§120103 National Heritage Area Studies and Designation

Summary

The Secretary may study or review places being proposed as National Heritage Areas, but only if money is available. The study can be done by the Secretary working with State and local preservation officers, historical societies, tourism offices, and other local groups and agencies, or it can be done by outside individuals or organizations if the Secretary certifies the finished study meets the law’s rules. If outsiders do the study, the Secretary must check and certify it within 1 year. Each study must analyze whether the area has natural, historic, and cultural resources that tell parts of U.S. history, are worth protecting and using, and would be best managed by public‑private partnerships that connect different places and communities. The study must also show the area reflects local traditions and folklife, offers strong chances for conservation, recreation, and education, has important, intact resources tied to its themes, includes a diverse group of local supporters with a basic funding plan showing roles (including the Federal Government), has a likely management partner to work with the community and support local economic activity, and has a public-backed boundary map. The Secretary must send a report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources that lists public support or opposition, the study findings, and the Secretary’s conclusions. If the Secretary does the study, the report is due no later than 3 years after funding starts. If outsiders do the study, the report is due no later than 180 days after the Secretary certifies the study meets the requirements. Only an act of Congress can officially designate a National Heritage Area.