I
103D CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 793
To provide for the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the histori-
cal, cultural, and architectural values of the Town of Bramwell, West
Virginia, for the educational and inspirational benefit of present and
future generations.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FEBRUARY 3, 1993
Mr. RAHALL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
A BILL
To provide for the preservation, restoration, and interpreta-
tion of the historical, cultural, and architectural values
of the Town of Bramwell, West Virginia, for the edu-
cational and inspirational benefit of present and future
generations.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Bramwell National
Historical Park Act of 1993’’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that:
(1) The coal mining heritage of southern West
Virginia is of national historical and cultural signifi-
cance.
(2) The Town of Bramwell, West Virginia, pos-
sesses remarkable and outstanding historical, cul-
tural, and architectural values relating to the coal
mining heritage of southern West Virginia.
(3) It is in the national interest to preserve the
unique character of the Town of Bramwell, West
Virginia, and to enhance the historical, cultural, and
architectural values associated with its coal mining
heritage.
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act is to provide
for the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the
historical, cultural, and architectural values of the Town
of Bramwell, West Virginia, for the educational and inspi-
rational benefit of present and future generations.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to preserve, restore, and
interpret the unique historical, cultural, and architectural
values of Bramwell, West Virginia, there is hereby estab-
lished the Bramwell National Historical Park (hereinafter
referred to as the ‘‘Park’’).
(b) AREA INCLUDED.—The Park shall consist of the
lands and interests in lands within the corporate boundary
of the Town of Bramwell.
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall administer
the Park in accordance with this Act and with the provi-
sions of law generally applicable to units of the national
park system, including the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to estab-
lish a National Park Service, and for other purposes’’, ap-
proved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 461–
467).
(b) DONATIONS.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, the Secretary may accept and retain donations
of funds, property, or services from individuals, founda-
tions, corporations, or public entities for the purpose of
providing services and facilities which he deems consistent
with the purposes of the Act.
(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—In administering
the Park, the Secretary is authorized to enter into cooper-
ative agreements with the State of West Virginia, or any
political subdivision thereof, for carrying out the purposes
of this Act.
SEC. 5. ACQUISITION OF LAND.
(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may ac-
quire land or interests in land within the boundaries of
the Park only by donation, exchange, or purchase from
willing sellers with donated or appropriated funds.
(b) STATE LANDS.—Lands or interest in lands, with-
in the boundaries of the Park which are owned by the
State of West Virginia or any political subdivision thereof,
may be acquired only by donation.
SEC. 6. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative
agreements with the owners of properties of historical or
cultural significance within the Park pursuant to which
the Secretary may mark, interpret, restore, and provide
technical assistance for the preservation and interpreta-
tion of such properties.
SEC. 7. PROPERTY OWNER RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Act may be construed as authorizing
the Secretary to have access to private residential property
within the Park for the purpose of conducting visitors
through such property, or for any other purpose, without
the advice and consent of the owner of such property.
SEC. 8. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in consultation
with the committee referred to in section 9, shall prepare
a plan for the restoration, preservation, interpretation,
and development of the historical, cultural, and architec-
tural resources of the Park.
(b) RESTORATION MEASURES.—The plan referred to
in this section shall provide for such measures as may be
deemed appropriate for the restoration of public areas
within the Park, including but not limited to each of the
following:
(1) The restoration of a brick surface to such
segments of North River Street, Main Street, Rose
Street, South River Street, and Bloch Street as
deemed necessary to restore the historical and archi-
tectural character of the Park.
(2) Measures to mitigate the visual impact of
public utility facilities such as phone and electrical
lines on the historical and architectural character of
the Park.
(c) DEVELOPMENT MEASURES.—The plan referred
to in this section shall provide for such measures as may
be deemed appropriate for the development of public areas
within the Park, including but not limited to each of the
following:
(1) The reconstruction of the Bramwell Rail-
road Depot.
(2) The restoration of an edifice or edifices
suitable to provide for the interpretation and visitor
appreciation of the historical, cultural, and architec-
tural features of the Park.
SEC. 9. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is hereby established
the Bramwell National Historical Park Advisory Commit-
tee (hereinafter in this Act referred to as ‘‘Advisory Com-
mittee’’). The Advisory Committee shall be composed of
thirteen members appointed by the Secretary to serve for
terms of two years, except for the Governor of the State
of West Virginia and the Mayor of the Town of Bramwell
who shall serve without limitation of terms. Any member
of the Advisory Committee may serve after the expiration
of his term until a successor is appointed. Any member
of the Advisory Committee may be appointed to serve
more than one term. The Secretary or his designee shall
serve as Chairman.
(b) MANAGEMENT
AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES.—
The Secretary, or his designees, shall meet on a regular
basis and consult with the Advisory Committee on matters
relating to the development of a management plan for the
Park and on the implementation of such plan.
(c) EXPENSES.—Members of the Advisory Committee
shall serve without compensation as such, but the Sec-
retary may pay expenses reasonably incurred in carrying
out their responsibilities under this Act on vouchers signed
by the Chairman.
(d) MEMBERSHIP.—The Secretary shall appoint
members to the Advisory Committee as follows: