A bill to establish in the Department of the Interior the Heritage Preservation Commission, and for other purposes.
PL 100-698 (H.R.3313), enacted 11/19/1988

102 STAT. 4618 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
Public Law 100-698 
100th Congress 
An Act 
Nov. 19, 1988 
To establish in the Department of the Interior the Southwestern Pennsylvania 
[H.R. 3313] 
Heritage Preservation Commission, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
16 use 461 note. 
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. 
(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that— 
(1) the iron and steelmaking, coal, and transportation indus-
tries and the labor of their workers contributed significantly to 
America's movement westward, allowed for the growth of the 
Nation's cities, and helped fuel and move its industrial growth 
and development and establish its standing among nations of 
the world; 
(2) there are only a few recognized historic sites that are 
devoted to portraying the development and growth of heavy 
industry and the industrial labor movement in America; and 
(3) the 9-county region in southwestern Pennsylvania known 
as the Allegheny Highlands contain significant examples of iron 
and steel, coal, and transportation industries, and is a suitable 
region in which the story of American industrial heritage can 
be appropriately interpreted to present and future generations. 
(b) PURPOSE.—In furtherance of the findings set forth in subsec-
tion (a) of this section, it is the purpose of this Act to establish, 
through a commission representing all concerned levels of govern-
ment, the means by which the cultural heritage of the 9-county 
region in southwestern Pennsylvania associated with the three basic 
industries of iron and steel, coal, and transportation may be recog-
nized, preserved, promoted, interpreted, and made available for the 
benefit of the public. 
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e TITLE I—SOUTHWESTERN 
PENNSYLVA-
NIA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COM-
MISSION 
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—To carry out the purpose of this title and to 
implement, as appropriate, the document which is entitled "Action 
Plan—America's Industrial Heritage Project" and which is dated 
August 1987, there is hereby established in the Department of the 
Interior the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation 
Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission"). The 
Commission shall exercise the responsibilities and authorities 
herein conferred on the Commission with respect to that region in 
southwestern Pennsylvania comprising the counties of Bedford, 
Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Somerset, 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
102 STAT. 4619 
and Westmoreland. The C!ommission shall consist of 21 members, 
appointed by the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as 
the "Secretary") as follows: 
(1) 2 members appointed from recommendations submitted by 
the Governor of Pennsylvania of which one shall represent the 
interests of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commis-
sion; and the other shall represent the Pennsylvania Depart-
ment of Community Affairs; 
(2) 9 members appointed from recommendations submitted by 
the county commissioners of the Pennsylvania counties of Bed-
ford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, 
Somerset, and Westmoreland, of which one member shall be 
appointed from the recommendations of each such county from 
groups and individuals representing historic preservation, tour-
ism promotion, business and industry and industrial and labor 
history; 
(3) 4 members appointed from recommendations from the 
Southern AUeghenies Planning and Development Commission; 
(4) 4 members appointed from recommendations from Laurel 
Highlands, Inc.; 
(5) 2 members appointed by the Secretary from recommenda-
tions by the Director of the National Park Service who shall 
have knowledge and experience in the field of historic preserva-
tion; and 
(6) the Director of the National Park Service, ex officio, or his 
delegate. 
(b) APPOINTMENT.—All members of the Commission shall be ap-
pointed for terms of 3 years, except that the terms of the 9 members 
appointed from recommendations submitted by each county pursu-
ant to subsection (a)(2) shall be for 2 years. 
(c) CHAIRMAN.—The Commission shall elect a chairman from 
among its members. The term of the chairman shall be 2 years. 
(d) TERMS.—Any member of the Commission appointed for a 
definite term may serve after the expiration of his term until his 
successor is appointed. Any vacancy in the Commission 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 his predecessor was appointed. 
(e) QUORUM.—A simple majority of Commission members shall 
constitute a quorum. 
(f) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet at least quarterly or at 
the call of the chairman or a majority of its members. 
(g) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Commission shall serve with-
out compensation as such. Members shall be entitled to travel 
expenses under section 5703, title 5, United States Code, when 
engaged in Commission business, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence in the same manner as persons employed intermittently. 
SEC. 102. STAFF OF THE COMMISSION. 
(a) STAFF.—(1) The Commission shall have the power to appoint 
and fix the compensation of such staff as may be necessary to carry 
out its duties. 
(2) Staff appointed by the Commission.^ 
(A) shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, 
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
service; and 
102 STAT. 4620 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
(B) shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to 
classification and (Jeneral Schedule pay rates. 
(b) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—Subject to such rules as may be 
adopted by the Commission, the Commission may procure tem-
porary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized 
by section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates deter-
mined by the Commission to be reasonable. 
(c) STAFF OF OTHER AGENCIES.—(1) Upon request of the Commis-
sion, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable 
basis, any of the personnel of such agency to the Commission to 
assist the Commission in carrying out the Commission's duties. 
(2) The Commission may accept the services of personnel detailed 
from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (and any political subdivi-
sion thereof) and may reimburse the commonwealth or political 
subdivision for those services. 
(d) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.—The Administrator of the General 
Services Administration shall provide such administrative support 
services as the Commission may request, on a reimbursable basis. 
SEC. 103. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may for the purpose of carry-
ing out this title hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as the 
Commission may deem advisable. 
Ot)) BYLAWS.—The Commission may make such bylaws, rules and 
regulations, consistent with this Act, as it considers necessary to 
carry out its functions under this title. 
(c) DELEGATION.—When so authorized by the Commission, any 
member or ^ e n t of the Commission may take any action which the 
Commission is authorized to take by this section. 
(d) TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUPS.—^The Commission may establish 
and appoint one or more technical advisory groups to provide 
technical advice in financing, historic preservation, recreation, tour-
ism, and intergovernmental coordination. 
(e) DONATIONS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
Commission may seek and accept donations of funds, property, or 
services from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other pri-
vate entities, and from public entities, for the purpose of carrying 
out its duties. 
(D FUNDS FROM OTHER SOURCES.—The Commission may use its 
funds to obtain money from any source under any program or law 
requiring the recipient of such money to make a contribution in 
order to receive such money. 
(g) MAIL.—The Commission may use the United States mails in 
the same manner and upon the same conditions as other depart-
ments and agencies of the United States. 
(h) OBTAINING PROPERTY.—(1) The Commission may obtain by 
purchase, rental, donation, or otherwise, such property, facilities, 
and services as may be needed to carry out its duties except that the 
Commission may not acquire any real property or interest in real 
property otherwise than under paragraph (2). 
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Commission may acquire real 
property, or interests in real property, in the Corridor— 
(A) by gift or device; or 
(B) by purchase from a willing seller with money which was 
given or bequeathed to the Commission on the condition that 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
102 STAT. 4621 
such money would be used to purchase real property, or 
interests m real property, in the Corridor. 
(3) Any real property or interest in real property acquired by the 
Commission under paragraph (2) shall be conveyed by the Commis-
sion to an appropriate public agency, as determined by the Commis-
sion. Any such conveyance shall be made— 
(A) as soon as practicable after such acquisition; 
(B) without consideration; and 
(C) on the condition that the real property or interest in real 
property so conveyed is used for public purposes. 
SEC 104. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION. 
Loans. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—^The Commission shall— 
Conservation. 
(1) make loans and grants, from funds appropriated for that 
purpose or from funds donated or otherwise made available to 
the Commission, for the purpose of conserving and protecting 
sites, buildings, and objects which are related to the industrial 
development of the area and which are included or eligible for 
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places; 
(2) coordinate activities of Federal, State, and local gov-
ernments and private businesses and organizations in 
order to further historic preservation and compatible economic 
revitalization; 
(3) develop guidelines and standards for projects, consistent 
with standards established by the National Park Service for the 
preservation of historic properties, including interpretive meth-
ods, that will further historic preservation in the r^on; and 
(4) provide advice and assistance in preparation of loan or 
grant applications to the Commission and applications for loans 
or grants from other Federal or non-Federal sources in further-
ance of the purposes of this title. 
Any loan made under this subsection shall be for a term expiring 
before the date 10 years after the enactment of this Act and shall be 
subject to such other terms and conditions, including interest, as 
may be established by the Commission with the approval of the 
ScCTetary. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORTS.—^The Commission shall submit an annual 
report to the Secretary setting forth its expenses and income and 
the entities to which any loans and grants were made during the 
year for which the report is made. The Secretary shall submit an 
annual report to the Congress describing the loans, grants, and 
technical assistance provided under this Act. Such report shall 
specify the amount, recipient, and purpose of any loan, grant, or 
technical assistance so provided and shall include an analysis of the 
adequacy of actions ts^en during the previous year to preserve, 
protect, and interpret the significant sites, buildings, and objects 
within the area; as well as the anticipated funds and personnel to be 
made available by the Secretary during the next fiscal year to 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
(c) COST ESTIMATES.—^Prior to making any grant or loan the 
Commission shall require detailed cost estimates to be prepared for 
the project to be funded. Within one year from the date of enact-
ment, the Commission shall submit to tiie appropriate committees of 
the Ck>ngress detailed cost estimates for the projects identified in the 
action plan referred to in section 101 of this title. 
(d) STUDY REPORT.—^The Commission, in consultation with the 
Secretaiy, the Pittsbuigh Area Steel Industry Heritage Task Force, 
102 STAT. 4622 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
and other interested parties which represent the greater Allegheny 
and Washington Counties/Mon-Valley area shall within 2 years of 
enactment of this Act, submit a report concerning the cultural and 
historical resource values of the greater Allegheny and Washington 
Counties/Mon-Valley area to the Secretary. Such report shall in-
clude an analysis of the methods and means of inventorsdng, 
preserving and interpreting the cultural and historical resources of 
the area, along with recommendations concerning the coordination 
of activities in the 11 counties represented by the Commission and 
the Pittsburgh Area Steel Industry Heritage Task Force and other 
interested parties. The Secretary shall review the report and submit 
it along with any comments or recommendations that the Secretary 
may wish to msdke to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs 
of the United States House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate 
within 180 days after receipt of such report from the Commission, 
(e) EXPIRATION.—The Commission established pursuant to this 
title shall cease to exist 10 years from the date of enactment of this 
Act. Any property or funds of the Commission remaining upon the 
expiration of the Commission shall be transferred by the Commis-
sion to the United States, to a State or local government agency, to a 
private nonprofit organization exempt from income taxes under 
section 501(cX3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or to any 
combination of the foregoing. 
SEC. 105. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 to the 
Commission to carry out the purposes of this title. Funds may be 
made available pursuant to this section only to the extent they are 
matched by equivalent funds from non-Federal sources. 
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note. 
TITLE II—SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVA-
NIA INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE ROUTE 
Federal 
Register, 
publication. 
Gifts and 
property. 
SEC. 201. DESIGNATION OF ROUTE. 
(a) DESIGNATION.—In order to provide for public appreciation, 
education, understanding, and enjoyment of certain nationally and 
regionally significant sites in southwestern Pennsylvania which are 
accessible by public road, the Secretary of Interior (hereinafter 
referred to as the "Secretary"), with the concurrence of the agency 
having jurisdiction over such roads, shall designate, by publication 
of a description thereof in the Federal Register, a vehicular tour 
route along existing public roads linking historic, cultural, natural, 
scenic, and recreational sites in southwestern Pennsylvania. Such 
route shall be known as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Industrial 
Heritage Route (hereinafter referred to as the "route"), and shall be 
marked with an appropriate marker to guide members of the visit-
ing public. With the concurrence of the State or local entity having 
jurisdiction over such roads so designated, the Secretary may erect 
thereon signs and other informational devices displajdng the South-
western Pennsylvania Industrial Heritage Route marker. The Sec-
retary is authorized to accept the donation of signs and other 
informational devices for placement at appropriate locations along 
the route. 
PUBLIC LAW 100-698—NOV. 19, 1988 
102 STAT. 4623 
Ot)) INITIAL ROUTE.—The route as initially designated shall include 
public roads linking Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic 
Site, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Historic Saltsburg, Eliza 
and Mt. Etna Furnaces, the Charles Schwab Estate, Friendship Hill 
National Historic Site, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Altoona 
Railroad Shops, Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum, Cambria 
Iron Works, Johnstown Inclined Plane, Johnstown Flood Museum, 
Conemaugh Gap, East Broadtop Railroad National Historic Land-
mark, Gallitzin Tunnels, Horseshoe Curve National Historic Land-
mark, Fort Ligonier, Bushy Run Battlefield, Seldom Seen Valley 
Mine, and Somerset Historical Center. 
(c) ADDITIONAL SEGMENTS.—The Secretary may, in the manner set 
forth in section 201 of this title, designate additional segments of the 
route from time to time as appropriate to link the sites referred to in 
subsection (b) with other historic, cultural, natural, scenic, and 
recreational sites when such sites are designated and protected by 
Federal, State and local governments, Indian tribes, or nonprofit 
entities. 
SEC. 202. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. 
With respect to sites linked by segments of the route which are 
administered by other Federal, State, local, tribal, or nonprofit 
entities, the Secretary may, pursuant to cooperative agreements 
with such entities, provide technical assistance in the development 
of interpretive devices and materials in order to contribute to public 
appreciation of the historic, cultural, natural, scenic, and rec-
reational sites along the route. 
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated $150,000 to the 
Secretary to carry out the purposes of this title. No funds made 
available under this title shall be used for the operation, mainte-
nance, or repair of any road or related structure. 
Approved November 19, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3313: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 100-789 (Coram, on Interior and Insular Affairs). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 100-533 (Comm. on Energy and Natural Resources). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
July 26, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 21, considered and passed Senate, amended. House concurred in Senate 
amendments.