Sec. 5. Study areas
500 words·~2 min read·
/bill/116/hr/1049/eh/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary may carry out or certify a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating a specific geographic area as a National Heritage Area to be included in the National Heritage Area System. The feasibility study shall be carried out— by the Secretary in consultation with Tribal, State, and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies; or by interested individuals or entities, if the Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of paragraph (4).
Not later than 1 year after receiving a study carried out by interested individuals or entities under paragraph (2)(B) the Secretary shall review and certify whether the study meets the requirements of paragraph (4). A study under paragraph
(1)shall include analysis, documentation, and determination on whether the study area— has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that— represent distinct aspects of the heritage of the United States; are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and would be best managed— through partnerships among public and private entities; and by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources; reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States; provides outstanding opportunities— to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and for recreation and education; contains resources that— are important to any identified themes of the study area; and retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation; includes Tribal governments, residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that— are involved in the planning of the study area; have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the study area, including the Federal Government; and have demonstrated support for the designation of the study area; has a potential local coordinating entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in paragraph
(1)to develop the study area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public. For each study carried out under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes— the findings of the study described in subsection
(a)for that study area; and any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. With respect to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph
(A)not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study. With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals or entities in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph
(A)not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3).