H. R. 1348

One Hundred Third Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,

the twenty-fifth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four

An Act

To establish the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of

the United States of America in Congress assembled,

TITLE I—QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET

RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE

CORRIDOR

SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ‘‘Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers

Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994’’.

SEC. 102. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds that— (1) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley in the

State of Connecticut is one of the last unspoiled and undeveloped areas in the Northeastern United States and has remained

largely intact, including important aboriginal archaeological

sites, excellent water quality, beautiful rural landscapes,

architecturally significant mill structures and mill villages, and

large acreages of parks and other permanent open space; (2) the State of Connecticut ranks last among the 50 States

in the amount of federally protected park and open space lands

within its borders and lags far behind the other Northeastern

States in the amount of land set-aside for public recreation;

(3) the beautiful rural landscapes, scenic vistas and excellent water quality of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers

contain significant undeveloped recreational opportunities for

people throughout the United States;

(4) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley is within

a two-hour drive of the major metropolitan areas of New York

City, Hartford, Providence, Worcester, Springfield, and Boston.

With the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors

reporting that Americans are taking shorter ‘‘closer-to-home’’

vacations, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley represents important close-by recreational opportunities for significant population;

(5) the existing mill sites and other structures throughout

the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley were instrumental

in the development of the industrial revolution;
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(6) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley contains

a vast number of discovered and unrecovered Native American

and colonial archaeological sites significant to the history of

North America and the United States;

(7) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley represents

one of the last traditional upland farming and mill village

communities in the Northeastern United States;

(8) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley played

a nationally significant role in the cultural evolution of the

prewar colonial period, leading the transformation from Puritan

to Yankee, the ‘‘Great Awakening’’ religious revival and early

political development leading up to and during the War of

Independence; and

(9) many local, regional and State agencies businesses,

and private citizens and the New England Governors’ Conference have expressed an overwhelming desire to combine

forces: to work cooperatively to preserve and enhance resources

region-wide and better plan for the future.

SEC. 103. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS

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.

(b) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this title to provide assistance

to the State of Connecticut, its units of local and regional government and citizens in the development and implementation of

integrated cultural, historical, and recreational land resource

management programs in order to retain, enhance, and interpret

the significant features of the lands, water, and structures of the

Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley.

SEC. 104. BOUNDARIES AND ADMINISTRATION.

(a) BOUNDARIES.—The boundaries of the Corridor shall include

the towns of Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Coventry,

Eastford, Franklin, Griswold, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Lisbon,

Mansfield, Norwich, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Scotland,

Sprague, Sterling, Thompson, Voluntown, Windham, and Woodstock. As soon as practical after the date of enactment of this

Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a detailed

description and map of boundaries established under this subsection.

SEC. 105. STATE CORRIDOR PLAN.

(a) PREPARATION OF PLAN.—Within two years after the date

of enactment of this title, the Governor of the State of Connecticut

is encouraged to develop a Cultural Heritage and Corridor Management Plan. The plan shall be based on existing Federal, State,

and local plans, but shall coordinate those plans and present a

comprehensive historic preservation, interpretation, and recreational plan for the Corridor. The plan shall—

(1) recommend non-binding advisory standards and criteria

pertaining to the construction, preservation, restoration, alteration and use of properties within the Corridor, including an

inventory of such properties which potentially could be preserved, restored, managed, developed, maintained, or acquired

based upon their historic, cultural or recreational significance;
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(2) develop an historic interpretation plan to interpret the

history of the Corridor;

(3) develop an inventory of existing and potential recreational sites which are developed or which could be developed

within the Corridor;

(4) recommend policies for resource management which

consider and detail application of appropriate land and water

management techniques, including but not limited to, the development of intergovernmental cooperative agreements to protect

the Corridor’s historical, cultural, recreational, scenic, and natural resources in a manner consistent with supporting appropriate and compatible economic revitalization efforts;

(5) detail ways in which local, State, and Federal programs

may best be coordinated to promote the purposes of this title;

and

(6) contain a program for implementation of the plan by

the State and its political subdivisions.

(b) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT.—During

development of the plan, the Governor is encouraged to include:

(1) The participation of at least the following:

(A) Local elected officials in the communities defined

in section 104.

(B) Representatives of the three Regional Planning

Agencies as defined in section 108.

(C) Representatives of Northeast Connecticut Visitors

District and Southeastern Connecticut Tourism District.

(D) The Commissioners, or their designees, of the

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and

the Connecticut Department of Economic Development.

(E) Director, or his designee of the Connecticut State

Historical Commission.

(F) Residents of the communities within the Corridor

as defined in section 104.

(2) Hold at least one public hearing in each of the following

counties: Windham; Tolland; and New London.

(3) Consider, to the maximum extent practicable, the recommendations, comments, proposals and other information

submitted at the public hearings when developing the final

version of the plan. The Governor is encouraged to publish

notice of hearings discussed in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph in newspapers of general circulation at least 30 days

prior to the hearing date. The Governor is encouraged to use

any other means authorized by Connecticut law to gather public

input and/or involve members of the public in the development

of the plan.

(c) IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN.—After review of the plan by

the Secretary as provided for in section 106, the Governor shall

implement the plan. Upon the request of the Governor, the Secretary may take appropriate steps to assist in the preservation

and interpretation of historic resources, and to assist in the development of recreational resources within the Corridor. These steps

may include, but need not be limited to—

(1) assisting the State and local governmental entities or

regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations

in preserving the Corridor and ensuring appropriate use of

lands and structures throughout the Corridor;
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(2) assisting the State and local governmental entities or regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations

in establishing and maintaining visitor centers and other

interpretive exhibits in the Corridor; (3) assisting the State and local governmental entities or regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations

in developing recreational programs and resources in the Corridor;

(4) assisting the State and local governmental entities or regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations

in increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the

historical and architectural resources and sites in the Corridor;

(5) assisting the State and local governmental or regional planning organizations and non-profit organizations in the restoration of historic buildings within the Corridor identified

pursuant to the inventory required in section 5(a)(1); (6) encouraging by appropriate means enhanced economic

and industrial development in the Corridor consistent with

the goals of the plan;

(7) encouraging local governments to adopt land use policies

consistent with the management of the Corridor and the goals

of the plan; and

(8) assisting the State and local governmental entities or

regional planning organizations to ensure that clear, consistent

signs identifying access points and sites of interest are put

in place throughout the Corridor.

SEC. 106. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

(a) ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary and the heads of other Federal

agencies shall, upon request of the Governor assist the Governor

in the preparation and implementation of the plan.

(b) COMPLETION.—Upon completion of the plan the Governor

shall submit such plan to the Secretary for review and comment.

The Secretary shall complete such review and comment within

60 days. The Governor shall make such changes in the plan as

he deems appropriate based on the Secretary’s review and comment.

SEC. 107. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL ENTITIES.

Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly

affecting the Corridor shall consult with the Secretary and the

Governor with respect to such activities to minimize any adverse

effect on the 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 section 3.

(3) The term ‘‘Governor’’ means the Governor of the State

of Connecticut.

(4) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the

Interior.

(5) The term ‘‘regional planning organizations’’ means each

of the three regional planning organizations established by

Connecticut State statute chapter 127 and chapter 50 (the

Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, the

Windham Regional Planning Agency or its successor, and the
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Southeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency or its

successor).

SEC. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to the appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title: Provided, That not more than

$200,000 shall be appropriated for fiscal year 1995, and not more

than $250,000 annually thereafter shall be appropriated for the

Secretary to carry out his duties under this title for a period

not to exceed seven years: Provided further, That the Federal funding for the Corridor shall not exceed 50 percent of the total annual

costs for the Corridor.

SEC. 110. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.

The Corridor shall not be deemed to be a unit of the National

Park System.

TITLE II—WEIR FARM NATIONAL

HISTORIC SITE ADDITIONS

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ‘‘Weir Farm National Historic Site Expansion Act of 1994’’.

SEC. 202. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this title is to preserve the last remaining undeveloped parcels of the historic Weir Farm that remain in

private ownership by including the parcels within the boundary

of the Weir Farm National Historic Site.

SEC. 203. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

(a) ADJUSTMENT.—Section 4(b) of the Weir Farm National Historic Site Establishment Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–485; 104

Stat. 1171) is amended—

(1) by striking out ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (1);

(2) by striking out the flush material below paragraph (2); and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(3) the approximately 2-acre parcel of land situated in the town of Wilton, Connecticut, designated as lot 18 on a

map entitled ‘Revised Map of Section I, Thunder Lake at Wilton, Connecticut, Scale 1′=100′, October 27, 1978, Ryan and Faulds Land Surveyors, Wilton, Connecticut’, that is on file

in the office of the town clerk of the town of Wilton, and

therein numbered 3673; and

‘‘(4) the approximately 0.9-acre western portion of a parcel

of land situated in the town of Wilton, Connecticut, designated

as Tall Oaks Road on the map referred to in paragraph (3).’’.

(b) GENERAL DEPICTION.—Section 4 of such Act, as amended

by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the

following:

‘‘(c) GENERAL DEPICTION.—The parcels referred to in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b) are all as generally depicted

on a map entitled ‘Boundary Map, Weir Farm National Historic

Site, Fairfield County Connecticut’, dated June 1994. Such map

shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate

offices of the National Park Service.’’.
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TITLE III—CANE RIVER CREOLE

NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

Titles III and IV of this Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cane River Creole National Historical Park and National Heritage Area Act’’.

SEC. 302. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that— (1) the Natchitoches area along Cane River, established in 1714, is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana

Purchase territory; (2) the Cane River area is the locale of the development

of Creole culture, from French-Spanish interactions of the early

18th century of today’s living communities; (3) the Cane River, historically a segment of the Red River, provided the focal point for early settlement, serving as a

transportation route upon which commerce and communication

reached all parts of the colony; (4) although a number of Creole structures, sites, and land- scapes exist in Louisiana and elsewhere, unlike the Cane River

area, most are isolated examples, and lack original outbuilding

complexes or integrity; (5) the Cane River area includes a great variety of historical features with original elements in both rural and urban settings

and a cultural landscape that represents various aspects of

Creole culture, providing the base for a holistic approach to

understanding the broad continuum of history within the

region;

(6) the Cane River region includes the Natchitoches

National Historic Landmark District, composed of approximately 300 publicly and privately owned properties, four other

national historic landmarks, and other structures and sites

that may meet criteria for landmark significance following further study;

(7) historic preservation within the Cane River area has

greatly benefitted from individuals and organizations that have

strived to protect their heritage and educate others about their

rich history; and

(8) because of the complexity and magnitude of preservation

needs in the Cane River area, and the vital need for a culturally

sensitive approach, a partnership approach is desirable for

addressing the many preservation and educational needs.

(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of titles III and IV of this Act

are to—

(1) recognize the importance of the Cane River Creole culture as a nationally significant element of the cultural heritage

of the United States;

(2) establish a Cane River Creole National Historical Park

to serve as the focus of interpretive and educational programs

on the history of the Cane River area and to assist in the

preservation of certain historic sites along the river; and

(3) establish a Cane River National Heritage Area and

Commission to be undertaken in partnership with the State

of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, local communities and

settlements of the Cane River area, preservation organizations,
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and private landowners, with full recognition that programs

must fully involve the local communities and landowners.

SEC. 303. ESTABLISHMENT OF CANE RIVER CREOLE NATIONAL

HISTORICAL PARK.

(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to assist in the preservation and

interpretation of, and education concerning, the Creole culture and

diverse history of the Natchitoches region, and to provide technical

assistance to a broad range of public and private landowners and

preservation organizations, there is hereby established the Cane

River Creole National Historical Park in the State of Louisiana

(hereinafter in titles III and IV of this Act referred to as the

‘‘historical park’’). (b) AREA INCLUDED.—The historical park shall consist of lands

and interests therein as follows:

(1) Lands and structures associated with the Oakland

Plantation as depicted on map CARI, 80,002, dated January

1994.

(2) Lands and structures owned or acquired by Museum Contents, Inc. as depicted on map CARI, 80,001A, dated May

1994.

(3) Sites that may be the subject of cooperative agreements with the National Park Service for the purposes of historic

preservation and interpretation including, but not limited to,

the Melrose Plantation, the Badin-Rouge site, the Cherokee

Plantation, the Beau Fort Plantation, and sites within the

Natchitoches National Historical Landmark District: Provided,

That such sites may not be added to the historical park unless

the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the

‘‘Secretary’’) determines, based on further research and planning, that such sites meet the applicable criteria for national

historical significance, suitability, and feasibility, and notification of the proposed addition has been transmitted to the

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United

States Senate and the appropriate committees of the House

of Representatives. (4) Not to exceed 10 acres of land that the Secretary may designate for an interpretive visitor center complex to serve

the needs of the historical park and heritage area established

in title IV of this Act.

SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATION.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall administer the historical park in accordance with this title and with provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including

the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to establish a National Park Service,

and for other purposes’’, approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535;

16 U.S.C. 1, 2–4); and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666,

16 U.S.C. 461–467). The Secretary shall manage the historical

park in such a manner as will preserve resources and cultural

landscapes relating to the Creole culture of the Cane River and

enhance public understanding of the important cultural heritage

of the Cane River region. (b) DONATIONS.—The Secretary may accept and retain donations of funds, property, or services from individuals, foundations,

or other public or private entities for the purposes of providing

programs, services, facilities, or technical assistance that further

the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act. Any funds donated
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to the Secretary pursuant to this subsection may be expended

without further appropriation.

(c) INTERPRETIVE CENTER.—The Secretary is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain an interpretive center on lands identified by the Secretary pursuant to section 303(b)(4). Such center

shall provide for the general information and orientation needs

of the historical park and the heritage area. The Secretary shall

consult with the State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, the

Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, and the

Cane River National Heritage Area Commission pursuant to section

402 of this Act in the planning and development of the interpretive

center.

(d) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—

(1) The Secretary, after consultation with the Cane River Heritage

Area Commission established pursuant to section 402 of this Act,

is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with owners

of properties within the heritage area and owners of properties

within the historical park that provide important educational and

interpretive opportunities relating to the heritage of the Cane River

region. The Secretary may also enter into cooperative agreements

for the purpose of facilitating the preservation of important historic

sites and structures identified in the historical park’s general

management plan or other heritage elements related to the heritage

of the Cane River region. Such cooperative agreements shall specify

that the National Park Service shall have reasonable rights of

access for operational and visitor use needs and that preservation

treatments will meet the Secretary’s standards for rehabilitation

of historic buildings.

(2) The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the City of Natchitoches, the State of Louisiana, and

other public or private organizations for the development of the

interpretive center, educational programs, and other materials that

will facilitate public use of the historical park and heritage area.

(e) RESEARCH.—The Secretary, acting through the National

Park Service, shall coordinate a comprehensive research program

on the complex history of the Cane River region, including ethnography studies of the living communities along the Cane River,

and how past and present generations have adapted to their

environment, including genealogical studies of families within the

Cane River area. Research shall include, but not be limited to,

the extensive primary historic documents within the Natchitoches

and Cane River areas, and curation methods for their care and

exhibition. The research program shall be coordinated with Northwestern State University of Louisiana, and the National Center

for Preservation of Technology and Training in Natchitoches.

SEC. 305. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.

(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Except as otherwise provided in this

section, the Secretary is authorized to acquire lands and interest

therein within the boundaries of the historical park by donation,

purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.

(b) STATE AND LOCAL PROPERTIES.—Lands and interests therein

that are owned by the State of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, may be acquired only by donation or exchange.

(c) MUSEUM CONTENTS, INC.—Lands and structures identified

in section 303(b)(2) may be acquired only by donation.
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(d) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT SITES.—Lands and interests

therein that are the subject of cooperative agreements pursuant

to section 303(b)(3) shall not be acquired except with the consent

of the owner thereof.

SEC. 306. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.

Within 3 years after the date funds are made available therefor and in consultation with the Cane River Heritage Area Commission,

the National Park Service shall prepare a general management

plan for the historical park. The plan shall include, but need not

be limited to—

(1) a visitor use plan indicating programs and facilities that will be provided for public use, including the location

and cost of an interpretive center; (2) programs and management actions that the National Park Service will undertake cooperatively with the heritage

area commission, including preservation treatments for important sites, structures, objects, and research materials. Planning

shall address educational media, roadway signing, and brochures that could be coordinated with the Commission pursuant

to section 403 of this Act; and

(3) preservation and use plans for any sites and structures

that are identified for National Park Service involvement

through cooperative agreements.

TITLE IV—CANE RIVER NATIONAL

HERITAGE AREA

SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE

AREA.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is hereby established the Cane

River National Heritage Area (hereinafter in this title referred

to as the ‘‘heritage area’’).

(b) PURPOSE.—In furtherance of the need to recognize the value

and importance of the Cane River region and in recognition of

the findings of section 302(a) of this Act, it is the purpose of

this title to establish a heritage area to complement the historical

park and to provide for a culturally sensitive approach to the

preservation of the heritage of the Cane River region, and for

other needs including—

(1) recognizing areas important to the Nation’s heritage

and identity;

(2) assisting in the preservation and enhancement of the

cultural landscape and traditions of the Cane River region;

(3) providing a framework for those who live within this

important dynamic cultural landscape to assist in preservation

and educational actions; and

(4) minimizing the need for Federal land acquisition and

management.

(c) AREA INCLUDED.—The heritage area shall include— (1) an area approximately 1 mile on both sides of the

Cane River as depicted on map CARI, 80,000A, dated May

1994;

(2) those properties within the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District which are the subject of cooperative

agreements pursuant to section 304(d) of this Act;
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(3) the Los Adaes State Commemorative Area;

(4) the Fort Jesup State Commemorative Area;

(5) the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area;

and

(6) the Kate Chopin House.

A final identification of all areas and sites to be included

in the heritage area shall be included in the heritage area management plan as required in section 403.

SEC. 402. CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—To assist in implementing the purposes

of titles II and III of this Act and to provide guidance for the

management of the heritage area, there is established the Cane

River National Heritage Area Commission (hereinafter in this title

referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’).

(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Commission shall consist of 19 members

to be appointed no later than 6 months after the date of enactment

of this title. The Commission shall be appointed by the Secretary

as follows—

(1) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Mayor of Natchitoches;

(2) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches;

(3) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc.;

(4) two members with experience in and knowledge of

tourism in the heritage area from recommendations submitted

by local business and tourism organizations; (5) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Governor of the State of Louisiana;

(6) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Police Jury of Natchitoches Parish; (7) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Concern Citizens of Cloutierville;

(8) one member from recommendations submitted by the

St. Augustine Historical Society; (9) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Black Heritage Committee; (10) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Los Adaes/Robeline Community; (11) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Natchitoches Historic District Commission;

(12) one member from recommendations submitted by the

Cane River Waterway Commission; (13) two members who are landowners in and residents

of the heritage area;

(14) one member with experience and knowledge of historic

preservation from recommendations submitted by the Museum

Contents, Inc.;

(15) one member with experience and knowledge of historic

preservation from recommendations submitted by the President

of Northwestern State University of Louisiana;

(16) one member with experience in and knowledge of

environmental, recreational and conservation matters affecting

the heritage area from recommendations submitted by the

Natchitoches Sportsmans Association and other local recreational and environmental organizations; and
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(17) the director of the National Park Service, or the Director’s designee, ex officio.

(c) DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.—The Commission shall—

(1) prepare a management plan for the heritage area in

consultation with the National Park Service, the State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, interested

groups, property owners, and the public;

(2) consult with the Secretary on the preparation of the

general management plan for the historical park;

(3) develop cooperative agreements with property owners,

preservation groups, educational groups, the State of Louisiana,

the City of Natchitoches, universities, and tourism groups, and

other groups to further the purposes of titles III and IV of

this Act; and

(4) identify appropriate entities, such as a non-profit corporation, that could be established to assume the responsibilities of the Commission following its termination.

(d) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.—In furtherance of the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act, the Commission is authorized

to—

(1) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same

extent that is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United

States Code, but at rates determined by the Commission to

be reasonable;

(2) accept the services of personnel detailed from the State

of Louisiana or any political subdivision thereof, and may

reimburse the State or political subdivision for such services;

(3) upon the request of the Commission, the head of any

Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of

the personnel of such agency to the Commission to assist the

Commission in carrying out its duties; (4) appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as may

be necessary to carry out its duties. Staff shall be appointed

subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid

in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter

III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and

General Schedule pay rates; (5) enter into cooperative agreements with public or private

individuals or entities for research, historic preservation, and

education purposes;

(6) make grants to assist in the preparation of studies

that identify, preserve, and plan for the management of the

heritage area; (7) notwithstanding any other provision of law, seek and

accept donations of funds or services from individuals, foundations, or other public or private entities and expend the same

for the purposes of providing services and programs in furtherance of the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act;

(8) assist others in developing educational, informational,

and interpretive programs and facilities;

(9) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and

places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as

the Commission may consider appropriate; and

(10) use the United States mails in the same manner

and under the same conditions as other departments or agencies

of the United States.
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(e) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Commission shall receive

no compensation for their service on the Commission. While away

from their homes or regular places of business in the performance

of services for the Commission, members shall be allowed travel

expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same

manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government

service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United

States Code.

(f) CHAIRMAN.—The Commission shall elect a chairman from

among its members. The term of the chairman shall be for 3

years.

(g) TERMS.—The terms of Commission members shall be for

3 years. Any member of the Commission appointed by the Secretary

for a 3-year term may serve after expiration of his or her term

until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy shall be filled in the

same manner in which the original appointment was made. Any

member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder

of the term for which the predecessor was appointed.

(h) ANNUAL REPORTS.—The Commission shall submit an annual

report to the Secretary identifying its expenses and any income,

the entities to which any grants or technical assistance were made

during the year for which the report is made, and actions that

are planned for the following year.

SEC. 403. PREPARATION OF THE PLAN.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Within 3 years after the Commission conducts

its first meeting, it shall prepare and submit a heritage area

management plan to the Governor of the State of Louisiana. The

Governor shall, if the Governor approves the plan, submit it to

the Secretary for review and approval. The Secretary shall provide

technical assistance to the Commission in the preparation and

implementation of the plan, in concert with actions by the National

Park Service to prepare a general management plan for the historical park. The plan shall consider local government plans and shall

present a unified heritage preservation and education plan for

the heritage area. The plan shall include, but not be limited to— (1) an inventory of important properties and cultural landscapes that should be preserved, managed, developed, and

maintained because of their cultural, natural, and public use

significance; (2) an analysis of current land uses within the area and

how they affect the goals of preservation and public use of

the heritage area; (3) an interpretive plan to address the cultural and natural

history of the area, and actions to enhance visitor use. This

element of the plan shall be undertaken in consultation with

the National Park Service and visitor use plans for the historical park;

(4) recommendations for coordinating actions by local,

State, and Federal governments within the heritage area, to

further the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; and

(5) an implementation program for the plan including

desired actions by State and local governments and other

involved groups and entities.

(b) APPROVAL OF THE PLAN.—The Secretary shall approve or

disapprove the plan within 90 days after receipt of the plan from

the Commission. The Commission shall notify the Secretary of
H. R. 1348—13

the status of approval by the Governor of Louisiana when the

plan is submitted for review and approval. In determining whether

or not to approve the plan the Secretary shall consider—

(1) whether the Commission has afforded adequate opportunity, including public meetings and hearings, for public and

governmental involvement in the preparation of the plan; and

(2) whether reasonable assurances have been received from

the State and local governments that the plan is supported

and that the implementation program is feasible.

(c) DISAPPROVAL OF THE PLAN.—If the Secretary disapproves

the plan, he shall advise the Commission in writing of the reasons

for disapproval, and shall provide recommendations and assistance

in the revision plan. Following completion of any revisions to the

plan, the Commission shall resubmit the plan to the Governor

of Louisiana for approval, and to the Secretary, who shall approve

or disapprove the plan within 90 days after the date that the

plan is revised.

SEC. 404. TERMINATION OF HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

(a) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall terminate on the day

occurring 10 years after the first official meeting of the Commission.

(b) EXTENSION.—The Commission may petition to be extended

for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the day referred

to in subsection (a), provided the Commission determines a critical

need to fulfill the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; and

the Commission obtains approval from the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of Louisiana.

(c) HERITAGE AREA MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF

THE COMMISSION.—The national heritage area status for the Cane

River region shall continue following the termination of the Commission. The management plan, and partnerships and agreements subject to the plan shall guide the future management of the heritage

area. The Commission, prior to its termination, shall recommend

to the Governor of the State of Louisiana and the Secretary, appropriate entities, including the potential for a nonprofit corporation,

to assume the responsibilities of the Commission.

SEC. 405. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly

affecting the heritage area shall—

(1) consult with the Secretary and the Commission with

respect to implementation of their proposed actions; and

(2) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate such

activities with the Commission to minimize potential impacts

on the resources of the heritage area.
H. R. 1348—14

SEC. 406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may

be necessary to carry out titles III and IV of this Act.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate.