WashingtonWatch.com - H.R. 1483, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas, and for other purposes

Revision by webmaster (August 13, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 1483 would amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas.

Detailed Summary

Celebrating America's Heritage Act - Title I: Designations: Subtitle A: Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area - (Sec. 1103) Establishes the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in Alabama.

(Sec. 1104) Designates the Muscle Shoals Regional Center as the local coordinating entity for the Area.

Requires the Muscle Shoals Regional Center to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Muscle Shoals Regional Center, subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of the Interior, to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to the state, political subdivisions of the state, nonprofits, and other persons; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to the state, political subdivisions of the state, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Muscle Shoals Regional Center from using federal funds received under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 1105) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance under the authority of this subtitle for the development and implementation of the management plan; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with interested parties to carry out this subtitle.

(Sec. 1106) Authorizes the Secretary: (1) upon request of the Muscle Shoals Regional Center, to provide technical and financial assistance to it, on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis (as determined by the Secretary), to develop and implement the management plan; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with the Muscle Shoals Regional Center and other public or private entities to provide such technical or financial assistance.

Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report on the accomplishments of the Area.

(Sec. 1107) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) property owners and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 1109) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $10 million of which not more than $1 million may be made available for any fiscal year; and (2) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using any assistance made available under this subtitle to 50%.

Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Muscle Shoals Regional Center from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 1110) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this Act.

Subtitle B: Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area (Sec. 1203) Establishes the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona.

Designates the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, Inc. as the local coordinating entity for the Area.

(Sec. 1204) Requires the Alliance to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Alliance to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to the state, political subdivisions of the state, nonprofits, and other persons; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to political subdivisions of the state, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Alliance from using federal funds received under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Alliance from using federal funds from other sources for authorized purposes.

(Sec. 1206) Authorizes the Secretary: (1) upon request of the Alliance, to provide technical and financial assistance to it, on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis (as determined by the Secretary), to develop and implement the management plan; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with the Alliance and other public or private entities to provide such technical or financial assistance.

Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report on the accomplishments of the Area.

(Sec. 1207) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) property owners and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 1209) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $10 million of which not more than $1 million may be made available for any fiscal year; and (2) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using any assistance made available under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 1210) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this Act.

Title II: Study - (Sec. 2001) Requires the Secretary to study and report on the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area to be comprised of: (1) the area of land between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers of the eastern coastal region of Virginia; (2) Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, King George, and Lancaster Counties of Virginia; and (3) any other area adjacent to or in the vicinity of those areas that have similar heritage aspects.

Title III: Technical Amendments - (Sec. 3001) Amends the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act to modify requirements concerning the Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. Requires the Commission to be composed of at least 21 members (under current law, 27 members), but not more than 27 members at any given time.

Extends the duration of the Commission for an additional 5 years.

Provides for Department of Interior employees detailed to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties (under current law, duties with regard to the preparation and approval of the Canalway Plan for the Corridor).

Authorizes the Superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park in New York, upon request, to provide any operational assistance that is appropriate to assist with the implementation of the Canalway Plan.

Makes the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Corridor in any fiscal year available until expended.

(Sec. 3002) Amends federal law relating to the establishment of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (re-named the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to modify the composition of the membership of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/16/2008: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 813.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (June 17, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 1483 would amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas.

Detailed Summary

Celebrating America's Heritage Act - Title I: Authorization Extensions and Viability Studies - (Sec. 1001) Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for the National Coal Heritage Area, Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Essex National Heritage Area, South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, America's Agricultural Partnership, Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor (redesignated by this Act as the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway), and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

(Sec. 1002) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of such Areas no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for each Area.

Title II: Establishment of National Heritage Areas - Subtitle A: Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area - Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2004) Establishes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area comprising the 175 mile-region following the Route 15 corridor and certain surrounding areas through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.

(Sec. 2005) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) provide technical assistance under the authority of this subtitle for the development and implementation of the management plan; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with interested parties to carry out this subtitle.

(Sec. 2006) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2007) Designates the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires the Partnership to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Partnership to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Partnership from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property

(Sec. 2008) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2010) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $15 million; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using assistance under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2011) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Partnership from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2012) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Subtitle B: Niagara Falls National Heritage Area - Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2024) Establishes the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in New York. Specifies the boundaries of the Area.

(Sec. 2025) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

(Sec. 2026) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2027) Designates as the local coordinating entity for the Area: (1) the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Commission (established by section 2028 of this Act) for a five-year period beginning on the enactment of this subtitle; and (2) a private nonprofit or governmental organization designated by the Commission on the expiration of such period.

Requires the local coordinating entity to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the local coordinating entity to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, political jurisdictions, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the local coordinating entity from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 2028) Establishes the Commission. Prohibits the Commission from using federal funds made available to the Commission under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

Requires the Commission to assist in the transition of management to the local coordinating entity.

(Sec. 2029) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2031) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $15 million; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using any assistance made available under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2032) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the local coordinating entity from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2033) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Subtitle C: Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area - Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2044) Establishes the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in Alabama.

(Sec. 2045) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance under the authority of this subtitle for the development and implementation of the management plan; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with interested parties to carry out this subtitle.

(Sec. 2046) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2047) Designates the Muscle Shoals Regional Center as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires the Muscle Shoals Regional Center to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Muscle Shoals Regional Center to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Muscle Shoals Regional Center from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 2048) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2050) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $15 million; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using any assistance made available under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2051) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Muscle Shoals Regional Center from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2052) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Subtitle D: Freedom's Way National Heritage Area - Freedom's Way National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2064) Establishes the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area encompassing 37 communities in Massachusetts and eight communities in New Hampshire.

(Sec. 2065) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

(Sec. 2066) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2067) Designates the Freedom's Way Heritage Association, Inc., as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires the Association to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Association to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Association from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 2068) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2070) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $15 million; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using assistance under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2072) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Association from using federal funds made available under other Acts other than this subtitle for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2072) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Subtitle E: Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area -Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2084) Establishes the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois.

(Sec. 2085) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

(Sec. 2086) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2087) Designates the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires the Coalition to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Coalition to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Coalition from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 2088) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2089) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using assistance under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2091) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Coalition from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2092) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Subtitle F: Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area - Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 2114) Establishes the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona.

(Sec. 2115) Sets forth requirements regarding the management plan for the Area.

(Sec. 2116) Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the accomplishments of the Area by no later than three years before the date on which the authority for federal funding terminates for the Area under this subtitle.

(Sec. 2117) Designates the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, Inc. as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires the Alliance to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Authorizes the Alliance to use federal funds made available under this subtitle to: (1) make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, and other parties within the Area; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to political jurisdictions, nonprofits, federal agencies, and other interested parties.

Prohibits the Alliance from using federal funds authorized under this subtitle to acquire any interest in real property.

(Sec. 2118) Specifies this subtitle's effect with regard to: (1) other federal agencies; and (2) private property and certain related regulatory protections.

(Sec. 2120) Authorizes appropriations. Limits: (1) the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $1 million for any fiscal year; (2) the total amounts that may be appropriated to carry out this subtitle to $15 million; and (3) the federal cost share of any activity carried out using assistance under this subtitle to 50%.

(Sec. 2121) Prohibits anything in this subtitle from precluding the Alliance from using federal funds made available under other laws for the purposes for which those funds were authorized.

(Sec. 2122) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this subtitle 15 years after enactment of this subtitle.

Title III: Study - (Sec. 3001) Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area to be comprised of: (1) the part of eastern coastal Virginia between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers; (2) Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, King George, and Lancaster Counties, Virginia; and (3) other areas adjacent to or in the vicinity of those areas that have similar heritage aspects.

Title IV: Technical Corrections and Additions - (Sec. 4001) Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to make resources in Lincoln County, West Virginia, and Paint Creek and Cabin Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia, as determined to be appropriate by the National Coal Heritage Area Authority, eligible for the provision of assistance.

Requires the Authority (under current law, the governor of West Virginia) to submit a management plan for the Area, which shall set forth the responsibilities of the Authority, as well as those of the Secretary, to administer any properties acquired pursuant to a contractual agreement.

(Sec. 4002) Adds Butler County, Pennsylvania, to the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

(Sec. 4003) Expands the boundaries of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor to include the counties of Berkeley and Saluda and the portion of Georgetown County that is not part of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

(Sec. 4004) Redesignates the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor as the "Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway."

Repeals provisions regarding the establishment and powers and duties of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Committee.

Requires the Ohio & Erie Canal Association to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management plan for the Canalway. Changes reference to the Superintendent of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area to the Superintendent of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Removes all references to the Committee under the requirements with respect to the effect of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 on: (1) zoning or land use control powers; and (2) private property and local zoning ordinance and land use plans. Specifies such Act's effect on the Ohio & Erie Canal Association with respect to such property and plans.

Prohibits the Secretary from providing any financial assistance (under current law, any assistance), as well as making any grants, under such Act after September 30, 2012.

(Sec. 4005) Provides for funds made available under provisions relating to the establishment of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route to be used for the preparation of the strategic plan for the Trail Route. Prohibits requiring a non-federal match for funding made available for the preparation of such plan.

Extends the authorities provided to the Secretary with respect to the Trail Route to September 30, 2011.

(Sec. 4006) Amends the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act to modify requirements concerning the Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. Requires the Commission to be composed of at least 21 members (under current law, 27 members), but not more than 27 members at any given time.

Extends the duration of the Commission from 10 to 15 years after enactment of such Act.

Authorizes the Superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park in New York, upon request, to provide any operational assistance that is appropriate for supporting the implementation of the management plan to public and private organizations in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, including the Commission.

Makes the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Corridor of up to $1 million in any fiscal year available until expended.

Title V: Sense of Congress Regarding Funding - (Sec. 5001) Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should not fund a national heritage area in perpetuity.

Title VI: Application of Certain Laws - (Sec. 6001) Declares that all designated and future designated lands within any natural heritage area for which funding is provided under this Act shall be exclusively governed by relevant state and local laws regarding hunting, fishing, and the possession or use of a weapon, trap, or net.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/16/2008: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 813.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of June 16, 2008

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

6/16/2008: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 813.

Revision by webmaster (May 8, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT