National Heritage Area Act

To standardize the designation of National Heritage Areas, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Heritage Area Act 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Local coordinating entity The term local coordinating entity (A) to carry out, in partnership with other individuals and entities, the management plan for a National Heritage Area; and (B) to operate the National Heritage Area, including through the implementation of projects and programs among diverse partners in the National Heritage Area. (2) National Heritage Area The term National Heritage Area (3) National Heritage Area System The term National Heritage Area System (4) Proposed National Heritage Area The term proposed National Heritage Area (5) Secretary The term Secretary (6) Tribal government The term Tribal government 25 U.S.C. 5131 3. National Heritage Area System (a) In general To recognize certain areas of the United States that tell nationally significant stories and to conserve, enhance, and interpret those nationally significant stories and the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources of areas that illustrate significant aspects of the heritage of the United States, there is established a National Heritage Area System through the administration of which the Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to local coordinating entities to support the establishment, development, and continuity of the National Heritage Areas. (b) National heritage area system The National Heritage Area System shall be composed of— (1) each National Heritage Area, National Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage Corridor, and National Heritage Partnership designated by Congress before or on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) each National Heritage Area designated by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act, unless the law designating the area exempts that area from the National Heritage Area System by specific reference to this Act. (c) Relationship to the national park system (1) Relationship to national park units The Secretary shall— (A) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, participation and assistance by any administrator of a unit of the National Park System that is located near or encompassed by a National Heritage Area in local initiatives for the National Heritage Area to conserve and interpret resources consistent with the applicable management plan for the National Heritage Area; and (B) work with local coordinating entities to promote public enjoyment of units of the National Park System and National Park-related resources. (2) Treatment A National Heritage Area shall not be— (A) considered to be a unit of the National Park System; or (B) subject to the authorities applicable to units of the National Park System. (d) Duties Under the National Heritage Area System, the Secretary shall— (1) review and approve or disapprove the management plan for a National Heritage Area in accordance with section 4(c); and (2) submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives reports describing the activities conducted with respect to National Heritage Areas in accordance with this Act. (e) Authorities In carrying out this Act, the Secretary may— (1) conduct or review, as applicable, feasibility studies in accordance with section 4(a); (2) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of, and submit to Congress a report that includes recommendations regarding the role of National Park Service with respect to, each National Heritage Area, in accordance with section 5; (3) use amounts made available under section 7 to provide technical and financial assistance, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, as determined by the Secretary, for— (A) the development and implementation of management plans for National Heritage Areas; and (B) the administration of National Heritage Areas; (4) enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal agencies, States, Tribal governments, local governments, local coordinating entities, and other interested individuals and entities to achieve the purposes of the National Heritage Area System; (5) provide information, promote understanding, and encourage research regarding National Heritage Areas, in partnership with local coordinating entities; and (6) provide national oversight, analysis, coordination, technical and financial assistance, and support to ensure consistency and accountability of the National Heritage Area System. 4. Designation of National Heritage Areas (a) Studies (1) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may carry out or review a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed National Heritage Area for designation as a National Heritage Area. (2) Preparation (A) In general A study under paragraph (1) may be carried out— (i) by the Secretary, in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies; or (ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (B) Certification Not later than 1 year after receiving a study carried out by interested individuals or entities under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall review and certify whether the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (3) Requirements A study under paragraph (1) shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the proposed National Heritage Area— (A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that— (i) represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States; (ii) are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and (iii) would be best managed— (I) through partnerships among public and private entities; and (II) by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities; (B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States; (C) provides outstanding opportunities— (i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and (ii) for recreation and education; (D) contains resources that— (i) are important to any identified themes of the proposed National Heritage Area; and (ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation; (E) includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that— (i) are involved in the planning of the proposed National Heritage Area; (ii) have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the proposed National Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and (iii) have demonstrated support for the designation of the proposed National Heritage Area; (F) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in subparagraph (E) to develop the proposed National Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and (G) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public. (4) Report (A) In general For each study carried out under paragraph (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 describes— (i) the findings of the study; and (ii) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. (B) Timing (i) Studies carried out by the Secretary With respect to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study. (ii) Studies carried out by other interested parties With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals or entities in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (b) Designation (1) In general An area shall be designated as a National Heritage Area only by an Act of Congress. (2) Designation On receipt of a report under subsection (a)(4) recommending the designation of a proposed National Heritage Area as a National Heritage Area, Congress may designate— (A) as a National Heritage Area the proposed National Heritage Area that is the subject of the relevant feasibility study; and (B) a local coordinating entity to operate the National Heritage Area. (3) Treatment as component of national heritage area system A National Heritage Area designated under paragraph (2)(A) shall be a component of the National Heritage Area System, unless the law designating the National Heritage Area exempts the National Heritage Area from the National Heritage Area System through a specific reference to this Act. (c) Management plan (1) In general The applicable local coordinating entity shall develop a management plan for a National Heritage Area in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Requirements The management plan for a National Heritage Area shall— (A) be developed using a comprehensive planning approach that includes— (i) opportunities for stakeholders (such as community members, local and regional governments, Tribal governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others)— (I) to be involved in the planning process; and (II) to review and comment on the draft plan; and (ii) documentation of the planning and public participation processes, including a description of— (I) the means by which the management plan was prepared; (II) the stakeholders involved in the process; and (III) the timing and method of stakeholder involvement; (B) include an inventory of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic resources of the National Heritage Area relating to the nationally significant themes and events of the region that should be protected, enhanced, interpreted, managed, or developed; (C) identify comprehensive goals, strategies, policies, and recommendations for— (i) demonstrating the heritage represented by the National Heritage Area; and (ii) encouraging long-term resource protection, enhancement, interpretation, and development; (D) include recommendations for ways in which Federal, State, Tribal government, and local entities may best be coordinated, including the role of the National Park Service and other Federal agencies associated with the National Heritage Area, to advance the purposes of this Act; (E) describe a strategy by which the local coordinating entity will achieve financial sustainability; (F) include an implementation program that identifies, with respect to the National Heritage Area— (i) prioritized actions and criteria for selecting future projects; (ii) existing and potential sources of funding; (iii) performance goals; (iv) the means by which stakeholders will be involved; and (v) the manner in which the management plan will be evaluated and updated; (G) include a business plan for the local coordinating entity that, at a minimum, addresses management and operation, products or services offered, the target market for those products and services, and revenue streams; and (H) be submitted to the Secretary for approval by not later than 3 years after the date on which the National Heritage Area is designated by Congress under subsection (b). (3) Applicability The requirements described in paragraph (2) shall not apply to any management plan or other similar plan in effect on the date of enactment of this Act with respect to a National Heritage Area described in section 3(b)(1). 5. Evaluation (a) In general At reasonable and appropriate intervals, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may— (1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of a National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (b); and (2) prepare and 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 continued role of the National Park Service with respect to each National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (c). (b) Components An evaluation under subsection (a)(1) shall— (1) assess the progress of the applicable local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area with respect to— (A) accomplishing the purposes of the applicable National Heritage Area; and (B) achieving the goals and objectives of the management plan; (2) analyze Federal, State, local, Tribal government, and private investments in the National Heritage Area to determine the leverage and 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) Recommendations Each report under subsection (a)(2) shall include— (1) if the report contains a recommendation of the Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National Heritage Area should be continued, an analysis of— (A) any means by which that Federal funding may be reduced or eliminated over time; and (B) the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the recommended reduction or elimination of Federal funding; or (2) if the report contains a recommendation of the Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National Heritage Area should be eliminated, a description of potential impacts on conservation, interpretation, and sustainability in the applicable National Heritage Area. (d) Conforming amendment Section 3052(a) of Public Law 113–291 54 U.S.C. 320101 6. Property owners and regulatory protections Nothing in this Act— (1) abridges any right of a public or private property owner, including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a National Heritage Area; (2) requires any property owner to permit public access (including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local government access) to a property; (3) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or local law with respect to public access or use of private land; (4) (A) alters any applicable land use regulation, land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, or local agency or Tribal government; or (B) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use or other regulatory authority; (5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights; (6) diminishes the authority of a State to manage fish and wildlife, including through the regulation of fishing and hunting within a National Heritage Area in the State; or (7) creates or affects any liability— (A) under any other provision of law; or (B) of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on private property. 7. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each fiscal year not more than $1,000,000 for each National Heritage Area. (b) Cost-Sharing requirement (1) Federal Share Except as otherwise provided in applicable law, including any law designating a National Heritage Area, the Federal share of the total cost of any activity funded with appropriations authorized by subsection (a) shall be not more than 50 percent. (2) Form of Non-Federal share The non-Federal share of the total cost of any activity funded with appropriations authorized by subsection (a) may be in the form of in-kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued. (c) Authority To provide assistance Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may provide assistance to a National Heritage Area during any fiscal year for which appropriations are authorized under subsection (a). 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Heritage Area Act 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) National Heritage Area The term National Heritage Area (2) Secretary The term Secretary 3. National Heritage Area System (a) In general To recognize certain areas of the United States that tell nationally significant stories and to conserve, enhance, and interpret those nationally significant stories and the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources of areas that illustrate significant aspects of the heritage of the United States, there is established a National Heritage Area System through the administration of which the Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to local coordinating entities to support the establishment, development, and continuity of the National Heritage Areas. (b) National heritage area system The National Heritage Area System shall be composed of— (1) each National Heritage Area, National Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Route, and National Heritage Partnership designated by Congress before or on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) each National Heritage Area designated by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Relationship to the national park system (1) Relationship to national park units The Secretary shall— (A) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, participation and assistance by any administrator of a unit of the National Park System that is located near or encompassed by a National Heritage Area in local initiatives for the National Heritage Area to conserve and interpret resources consistent with the applicable management plan for the National Heritage Area; and (B) work with local coordinating entities to promote public enjoyment of units of the National Park System and National Park-related resources. (2) Treatment (A) In general A National Heritage Area shall not be— (i) considered to be a unit of the National Park System; or (ii) subject to the authorities applicable to units of the National Park System. (B) Effect Nothing in this paragraph affects the administration of a unit of the National Park System located within the boundaries of a National Heritage Area. (d) Authorities In carrying out this Act, the Secretary may— (1) conduct or review, as applicable, feasibility studies in accordance with section 4(a); (2) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of, and submit to Congress a report that includes recommendations regarding the role of National Park Service with respect to, each National Heritage Area, in accordance with section 5; (3) enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal agencies, States, Tribal governments, local governments, local coordinating entities, and other interested individuals and entities to achieve the purposes of the National Heritage Area System; (4) provide information, promote understanding, and encourage research regarding National Heritage Areas, in partnership with local coordinating entities; and (5) provide national oversight, analysis, coordination, technical and financial assistance, and support to ensure consistency and accountability of the National Heritage Area System. 4. National Heritage Area studies and designation (a) Studies (1) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may carry out or review a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed National Heritage Area for designation as a National Heritage Area. (2) Preparation (A) In general A study under paragraph (1) may be carried out— (i) by the Secretary, in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies; or (ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (B) Certification Not later than 1 year after receiving a study carried out by interested individuals or entities under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall review and certify whether the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (3) Requirements A study under paragraph (1) shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the proposed National Heritage Area— (A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that— (i) represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States; (ii) are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and (iii) would be best managed— (I) through partnerships among public and private entities; and (II) by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities; (B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States; (C) provides outstanding opportunities— (i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and (ii) for recreation and education; (D) contains resources that— (i) are important to any identified themes of the proposed National Heritage Area; and (ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation; (E) includes a diverse group of residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that— (i) are involved in the planning of the proposed National Heritage Area; (ii) have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the proposed National Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and (iii) have demonstrated significant support for the designation of the proposed National Heritage Area; (F) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in subparagraph (E) to develop the proposed National Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and (G) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public. (4) Report (A) In general For each study carried out under paragraph (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 describes— (i) any correspondence received by the Secretary demonstrating support for, or opposition to, the establishment of the National Heritage Area; (ii) the findings of the study; and (iii) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. (B) Timing (i) Studies carried out by the Secretary With respect to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study. (ii) Studies carried out by other interested parties With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals or entities in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3). (b) Designation An area shall be designated as a National Heritage Area only by an Act of Congress. 5. Evaluation (a) In general At reasonable and appropriate intervals, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may— (1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of a National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (b); and (2) prepare and 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 continued role of the National Park Service with respect to each National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (c). (b) Components An evaluation under subsection (a)(1) shall— (1) assess the progress of the applicable local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area with respect to— (A) accomplishing the purposes of the applicable National Heritage Area; and (B) achieving the goals and objectives of the management plan; (2) analyze Federal, State, local, Tribal government, and private investments in the National Heritage Area to determine the leverage and 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) Recommendations Each report under subsection (a)(2) shall include— (1) if the report contains a recommendation of the Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National Heritage Area should be continued, an analysis of— (A) any means by which that Federal funding may be reduced or eliminated over time; and (B) the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the recommended reduction or elimination of Federal funding; or (2) if the report contains a recommendation of the Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National Heritage Area should be eliminated, a description of potential impacts on conservation, interpretation, and sustainability in the applicable National Heritage Area. (d) Conforming amendment Section 3052(a) of Public Law 113–291 54 U.S.C. 320101 6. Private property and regulatory protections (a) In general Nothing in this Act (including an amendment made by this Act)— (1) abridges any right of a public or private property owner, including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a National Heritage Area; (2) requires any property owner to permit public access (including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local government access) to a property; (3) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or local law with respect to public access or use of private land; (4) (A) alters any applicable land use regulation, land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, or local agency or Tribal government; or (B) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use or other regulatory authority; (5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights; (6) diminishes the authority of a State to manage fish and wildlife, including through the regulation of fishing and hunting within a National Heritage Area in the State; or (7) creates or affects any liability— (A) under any other provision of law; or (B) of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on private property. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8004(f) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 (2) requires any property owner to permit public access (including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local government access) to a property; (3) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or local law with respect to public access or use of private land; (4) (A) alters any applicable land use regulation, land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, or local agency or Tribal government; or (B) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use or other regulatory authority; . 7. Authorization of certain National Heritage Area studies (a) Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area study (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with State and local organizations and governmental agencies, Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities and in accordance with section 4(a), shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the areas described in paragraph (2) in the States of Virginia and North Carolina as a national heritage area, to be known as the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area (2) Description of study area The areas to be studied under paragraph (1) include— (A) the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk in the State of Virginia; (B) Isle of Wight County in the State of Virginia; (C) Camden, Currituck, Gates, and Pasquotank Counties in the State of North Carolina; and (D) any other area in the State of Virginia or North Carolina that— (i) has heritage aspects that are similar to the heritage aspects of an area described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C); and (ii) is adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, an area described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). (b) Guam national heritage area study The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate regional and local organizations or agencies, and in accordance with section 4(a), shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating sites in Guam as a National Heritage Area. 8. National Heritage Area designations (a) Designations Section 6001(a) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act ( Public Law 116–9 (7) Alabama black belt national heritage area (A) In general There is established the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, as depicted on the map entitled Alabama Black Belt Proposed National Heritage Area (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 designated by subparagraph (A). (8) Downeast Maine national heritage area (A) In general There is established the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area in the State of Maine, consisting of Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine. (B) Local coordinating entity The Sunrise County Economic Council shall be the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A). (9) Northern neck national heritage area, Virginia (A) In general There is established the Northern Neck National Heritage Area in the State of Virginia, as depicted on the map entitled Northern Neck National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary (B) Local coordinating entity The Northern Neck Tourism Commission, a working committee of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, shall serve as the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A). (10) Southern campaign of the revolution national heritage corridor, north carolina and south carolina (A) In general There is established the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, as depicted on the map entitled Southern Campaign of the Revolution Proposed National Heritage Corridor (B) Local coordinating entity The University of South Carolina shall be the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A). (11) Southern maryland national heritage area (A) In general There is established the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area in the State of Maryland, as depicted on the map entitled Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary (B) Local coordinating entity The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland shall be the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A). . (b) Management plans For the purposes of section 6001(c) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act ( Public Law 116–9 (c) Termination of authority For the purposes of section 6001(g)(4) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act ( Public Law 116–9 9. Extension of certain National Heritage Area authorities (a) Extensions (1) Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Section 126 of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 98–398 Public Law 117–103 2023 September 30, 2037 (2) John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Section 10(a) of Public Law 99–647 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (3) Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Section 12 of the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 100–692 Public Law 117–103 (A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking 2023 2037 (B) in subsection (d), by striking 2023 2037 (4) The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Section 106(b) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 103–449 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (5) National Coal Heritage Area Section 107 of the National Coal Heritage Area Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (6) Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area Section 208 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (7) Augusta Canal National Heritage Corridor Section 310 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (8) Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Section 408 of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (9) Essex National Heritage Area Section 507 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (10) South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Section 607 of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (11) America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership Section 707 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (12) Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway Section 809 of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (13) Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Section 910 of division II of Public Law 104–333 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (14) MotorCities National Heritage Area Section 109 of the Automobile National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 105–355 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (15) Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Section 108 of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–278 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (16) Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Section 209 of the Schuylkill River Valley Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–278 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (17) Wheeling National Heritage Area Subsection (i) of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–291 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (18) Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Section 7 of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–319 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (19) Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Section 811 of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–554 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (20) Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Subsection (j) of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 108–108 Public Law 117–103 2023 2037 (21) National Aviation Heritage Area Section 512 of the National Aviation Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 108–447 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2037 (22) Oil Region National Heritage Area Section 608 of the Oil Region National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 108–447 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2037 (23) Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Section 208 of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (24) Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Section 221 of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (25) Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Section 240 of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (26) Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Section 260 of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (27) Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Section 269 of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (28) Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Section 280B of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (29) Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership Section 289 of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership Act of 2006 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (30) Great Basin National Heritage Route Section 291J of the Great Basin National Heritage Route Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (31) Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Section 295L of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (32) Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Section 297H of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Act of 2006 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 l Public Law 117–103 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2037 (33) Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Section 451 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 110–229 the date that is 15 years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle September 30, 2037 (34) Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Section 411 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 110–229 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle September 30, 2037 (35) Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Section 432 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 110–229 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (36) Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Section 8001(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (37) Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area Section 8002(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (38) South Park National Heritage Area Section 8003(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (39) Northern Plains National Heritage Area Section 8004(j) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (40) Baltimore National Heritage Area Section 8005(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (41) Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Section 8006(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (42) Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area Section 8007(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (43) Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area Section 8008(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (44) Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Section 8009(j) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (45) Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Section 8010(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 111–11 the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act September 30, 2037 (b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for each National Heritage Area extended under an amendment made by paragraphs (1) through (45) of subsection (a) not more than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2037, subject to any other applicable provisions of, but notwithstanding any limitation on total appropriations for the applicable National Heritage Area established by, a law amended by that subsection. 10. Authorization of appropriations for certain National Heritage Areas (a) Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Section 409(a) of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 $20,000,000 $22,000,000 (b) Essex National Heritage Area Section 508(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 $20,000,000 $22,000,000 (c) South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Section 608(a) of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 $17,000,000 $19,000,000 (d) America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership Section 708(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 $17,000,000 $19,000,000 (e) Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway Section 812(a) of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 104–333 $20,000,000 $22,000,000 (f) Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Section 909(c) of division II of Public Law 104–333 54 U.S.C. 320101 $15,000,000 $17,000,000 (g) MotorCities National Heritage Area Section 110(a) of the Automobile National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 105–355 $12,000,000 $14,000,000 (h) Wheeling National Heritage Area Subsection (h)(1) of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–291 $15,000,000 $17,000,000 (i) The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Section 109(a) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 103–449 $17,000,000 $19,000,000 (j) Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Section 109(a) of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 106–278 $12,000,000 $14,000,000 (k) Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Subsection (i)(1) of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 108–108 $14,000,000 $16,000,000 11. Redesignations (a) Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (1) Redesignation The America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership established by section 703(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–333 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (2) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the partnership referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (b) Great Basin National Heritage Area (1) Designation of the Great Basin National Heritage Area The Great Basin National Heritage Route Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 (A) by striking the Heritage Route the Heritage Area (B) by striking along in (C) in the subtitle heading, by striking Route Area (D) in section 291, by striking Route Area (E) in section 291A(a)— (i) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking the Great Basin Heritage Route the Great Basin National Heritage Area (ii) in paragraph (13), by striking a Heritage Route a Heritage Area (F) in section 291B, by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Heritage area The term Heritage Area ; (G) in section 291C— (i) in the section heading, by striking Route Area (ii) in subsection (a), by striking Heritage Route Heritage Area (H) in section 291L(d), in the subsection heading, by striking in Heritage Route in Heritage Area (2) Designation of Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership The Great Basin National Heritage Area Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 109–338 Great Basin Heritage Route Partnership Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership 12. Extension of deadline to complete certain management plans Section 6001(c)(1) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act ( 54 U.S.C. 320101 Public Law 116–9 3 5 September 21, 2022 Reported with an amendment

Summary: National Heritage Area Act This act establishes a National Heritage Area System. The Department of the Interior may provide technical and financial assistance to local coordinating entities to support the establishment, development, and continuity of such areas. The National Heritage Area System shall be composed of each National Heritage Area, National Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Route, and National Heritage Partnership designated by Congress before or on enactment of this act; and each National Heritage Area designated by Congress after enactment of this act. A National Heritage Area shall not be considered to be a unit of the National Park System nor subject to the authorities applicable to such units. Interior may carry out or review a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed heritage area for designation as a National Heritage Area. Interior must review and certify whether the proposed area meets specified requirements, including that it has natural, historic, and cultural resources that represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States. An area shall be designated as a National Heritage Area only by an act of Congress. Interior shall conduct studies to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating specified areas in Hawaii as the Kaena Point National Heritage Area and in Virginia and North Carolina as the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area. The act also (1) establishes or extends specified National Heritage Areas, (2) redesignates the America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership in Iowa as the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, and (3) extends the deadline for the management plans for certain heritage areas.