Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994
PL 103-449 (H.R.1348), enacted 11/02/1994

108 STAT. 4752 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
Public Law 103-449 
103d Congress 
An Act 
Nov. 2, 1994 
To establish the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor 
[H.R. 1348] 
in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
Historic 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
preservation. 
SckeT^'* TITLE I—QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET 
Rivers Valley 
RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
KActof 
CORRIDOR 
1994. 
16 u s e 461 note. 
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 undevel-
oped 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 excel-
lent 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 rep-
resents important close-by recreational opportunities for signifi-
cant 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; 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4753 
(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' Con-
ference 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 govern-
ment 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 Federal 
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 Wood-
stock. 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 sub-
section. 
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 Manage-
ment 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 
rec-
reational plan for the Corridor. The plan shall— 
(1) recommend non-binding advisory standards and criteria 
pertaining to the construction, preservation, restoration, alter-
ation and use of properties within the Corridor, including an 
inventory of such properties which potentially could be pre-
served, restored, managed, developed, maintained, or acquired 
based upon their historic, cultural or recreational significance; 
108 STAT. 4754 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
(2) develop an historic interpretation plan to interpret the 
history of the Corridor; 
(3) develop an inventory of existing and potential rec-
reational 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 devel-
opment of intergovernmental cooperative agreements to protect 
the Corridor's historical, cultural, recreational, scenic, and natu-
ral resources in a manner consistent with supporting appro-
priate 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 
V 
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 rec-
ommendations, 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 para-
graph 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 Sec-
retary may take appropriate steps to assist in the preservation 
and interpretation of historic resources, and to assist in the develop-
ment 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; 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4755 
(2) assisting the State £ind 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 Cor-
ridor; 
(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 res-
toration 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 sec-
tion 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 
108 STAT. 4756 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
Weir Farm 
National 
Historic Site 
Expansion 
Act of 1994. 
16 u s e 461 note. 
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 fund-
ing 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 His-
toric 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 Wil-
ton, Connecticut, Scale l'=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 para-
graphs (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.". 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4757 
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 approxi-
mately 300 publicly and privately owned properties, four other 
national historic landmarks, and other structures and sites 
that may meet criteria for landmark significance following fur-
ther 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 cul-
ture 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. 
Cane River 
Creole National 
Historical 
Park and 
National 
Heritage 
Area Act. 
16 u s e 410CCC 
note. 
16 u s e 410CCC. 
108 STAT. 4758 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
and private landowners, with full recognition that programs 
must fully involve the local communities and landowners. 
16USC410CCC-1. 
SEC. 303. ESTABLISHMENT OF CANE RIVER 
CREOLE NATIONAL 
fflSTORICAL 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, 80,00lA, 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 plan-
ning, that such sites meet the applicable criteria for national 
historical significance, suitability, and feasibility, and notifica-
tion 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. 
16 u s e 410CCC-2. 
SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—^The Secretary shall administer the historical 
park in accordance with this title and with provisions of law gen-
erally 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 dona-
tions 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 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4759 
to the Secretary pursuant to this subsection may be expended 
without further appropriation. 
(c) INTERPRETIVE CENTER.—^The Secretary is authorized to con-
struct, operate, and maintain an interpretive center on lands identi-
fied 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 agree-
ments 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 eth-
nography 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 North-
western State University of Louisiana, and the National Center 
for Preservation of Technology and Training in Natchitoches. 
SEC. 305. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. 
16 USC 410ccc-3. 
(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 subdivi-
sion 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. 
108 STAT. 4760 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
(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. 
1
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use 
4
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. SEC. 
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. 
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 
E
lan for the historical park. The plan shall include, but need not 
e 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 impor-
tant sites, structures, objects, and research materials. Planning 
shall address educational media, roadway signing, and bro-
chures 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. 
Short title. 
Ante, p. 4757. 
TITLE IV—CANE RIVER NATIONAL 
HERITAGE AREA 
16 use 
410CCC-21. 
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 His-
toric Landmark District which are the subject of cooperative 
agreements pursuant to section 304(d) of this Act; 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4761 
(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 manage-
ment plan as required in section 403. 
SEC. 402. CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION. 
16 USC 
410ccc-22 
(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 rec-
reational and environmental organizations; and 
79-194 O—95—7 : QL 3 Part 6 
108 STAT. 4762 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
(17) the director of the National Park Service, or the Direc-
tor'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 Louisi-
ana, 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 cor-
poration, that could be established to assume the responsibil-
ities of the Commission following its termination. 
(d) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.—In furtherance of the pur-
poses 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 canying out its duties; 
(4) appoint and fix the compensation of such stEifT as may 
be necessary to carry out its duties. Staff shall be appointed 
subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, govern-
ing 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, founda-
tions, or other public or private entities and expend the same 
for the purposes of provioing services and programs in further-
ance of the purposes of tities Hi 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 tinder the same conditions as other departments or agencies 
of 
the United States. 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4763 
(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 histori-
cal 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 land-
scapes 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 histori-
cal 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 
16 use 
410CCC-23. 
Technical 
assistance. 
108 STAT. 4764 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
16 use 
410CCC-24. 
16 use 
410CCC-25. 
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 oppor-
tunity, 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 consulta-
tion 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 Commis-
sion. The management plan, and partnerships and agreements sub-
ject 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, appro-
priate 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. 
PUBLIC LAW 103-449—NOV. 2, 1994 
108 STAT. 4765 
SEC. 406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
16 USC 
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may 
be necessary to carry out titles III and IV of this Act. 
Approved November 2, 1994. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 1348: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 103-233 (Comm. on Natural Resources). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 103-305 (Comm. on Energy and Natural Resources). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 139 (1993): Sept. 13, considered and passed House. 
Vol. 140 (1994): Oct. 6, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Oct. 7, House concurred in Senate amendment.