scapes, cultural traditions, and economic and social
forces that have combined to create a particular pat-
tern of human settlement and activity;
(2) in these areas, natural, historic, or cultural
resources, or some combination thereof, combine to
form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape aris-
ing from patterns of human activity shaped by geog-
raphy;
(3) these areas represent the national experi-
ence through the physical features that remain and
the traditions that have evolved in the areas;
(4) continued use and adaptive reuses of the
natural and cultural fabric within these areas by
people whose traditions helped to shape the land-
scapes enhance the significance of the areas; and
(5) the complexity and character of these areas
distinguish them and call for a distinctive system of
recognition and management.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
The purposes of this Act are—
(1) to recognize that the natural, historic, sce-
nic, and cultural resources and recreational opportu-
nities of the United States represent and are impor-
tant to the great and diverse character of the Na-
tion, and that these resources and opportunities
must be wisely managed so they may be passed on
to future generations;
(2) to recognize that combinations of such re-
sources and opportunities, as they are geographically
assembled and thematically related, form areas that
provide unique frameworks for understanding the
historical, cultural, and natural development of com-
munities and their surroundings;
(3) to encourage appropriate partnerships
among Federal agencies, State and local govern-
ments, nonprofit organizations, and the private sec-
tor, or combinations thereof, to conserve and man-
age those resources and opportunities;
(4) to encourage within these areas a broad
range of economic opportunities which enhance the
quality of life for present and future generations;
(5) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
provide technical assistance to State and local gov-
ernments and private nonprofit organizations, or
combinations thereof, to study and promote the po-
tential for conserving and interpreting these areas;
and
(6) to prescribe the process by which areas may
be designated as National Heritage Areas and the
standards according to which areas may be assessed
for eligibility for such designation.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) COMPACT.—The term ‘‘compact’’ means a
compact described in section 6(a)(2).
(2) FEASIBILITY STUDY.—The term ‘‘feasibility
study’’ means a study described in section 6(a)(1).
(3) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’
means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or
other organized group or community, including any
Alaska Native village or regional corporation as de-
fined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Na-
tive Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.),
which is recognized as eligible for the special pro-
grams and services provided by the United States to
Indians because of their status as Indians.
(4) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘manage-
ment plan’’ means a plan described in section
6(a)(3).
(5) NATIONAL
HERITAGE
AREA.—The term
‘‘National Heritage Area’’ means a place designated
by the Congress where natural, cultural, and historic
resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally dis-
tinctive landscape arising from patterns of human
activity shaped by geography. These patterns make
National Heritage Areas representative of the na-
tional experience through the physical features that
remain and the traditions that have evolved in the
areas. Continued use of National Heritage areas by
people whose traditions helped to shape the land-
scapes enhances their significance.
(6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means
the Secretary of the Interior.
(7) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘‘tech-
nical assistance’’ includes preparation of plans, com-
pacts, resource inventories, and feasibility studies
and professional guidance provided by the Secretary.
(8) UNIT OF GOVERNMENT.—The term ‘‘unit of
government’’ means the government of a State or
Commonwealth, a political subdivision of a State or
Commonwealth, or an Indian tribe.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS PARTNERSHIP PRO-
GRAM.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—In order to conserve nation-
ally distinctive natural, historic, scenic, and cultural re-
sources, and to provide opportunities for conservation,
education, and recreation through recognition of and as-
sistance to areas containing such resources, there is here-
by established within the Department of the Interior a Na-