage 
resources in the Hudson River Valley between Yonkers and Troy, 
New York. We recommend that S. 1138 be amended to authorize an 
extension for heritage area program funding until we have 
completed an evaluation and report on the accomplishments of 
the area and the future role of the National Park Service; and 
until national heritage area program legislation is enacted 
that standardizes timeframes and funding for designated 
national heritage areas Consistent with congressional 
directives in the FY 2009 and FY 2010 Interior Appropriations 
Acts, the Administration proposed, in the FY 2014 budget, 
focusing most national heritage area grants on recently 
authorized areas. The Department would like to work with 
Congress to determine the future federal role when national 
heritage areas reach the end of their authorized eligibility 
for heritage program funding. We recommend that Congress enact 
national heritage legislation during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    S. 1138, as introduced, would extend the authorization of 
federal funding for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage 
Area for an additional 9 years. The Hudson River Valley 
National Heritage Area was established in 1996 by Public Law 
104-333. The national heritage area includes 250 communities in 
ten counties bordering the Hudson River for 154 miles of tidal 
estuary along with three million acres of the Hudson Highlands, 
the Catskill Mountains, rolling farmland and compact villages, 
as well as small cities and hamlets. The region extends from 
the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, south to the 
northern border of New York City.
    The mission of this national heritage area is to recognize, 
preserve, and promote the natural and cultural resources of the 
Hudson River Valley. This is accomplished through a voluntary 
partnership with communities and citizens, and local, state, 
and federal agencies emphasizing public access, economic 
development, regional planning, and interpretive programs.
    Public Law 104-333 designated the Hudson River Valley 
Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Heritage 
Conservancy, Inc., as the local coordinating entities for the 
national heritage area. The heritage area local coordinating 
entities facilitate public private partnerships for the 
preservation of heritage resources and work closely with 
National Park Service staff at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National 
Historic Sites. The national heritage area's work focuses on 
regional initiatives for heritage programming, interpretation, 
and education, preservation and resource stewardship, heritage 
development and infrastructure, and planning and design.
    During its 16 years of existence, the Hudson River Valley 
National Heritage Area has a significant record of achievement 
and, with government funding assistance since its 
establishment, has shown significant success in working with 
partners and the federal government to preserve, interpret, and 
promote the significant resources in their local areas. Every 
federal dollar has been matched with non-federal funds. In 
total, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has received 
nearly $9 million in federal funding, and every federal dollar 
has been matched at least once with non-federal funds.
    The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has taken 
the lead on numerous initiatives to engage the public. One such 
initiative, Heritage Weekend, gives visitors the opportunity to 
discover--or rediscover--many historic, architectural, and 
natural treasures in the state. The national heritage area 
staff also works tirelessly to connect sites and schools to 
create unique place-based curriculum; this curriculum can be 
replicated and used by others through a website that provides 
academic resources regarding the heritage and culture of the 
Hudson River Valley. Moreover, the staff facilitates the 
creation of region-wide ``shows'' focusing on nature and 
culture sub-themes. On a more fundamental level, the staff 
prints map and guides, and advances a graphic identity at 
partner sites. The staff also continues to help communities and 
trail groups establish a system of trails that link cultural 
and historic sites, parks, open spaces, and community centers. 
This trail system provides public access to the Hudson River as 
well.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the long title of the 
bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for federal funding for the national heritage 
area instead of reauthorizing the national heritage area. While 
the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area faces a sunset 
for its Federal funding, its national heritage area designation 
will not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1151, a bill to reauthorize the America's 
Agricultural Heritage Partnership in the State of Iowa.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the 
America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership, better known as 
the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, in northeast 
Iowa. We recommend that S. 1151 be amended to authorize an 
extension for heritage area program funding until Congress has 
had time to consider the recently completed evaluation and 
report on the accomplishments of the heritage area and the 
future role of the National Park Service that was recently 
transmitted to Congress this past month; and until heritage 
area program legislation is enacted that standardizes 
timeframes and funding for designated national heritage areas. 
Consistent with congressional directives in the 2009 and 2010 
Interior Appropriations Acts, the Administration proposed, in 
the FY 2014 budget, focusing most national heritage area grants 
on recently authorized areas. The Department would like to work 
with Congress to determine the future federal role when 
heritage areas reach the end of their authorized eligibility 
for heritage program funding. We recommend that Congress enact 
national heritage area legislation during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    The Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area was 
established in 1996 by Public Law 103-333 to interpret farm 
life, agribusiness and rural communities, past and present. It 
preserves and tells the story of American agriculture and its 
global significance through partnerships and activities that 
celebrate the land, people, and communities of the area. The 
heart of America's agricultural revolution still exists in the 
region, and the national heritage area is telling the breadth 
and scope of this story in a compelling, meaningful way.
    The heritage of American agriculture and its influence on 
the global agricultural revolution was considered to be 
nationally distinctive and met the criteria for national 
heritage area designation. American agriculture is one of the 
primary sources of this country's wealth and world leadership 
and should be preserved and interpreted. The Silos and 
Smokestacks National Heritage Area preserves and interprets a 
rich cultural landscape that includes family farms, historic 
industrial architecture, and rural communities across a 37-
county region in northeast Iowa covering over 20,000 square 
miles. This broad agrarian landscape is rare in today's pattern 
of urban and suburban expanding into rural areas.
    The national heritage area is managed by the America's 
Agricultural Heritage Partnership (Partnership), this local 
coordinating entity facilitates public private partnerships for 
the preservation and interpretation of heritage resources. The 
Partnership's work focuses on regional initiatives for heritage 
programming, interpretation and education, preservation and 
resource stewardship, heritage development and infrastructure, 
and planning and design.
    During its 16 years of existence, the Silos and Smokestacks 
National Heritage Area has a significant record of achievement. 
It has worked closely with the regional business community, 
county and state governments, and multiple nongovernmental 
organizations to build a network of partner sites dedicated to 
preserving and interpreting the past, present, and future of 
America's agricultural story. Working together, the network has 
developed a successful public information and way-finding 
program for promoting tourism that welcomes visitors along the 
major highway corridors surrounding the region and identifies 
the more than 100 partner sites in the heritage area. The new 
signs serve as a connecting thread for this network of sites, 
while letting visitors know they can discover a piece of 
America's agricultural story being preserved at the site. This 
way-finding program has not only helped visitors find tourism 
destinations within the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage 
Area, but has also helped the heritage area develop a regional 
identity.
    The bedrock of the National Heritage Area concept has 
always been building partnerships for achieving goals. The 
Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, with minimal 
government funding assistance since its establishment, has 
shown significant success in working with partners and the 
federal government to preserve, interpret, and promote the 
significant resources of northeast Iowa. Since its 
establishment, the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area 
has received almost $9.5 million in federal funding, and every 
federal dollar has been matched at least once with non-federal 
funds.
    S. 1151, as is written now, would extend the authorization 
for federal funding for the Silos and Smokestacks National 
Heritage Area for an additional 10 years. The Silos and 
Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of the nine heritage 
areas evaluated by the National Park Service pursuant to Public 
Law 110-229. The completed evaluation for the Silos and 
Smokestacks National Heritage Area was recently transmitted to 
Congress this past month, and included recommendations on the 
future role of the National Park Service in the area.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the long title of the 
bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for federal funding for the heritage area instead 
of reauthorizing the heritage area. While the Silos and 
Smokestacks National Heritage Area faces a sunset for its 
federal funding, its national heritage area designation will 
not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1157, a bill to reauthorize the Rivers of Steel 
National Heritage Area, the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage 
Area, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and 
the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the four 
national heritage areas to preserve historic, cultural, 
natural, and recreational resources in Pennsylvania. We 
recommend that S. 1157 be amended to authorize an extension for 
heritage area program funding until we have completed an 
evaluation and report on the accomplishments of the national 
heritage areas and the future role of the National Park 
Service; and until program legislation is enacted that 
standardizes timeframes and funding for designated national 
heritage areas. Consistent with congressional directives in the 
2009 and 2010 Interior Appropriations Acts, the Administration 
proposed, in the FY 2014 budget, focusing most national 
heritage area grants on recently authorized areas. The 
Department would like to work with Congress to determine the 
future federal role when national heritage areas reach the end 
of their authorized eligibility for national heritage program 
funding. We recommend that Congress enact national heritage 
area legislation during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    All four areas have lengthy records of leadership and 
accomplishment. All four are recognized for their important 
histories and rich and distinctive historic and natural 
resources. At each, numerous partner organizations and local, 
state, and federal agencies work together through the singular 
opportunity for collaboration that the national heritage area 
model provides. Each area developed a thoughtful plan with the 
community and has made enormous strides in saving historic 
resources, developing trails, preserving open space, building 
community pride, enhancing education, and promoting economic 
development that responds to these essential elements of their 
quality of life.
    Created by Public Law 104-333 in 1996, the Rivers of Steel 
National Heritage Area (Rivers of Steel) is made up of eight 
counties in southwestern Pennsylvania known for their 
significant contributions to the steel industry in America. The 
mission of Rivers of Steel is to preserve and interpret the 
history of the region and share the dynamic story of the 
evolution of southwestern Pennsylvania from a small colonial 
settlement to the flourishing of the steel industry in the 
area.
    The Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area (Lackawanna) 
was established by Public Law 106-278 in 2000. The Lackawanna 
includes four counties in northeastern Pennsylvania with 
historical ties to the anthracite coal industry. These counties 
preserve nationally distinctive resources related to 
Pennsylvania and America's industrial history, including the 
history of major labor unions and the struggle to improve 
working conditions of mine workers. The architecture, ethnic 
traditions, and infrastructure of the anthracite region tell 
the story of the Lackawanna Valley and its role in the 
industrial development of the United States. The mission of the 
Lackawanna is to conserve, interpret, and develop the 
historical, cultural, natural, recreational, and economic 
development resources associated with the area's significant 
history.
    The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor 
(Delaware and Lehigh) was established by Public Law 100-692 in 
1988, the third National Heritage Area created by Congress. The 
150-mile spine of the Delaware and Lehigh is the historic 
Delaware Canal and Lehigh Navigation Canal through five 
counties in eastern Pennsylvania. The Delaware and Lehigh 
commemorates the historic routes of rivers, canals, and 
railroads--and the people and communities involved--that 
brought anthracite coal from the mines to market in the early 
nineteenth century, fostering the development of vibrant towns 
and culture. The purpose of the Delaware and Lehigh is to 
provide an integrated management structure that facilitates 
preservation, recreation, education, and economic development.
    The Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area 
(Schuylkill River Valley) was established by Public Law 106-278 
in 2000. The Schuylkill River Valley conserves, interprets, and 
develops the historical, cultural, natural, recreational, and 
economic resources related to the heritage of the area. 
encompassing five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, 
including Philadelphia. The area is rich in Revolutionary War 
history, and the anthracite, charcoal, iron, and textile 
industries of the region grew here.
    The bedrock of the national heritage area concept has 
always been building partnerships for achieving goals. All four 
of these non-profit national heritage areas, with government 
funding assistance since their establishment, have shown 
significant success in working with partners and the federal 
government to preserve, interpret, and promote the significant 
resources in their local areas. In total, Lackawanna has 
received approximately $6.7 million in Federal funding, Rivers 
of Steel has received about $13.4 million in Federal funding, 
Delaware and Lehigh has received almost $12.7 million, and 
Schuylkill River Valley has received nearly $5.9 million in 
Federal funding, and every federal dollar has been matched at 
least once with non-federal funds.
    S. 1157, as drafted, would extend the authorization for 
federal funding for these four heritage areas for an additional 
ten years. Currently, the Evaluation and Report required by 
Public Law 110-229 is being completed for Rivers of Steel and 
we anticipate the evaluation will be transmitted to Congress 
this year. The NPS and the Delaware and Lehigh completed an 
evaluation for the Delaware and Lehigh; however, this 
evaluation did not include recommendations on what the future 
role of the National Park Service should be in the area. The 
National Park Service will take another look at the evaluation 
and include recommendations on the future role of the National 
Park Service prior to transmitting it to Congress in order to 
be consistent with the other reports.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the long title of the 
bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for federal funding for the four heritage areas 
instead of reauthorizing the heritage areas. While the four 
heritage areas face a sunset date for their federal funding, 
their national heritage area designation will not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1186, a bill to reauthorize the Essex National 
Heritage Area.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the Essex 
National Heritage Area to preserve heritage resources in Essex 
County, Massachusetts. We recommend that S. 1186 be amended to 
authorize an extension for heritage area program funding until 
Congress has had time to consider the completed evaluation and 
report on the accomplishments of the area and the future role 
of the National Park Service that was recently transmitted to 
Congress during this past month; and until heritage area 
program legislation is enacted that standardizes timeframes and 
funding for designated national heritage areas. Consistent with 
congressional directives in the 2009 and 2010 Interior 
Appropriations Acts, the Administration proposed, in the FY 
2014 budget, focusing most national heritage area grants on 
recently authorized areas. The Department would like to work 
with Congress to determine the future federal role when 
heritage areas reach the end of their authorized eligibility 
for heritage program funding. We recommend that Congress enact 
national heritage legislation during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    Essex National Heritage Area was established in 1996 by 
Public Law 103-333. This national heritage area was established 
to recognize, preserve, promote, and interpret the historic, 
cultural, and natural resources of the North Shore and lower 
Merrimack River valley in Essex County, Massachusetts. The 
early settlement history, maritime history, and the imprint of 
the early industrial era on the landscape, in particular, were 
considered to be nationally distinctive and met the criteria 
for national heritage area designation. Essex National Heritage 
Area preserves and interprets a rich cultural landscape that 
includes historic homes, small family farms, and historic 
industrial architecture. Additionally, it contains an array of 
scenic and natural resources such as rocky coasts and harbors, 
marshlands, and rivers. Essex National Heritage Area spans 500 
square miles in northeastern Massachusetts, and includes 34 
cities and towns.
    The Essex National Heritage Area is managed by the Essex 
National Heritage Commission (Commission), which facilitates 
public private partnerships for the preservation of heritage 
resources and works closely with National Park Service staff at 
Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Saugus Iron Works 
National Historic Site, both of which are within the boundary 
of the national heritage area. The Commission's work focuses on 
regional initiatives for heritage programming, interpretation, 
and education, preservation and resource stewardship, heritage 
development and infrastructure, and planning and design.
    During its 16 years of existence, Essex National Heritage 
Area has a significant record of achievement. The national 
heritage area has worked closely with National Park Service 
staff at Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works on a variety of 
educational and interpretive programs to educate visitors and 
students about local heritage resources. One successful example 
is the Trails & Sails weekend, a county-wide event that 
involves more than 50 host organizations at over 140 locations 
in Essex County in providing interpretive tours, hikes, walks, 
sail trips, and special events at no charge to participants. 
The Essex Local History In a National Context program has also 
successfully brought the main themes of the Essex National 
Heritage Area into area classrooms.
    The national heritage area has played a significant role in 
local communities in helping to inventory and research historic 
resources. Working with the Massachusetts Department of 
Conservation and Recreation, the Essex National Heritage Area 
created a catalog of heritage landscapes that communities had 
identified as being valuable and worthy of protection. In all, 
communities identified 1,320 resources in 24 of the 34 
municipalities included within the boundary of the national 
heritage area. Additionally, the inventory articulated 
strategies for preserving these historic resources and 
landscapes.
    Essex National Heritage Area has also implemented a 
successful public information and wayfinding campaign for 
promoting tourism. More than 80 directional highway signs have 
been installed within the national heritage area that point 
visitors toward regional visitor centers and historic and 
natural visitor destinations. These signs not only have helped 
visitors find tourism destinations within Essex National 
Heritage Area, they have also helped create a regional identity 
for the national heritage area. Essex National Heritage Area 
also plays a significant role in leveraging federal dollars. In 
total, Essex National Heritage Area has received approximately 
$13.2 million in federal funding, and every federal dollar has 
been matched at least once with non-federal dollars.
    S. 1186, as written, would extend the authorization of 
federal funding for Essex National Heritage Area for an 
additional 15 years and increase the authorization of 
appropriations by $10 million. The Essex National Heritage Area 
is one of the nine national heritage areas identified for 
evaluation by the National Park Service pursuant to Public Law 
110-229. The completed Essex National Heritage Area evaluation 
was recently transmitted to Congress this past month. The 
evaluation report includes recommendations on the future role 
of the National Park Service in the area.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the long title of the 
bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for Federal funding for the heritage area instead 
of reauthorizing the heritage area. While the Essex National 
Heritage Area faces a sunset for its federal funding, its 
national heritage area designation does not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1339, a bill to reauthorize the Ohio & Erie 
National Heritage Canalway.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the Ohio & 
Erie National Heritage Canalway to preserve heritage resources 
in northeast Ohio from Cleveland to New Philadelphia and its 
role in linking Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the residents 
of Cleveland, Akron, and other communities through the 
preservation and maintenance of the canal's towpath that runs 
through the heart of the park. We recommend that S. 1339 be 
amended to authorize an extension for heritage area program 
funding until we have completed an evaluation and report on the 
accomplishments of the area and the future role of the National 
Park Service; and until national heritage area program 
legislation is enacted that standardizes timeframes and funding 
for designated national heritage areas. Consistent with 
congressional directives in the FY 2009 and FY 2010 Interior 
Appropriations Acts, the Administration proposed, in the FY 
2014 budget, focusing most national heritage area grants on 
recently authorized areas and reducing and/or phasing out funds 
to well-established recipients to encourage self-sufficiency. 
The Department would like to work with Congress to determine 
the future federal role when national heritage areas reach the 
end of their authorized eligibility for heritage program 
funding. We recommend that Congress enact national heritage 
legislation during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas. Program legislation would 
provide a much-needed framework for evaluating proposed 
national heritage areas, offering guidelines for successful 
planning and management, clarifying the roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardizing timeframes 
and funding for designated areas.
    S. 1339, as introduced, would extend the authorization of 
federal funding for the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway 
for an additional 9 years. The Ohio & Erie National Heritage 
Canalway, originally called the Ohio & Erie Canal National 
Heritage Corridor, was established in 1996 by Public Law 104-
333. This national heritage area includes the counties of 
Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas in northeast Ohio. The 
region extends from Lake Erie along the Erie Canal through 
Cleveland to New Philadelphia.
    The mission of this national heritage area is to preserve 
and interpret and celebrate the rails, trails, landscapes, 
towns and sites that grew up along the first 100 miles of the 
Ohio & Erie Canalway that helped Ohio and our nation grow. This 
is accomplished through a voluntary partnership with 
communities and citizens, and local, state, and federal 
agencies emphasizing public access, economic development, 
regional planning, and interpretive programs.
    Public Law 104-333 designated the Ohio & Erie Canal 
Association as the management entity for the national heritage 
area. The heritage area management entity facilitates public 
private partnerships for the preservation of heritage resources 
and works closely with National Park Service staff at Cuyahoga 
Valley National Park. The national heritage area's work focuses 
on regional initiatives for heritage programming, 
interpretation and education, preservation and resource 
stewardship, heritage development and infrastructure, and 
planning and design, all linking the canal communities together 
through the canal's towpath trail.
    During its 16 years of existence, the Ohio & Erie National 
Heritage Canalway has a significant record of achievement and, 
with government funding assistance since its establishment, has 
shown significant success in working with partners and the 
federal government to preserve, interpret, and promote the 
significant resources of the local communities along the Ohio & 
Erie Canalway. In total, the Ohio & Erie National Heritage 
Canalway has received almost $13.3 million in federal funding, 
and every federal dollar has been matched at least once with 
non-federal funds.
    The Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway has taken the 
lead on initiatives such as the development of 73 miles of the 
multi-use recreational Towpath Trail from Cleveland to New 
Philadelphia, Ohio, that is used by thousands of visitors each 
year. The management entity has worked tirelessly to connect 
sites, communities and parklands, resulting in the creation of 
thousands of new national park and towpath trail users. They 
continue to help communities and trail groups establish a 
system of county trails and green spaces, with over 400 miles 
of trails that link cultural and historic sites, parks, open 
spaces, and community centers as well as providing public 
access to the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
    We recommend two technical amendments to the long title of 
the bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for federal funding for the national heritage 
area instead of reauthorizing the national heritage area and to 
correct the name of the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway. 
While the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway faces a sunset 
for its federal funding, its national heritage area designation 
will not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Christina Goldfuss, Deputy Director, Congressional and 
 External Relations, National Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 2111, a bill to reauthorize the Yuma Crossing 
National Heritage Area (NHA).
    The Department recognizes the important work of the Board 
and Staff of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area 
Corporation to preserve Yuma, Arizona, a natural crossing area 
on the Colorado River, and a landmark in America's westward 
expansion. We recommend that S. 2111 be amended to authorize an 
extension for heritage area program funding until such time as 
the National Park Service (NPS) has completed an evaluation and 
report on the accomplishments of the area and the future role 
of the NPS; and until national heritage area program 
legislation is enacted that standardizes timeframes and funding 
for designated national heritage areas. In this case, we note 
that funding is currently authorized for the Yuma Crossing NHA 
through FY 2015.
    The NPS is initiating phase-in of a funding formula for 
NHAs, which is a merit-based system for allocating heritage 
area funding that considers a variety of factors based upon 
criteria related to program goals, accountability, and 
organizational sustainability. When fully implemented, the 
performance-based funding formula plan will reward NHA entities 
that bring in additional non-Federal investment and that have 
developed a sustainability plan. The Department would like to 
work with Congress to determine the future federal role when 
national heritage areas reach the end of their authorized 
eligibility for heritage program funding. We recommend that 
Congress enact national heritage area program legislation 
during this Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated heritage areas, yet there 
is no authority in law that guides the designation and 
administration of new heritage areas as a national system. 
Program legislation would provide a much-needed framework for 
evaluating proposed national heritage areas, offer guidelines 
for successful planning and management, clarify roles and 
responsibilities of all parties, and standardize timeframes and 
funding for designated areas.
    S. 2111 would extend the authorization for federal funding 
for the Yuma Crossing NHA for 15 additional years, until 
September 30, 2030. The Yuma Crossing NHA was established in 
2000 by Public Law 106-319. Since its creation, this NHA has 
become the nexus of the Yuma, Arizona, community, bringing 
together a multitude of partners including business and Quechan 
Indian Tribe leaders; economic development organizations; city, 
county, state, and federal government representatives; and 
members of the agricultural community to focus on improving 
regional recreation, economic development, historic 
preservation efforts, and natural resource conservation 
opportunities. In total, the NHA has received $4.2 million in 
federal Heritage Partnership Program funding, and every federal 
dollar has been matched at least once with non-federal funds.
    Yuma Crossing NHA is an example of how effective 
collaborative efforts can be in supporting local communities 
and economies. This NHA has made tremendous progress over the 
last decade revitalizing Yuma's riverfront, which was once an 
overgrown thicket of non-native trees and underbrush and a 
corridor for illegal activities. Thanks to the work coordinated 
and accomplished by the NHA, working with the Bureau of 
Reclamation and other state and federal agencies, the Yuma 
Crossing NHA has reconnected the community to the Colorado 
River, created an extensive multi-use recreational trail system 
and restored more than 400 acres of wetlands. The effectiveness 
of Yuma Crossing NHA in creating an increased sense of 
community for the region, expanding regional recreational 
opportunities, supporting the restoration of critical wetlands 
habitat and important community cultural assets, and leveraging 
local financial and human capital support cannot be overstated.
    The Yuma Crossing NHA has succeeded in leveraging its 
relationships and abilities to better the overall community. 
For instance, in 2008-2009, when faced with a severe economic 
recession, Arizona State Parks contemplated closing the Yuma 
Quartermaster Depot and the Yuma Territorial Prison, both key 
state historical parks within the City of Yuma. In response to 
this situation, the City of Yuma and the Yuma Crossing NHA 
agreed to lease and manage the two parks, rather than see them 
shuttered. The community embraced this collaborative effort and 
demonstrated its support by donating $70,000 during the first 
two months of the parks' new management. Since then, the NHA 
has upgraded the parks' museum exhibits, reduced operational 
costs, and increased visitation.
    We recommend a technical amendment to the long title of the 
bill to make it clear that the bill would extend the 
authorization for federal funding for the national heritage 
area, instead of reauthorization of the national heritage area. 
While the Yuma Crossing NHA faces a sunset date for its federal 
funding, its national heritage area designation will not end.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

  Statement of Christina Goldfuss, Deputy Director, Congressional and 
 External Relations, National Park Service, Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the 
views of the Department of the Interior on S. 2318, a bill to 
reauthorize the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act.
    The Department recognizes the important work of the Erie 
Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission (Commission) and 
its primary partner, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., in 
preserving, interpreting, and promoting the 524-mile system of 
historic canals that compose the Erie Canalway. We recommend 
that S. 2318 be amended to authorize an extension for the 
Commission until such time as the National Park Service (NPS) 
has completed an evaluation and report on the accomplishments 
of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (Corridor) and 
the future role of the NPS, and to provide for the transition 
of management of the Corridor from the Commission to the Erie 
Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., during the evaluation period. We 
further recommend that National Heritage Area (NHA) program 
legislation be enacted that standardizes timeframes and funding 
for designated national heritage areas.
    The NPS is initiating phase-in of a funding formula for 
NHAs, which is a merit-based system for allocating heritage 
area funding that considers a variety of factors based upon 
criteria related to program goals, accountability, and 
organizational sustainability. When fully implemented, the NPS 
funding formula plan will reward NHA entities that bring in 
additional non-federal investment and that have developed a 
sustainability plan. The Department would like to work with 
Congress to determine the future federal role when national 
heritage areas reach the end of their authorized eligibility 
for heritage program funding. We recommend that national 
heritage area program legislation be enacted during this 
Congress.
    There are currently 49 designated national heritage areas, 
yet there is no authority in law that guides the designation 
and administration of these areas as a national system. Program 
legislation would provide a much-needed framework for the 
evaluation of proposed national heritage areas, offer 
guidelines for successful planning and management, clarify the 
roles and responsibilities of all parties, and standardize 
timeframes and funding for designated areas.
    S. 2318, as introduced, would extend the authorization of 
the Commission for an additional 15 years, until December 21, 
2030. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor was 
designated by Public Law 106-554, enacted on December 21, 2000, 
to preserve, interpret, promote, and provide access to the Erie 
Canalway's historical, natural, cultural, scenic, and 
recreational resources. That law established the Commission to 
develop and implement the Canalway Plan and foster initiatives 
within the Corridor, and provided for the Commission to sunset 
10 years after enactment. Section 8203 of Public Law 111-11 
extended the authorization for the Commission for an additional 
five years, until December 21, 2015.
    As the designated authority for implementing the Canalway 
Plan, the Commission serves as the management or local 
coordinating entity. A more limited extension of the 
Commission's authorization would enable it to continue beyond 
December 21, 2015, as the entity able to receive federal 
heritage area funding while a transition to the local 
coordinating entity takes place. Through FY 2014, the Corridor 
has received approximately $8.4 million.
    The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor encompasses 
the most commercially enduring and historically significant 
system of canals in the United States. This waterway played a 
key role in turning New York City into a preeminent center for 
commerce, industry, and finance. Besides being a catalyst for 
growth in the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys, these canals helped 
open up western America for settlement and for many years 
transported much of the Midwest's agricultural and industrial 
products to domestic and international markets. The Corridor 
covers 4,834 square miles, includes portions of 23 counties and 
234 municipalities, and is home to 2.7 million people across 
the state of New York. The mission of the Corridor is focused 
on preserving and sharing the extraordinary heritage of the 
Erie Canalway, promoting the Corridor as a world-class tourism 
experience, and fostering vibrant communities connected by the 
waterway. This is accomplished through close collaboration 
among the Commission, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., 
and voluntary partnerships with communities and citizens, and 
local, state, and federal agencies.
    As mentioned earlier in this statement, the Department 
recommends that S. 2318 be amended to provide for the Erie 
Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., (Fund) to be the local 
coordinating entity for the Corridor. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) 
nonprofit organization that has been established exclusively 
for charitable, educational, and civic purposes. It focuses its 
activities on implementing the vision formed by the citizens of 
the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and is a key 
partner with the Commission in helping to implement the 
Corridor's preservation and management plan. We would be happy 
to work with the committee on language that would provide for 
the appropriate transition of management of the Corridor from 
the Commission to the Fund.
    Amending the bill to provide for the nonprofit organization 
to be the local coordinating entity would be consistent with 
the general trend of other national heritage areas that were 
first authorized with commissions as the management entity. As 
our experience with heritage areas has grown, we have found 
that nonprofit organizations have certain advantages over 
federal commissions as local coordinating entities, including 
the fact that they do not sunset and they are better situated 
to do the fundraising needed to sustain the heritage area as it 
moves toward self-sufficiency. At this time, only three of the 
49 authorized national heritage areas, including Erie Canalway, 
have federal commissions serving as their management or local 
coordinating entities.
    Finally, we recommend a technical amendment to the title of 
the bill to make it clear that the bill would reauthorize the 
Commission rather than the entire Erie Canalway National 
Heritage Corridor Act, which suggests that the Corridor 
designation faces expiration. While the Commission faces a 
sunset date in 2015, the Act establishing the Corridor as a 
national heritage area does not sunset.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
committee may have.
                              ----------                              

     Statement of Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director, Cultural 
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department 
                            of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman, and members of the subcommittee, thank you 
for the opportunity to present the views of the Department of 
the Interior on S. 702, a bill designating the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor as ``The 
Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.''
    The Department supports enactment of S. 702. This 
legislation would change the name of the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor to ``The 
Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.'' It has been 
proven over the years that the current name of the heritage 
corridor is both difficult for people to remember and to spell. 
This change would help improve the identification of the 
corridor for the many partners involved with the heritage area 
and would be consistent with how the area is promoted in and 
beyond the region.
    The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage 
Corridor was designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 
November 1994 through P.L. 103-449. At that time, Congress 
recognized that the valley represents one of the last 
traditional upland farming and mill village communities in the 
Northeastern United States. In 1999, Congress passed P.L. 106-
449 to enlarge the corridor to include river valley towns in 
both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Now forest and farmland 
make up 78 percent of its 695,000-acres, yet it lies only an 
hour from three of New England's four largest urban areas. This 
relatively undeveloped rural island, in the midst of the most 
urbanized region in the nation, makes it a resource of local, 
regional, and national importance.
    The Department first became involved in the area in 1992 
when the National Park Service (NPS) undertook a feasibility 
study. The name ``The Last Green Valley'' was coined by a NPS 
historian and was later used in an NPS brochure. People in the 
area have been associating the river corridor with the term 
``The Last Green Valley'' ever since.
    The NPS has provided technical assistance and managed an 
agreement with the management entity of the heritage area from 
the time it was designated, and continues to do so today. That 
management entity started using the name, The Last Green 
Valley, informally in 2001, and the board decided to officially 
change the name of its nonprofit through the Secretaries of 
State in both Massachusetts and Connecticut in November 2008.
    Changing the name of the corridor through this bill will be 
consistent with how people in the region refer to the area and 
with the name of the management entity with which the NPS has 
an official agreement--The Last Green Valley, Inc.
    Mr. Chairman, that concludes my testimony. I would be 
pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the 
subcommittee may have.

                        Changes in Existing Law

    In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by 
the bill S. 2602, as ordered reported, are shown as follows 
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black 
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in 
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):

                           PUBLIC LAW 100-692

 AN ACT To establish the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National 
Heritage Corridor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (c) Management Action Plan.--
          (1) In general.--To implement the management action 
        plan created by the Corporation, there is authorized to 
        be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
        2000 through [2015] 2030.
          (2) Limitation on expenditures.--Amounts made 
        available under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 50 
        percent of the costs of implementing the management 
        action plan.
    (d) Termination of Assistance.--The authority of the 
Secretary to provide financial assistance under this Act 
terminates on September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          PUBLIC LAW 104-333 

         OMNIBUS PARKS AND PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1966

AN ACT To provide for the administration of certain Presidio properties 
at minimal cost to the Federal taxpayer, and for other purposes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              DIVISION II

                  TITLE I--NATIONAL COAL HERITAGE AREA

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``National Coal Heritage 
Area Act of 1996''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 107. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

               TITLE IV--STEEL INDUSTRY HERITAGE PROJECT

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Steel Industry American 
Heritage Area Act of 1996''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 408. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TITLE V--ESSEX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 507. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TITLE VII--AMERICA'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 707. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

        TITLE VIII--OHIO & ERIE CANAL NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Ohio & Erie Canal National 
Heritage Corridor Act of 1996''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 809. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          TITLE IX--HUDSON RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Hudson River Valley 
National Heritage Area Act of 1996''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 910. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 105-355

                 AUTOMOBILE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT 

AN ACT To authorize the Automobile National Heritage Area in the State 
of Michigan, and for other purposes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 109. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after [September 30, 2014] 
September 30, 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 106-278

  AN ACT To designate the Lackawanna Valley and the Schuylkill River 
National Heritage Areas, and for other purposes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TITLE I--LACKAWANNA VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 108. SUNSET PROVISION.

    The Secretary shall not provide any grant or other 
assistance under this title after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TITLE II--SCHUYLKILL RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 209. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this title after [the date that is 15 years 
after the date of the enactment of this title] September 30, 
2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 106-291

  AN ACT Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and 
related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, and for 
other purposes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Sec. 157. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as 
the ``Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (i) SUNSET.--The Secretary may not make any grant or 
provide any assistance under this section after September 30, 
[2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 106-319

AN ACT To establish the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 7. SUNSET.

    The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any 
assistance under this Act after September 30, [2015] 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 106-554

                 CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

                         APPENDIX D--H.R. 5666

MISCELLANEOUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

DIVISION B

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          TITLE VIII--ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Erie 
Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 804. THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR COMMISSION.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (j) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on [the 
day occurring 15 years after the date of enactment of this 
title] September 30, 2030.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           PUBLIC LAW 99-647

AN ACT To establish the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National 
Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                     BOUNDARIES AND ADMINISTRATION

    Sec. 2. (a) Boundaries.--The boundaries shall include the 
lands and water generally depicted on [the map entitled ``John 
H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor 
Boundary Map'', numbered BRV-80-80,011, and dated May 2, 1993] 
the map entitled ``John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley 
National Heritage Corridor--Proposed Boundary'', numbered 022/
111530, and dated November 10, 2011. The map shall be on file 
and available for public inspection in the office of the 
Department of the Interior in Washington, DC and the 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island Departments of Environmental 
Management. The Secretary of the Interior (hereafter referred 
to as the ``Secretary'') shall publish in the Federal Register, 
as soon as practical after the date of enactment of this Act a 
detailed description and map of the boundaries established 
under this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 7. [TERMINATION OF COMMISSION] TERMINATION OF COMMISION; 
                    DESIGNATION OF LOCAL COORDINATING ENTITY.

    [The Commission] (a) In General.--The Commission shall 
terminate on September 30, 2015.
    (b) Local Coordinating Entity.--
          (1) Designation.--The Blackstone River Valley 
        National Heritage Corridor, Inc., shall be the local 
        coordinating entity for the Corridor (referred to in 
        this section as the `local coordinating entity').
          (2) Implementation of management plan.--The local 
        coordinating entity shall assume the duties of the 
        Commission for the implementation of the Cultural 
        Heritage and Land Management Plan developed and 
        approved under section 6.
    (c) Use of Funds.--For the purposes of carrying out the 
management plan, the local coordinating entity may use amounts 
made available under this Act--
          (1) to make grants to the States of Massachusetts and 
        Rhode Island (referred to in this section as the 
        `States'), political subdivisions of the States, 
        nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
          (2) to enter into cooperative agreements with or 
        provide technical assistance to the States, political 
        subdivisions of the States, nonprofit organizations, 
        Federal agencies, and other interested parties;
          (3) to hire and compensate staff, including 
        individuals with expertise in--
                  (A) natural, historical, cultural, 
                educational, scenic, and recreational resource 
                conservation;
                  (B) economic and community development; or
                  (C) heritage planning;
          (4) to obtain funds or services from any source, 
        including funds and services provided under any other 
        Federal law or program;
          (5) to contract for goods or services; and
          (6) to support activities of partners and any other 
        activities that further the purposes of the Corridor 
        and are consistent with the approved management plan.

SEC. 8. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (b) Technical Assistance.--[The Secretary] (1) In 
general.--The Secretary shall, upon request of the Commission, 
provide technical assistance to the Commission in the 
preparation of the plan and for implementing the plan as set 
out in section 6(c).
    (2) Cooperative agreements.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 of 
title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may enter into 
cooperative agreements with the local coordinating entity 
designated by paragraph (1) and other public or private 
entities for the purpose of--
          (A) providing technical assistance; or
          (B) implementing the plan under section 6(c).
    (c) Implementation.--(1) To assist in the implementation of 
the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan in a manner 
consistent with purposes of this Act, the Secretary is 
authorized to undertake a limited program of financial 
assistance for the purpose of providing funds for the 
preservation and restoration of structures on or eligible for 
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places within 
the Corridor which exhibit national significance or provide a 
wide spectrum of historic, recreational, or environmental 
education opportunities to the general public.
    (2) To be eligible for funds under this section, the 
Commission shall submit an application to the Secretary that 
includes--
          (A) a 10-year development plan including those 
        resource protection needs and projects critical to 
        maintaining or interpreting the distinctive character 
        of the Corridor; and
          (B) specific descriptions of annual work programs 
        that have been assembled, the participating parties, 
        roles, cost estimates, cost-sharing, or cooperative 
        agreements necessary to carry out the development plan.
    (3) Funds made available pursuant to this subsection shall 
not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the work programs.
    (4) In making the funds available, the Secretary shall give 
priority to projects that attract greater non-Federal funding 
sources.
    (5) Any payment made for the purposes of conservation or 
restoration of real property or structures shall be subject to 
an agreement either--
          (A) to convey a conservation or preservation easement 
        to the Department of Environmental Management or to the 
        Historic Preservation Commission, as appropriate, of 
        the State in which the real property or structure is 
        located; or
          (B) that conversion, use, or disposal of the 
        resources so assisted for purposes contrary to the 
        purposes of this Act, as determined by the Secretary, 
        shall result in a right of the United States for 
        reimbursement of all funds expended upon such resources 
        or the proportion of the increased value of the 
        resources attributable to such funds as determined at 
        the time of such conversion, use, or disposal, 
        whichever is greater.
    (6) The authority to determine that a conversion, use, or 
disposal of resources has been carried out contrary to the 
purposes of this Act in violation of an agreement entered into 
under paragraph (5)(A) shall be solely at the discretion of the 
Secretary.
    [(d) Special Resource Study.--(1) In general.--The 
Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of sites and 
associated landscape features within the boundaries of the 
Corridor that contribute to the understanding of the Corridor 
as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United 
States.
    [(2) Evaluation.--Not later than 3 years after the date on 
which funds are made available to carry out this subsection, 
the Secretary shall complete the study under paragraph (1) to 
evaluate the possibility of--
          [(A) designating 1 or more site or landscape feature 
        as a unit of the National Park System; and
          [(B) coordinating and complementing actions by the 
        Commission, local governments, and State and Federal 
        agencies, in the preservation and interpretation of 
        significant resources within the Corridor.
    [(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the 
Study with the Commission.
    [(4) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the study under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources of the Senate a report that describes--
          [(A) the findings of the study; and
          [(B) the conclusions and recommendations of the 
        Secretary.]
    (d) Transition Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary 
shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the local 
coordinating entity to ensure--
          (1) the appropriate transition of management of the 
        Corridor from the Commission to the local coordinating 
        entity; and
          (2) coordination regarding the implementation of the 
        Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                    AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

    Sec. 10. (a) There is authorized to be appropriated 
annually to the Commission $1,000,000 for each year [in which 
the Commission is in existence] until September 30, 2016 to 
carry out the purposes of this Act; except that the Federal 
contribution to the Commission shall not exceed 50 percent of 
the annual operating costs of the Commission.
    (b) Development Funds.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out section 8(c) not more than 
$10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2006 through 2016, 
to remain available until expended.
    [(c) Special Resource Study.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out section 
8(d).]

SEC. 11. REFERENCES TO THE CORRIDOR, INC.

    For purposes of sections 6, 8 (other than section 8(d)(1)), 
9, and 10, a reference to the ``Commission'' shall be 
considered a reference to the local coordinating entity.

                           PUBLIC LAW 103-449

AN ACT To establish the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National 
Heritage Corridor in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

   TITLE I--QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
CORRIDOR

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 103. ESTABLISHMENT OF [QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY 
                    NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR] LAST GREEN VALLEY 
                    NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR; PURPOSE.

    (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the 
State of Connecticut [the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley 
National Heritage Corridor] The Last Green Valley National 
Heritage Corridor. 

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 108. DEFINITIONS.

    For the purposes of this title:
          (1) The term ``State'' means the State of 
        Connecticut.
          (2) The term ``Corridor'' means [the Quinebaug and 
        Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor 
        under] The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor 
        established by section 3.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  [all]
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