§430g–7 Conservation within Gettysburg Battlefield historic district

Summary

The Secretary must encourage landowners, local governments, groups, and businesses to protect and care for the Gettysburg historic district. The Secretary must give priority when awarding certain grants and providing technical help to projects in the district that keep its historic character. The Secretary may give technical help to local governments and help landowners make property plans. At a local or county government's request, the Secretary must pay up to 50 percent of that government's planning costs for comprehensive plans and land-use rules that protect the district, but only if Congress provides the money. The Secretary may accept donated conservation easements on land in the district after a recommendation from the Director of the National Park Service and consultation with the Advisory Commission. Any federal or federally assisted action in the district must be as consistent as possible with preserving the district, including its rural, farm, and town features, and must follow the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Federal agencies in charge of or permitting a proposed action must prepare a detailed analysis early and send it to the Secretary. If the Secretary finds the action is not consistent, the agency must not go forward until it submits a written justification to the appropriate Congressional committees, giving time for comment, and explaining the action’s effects on the historic character, the social and economic need, all alternatives, the comparative benefits, and mitigation measures.