113 S2602 RS: Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act U.S. Senate 2014-07-15 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act

Findings

Congress finds that—(1)the Mountains to Sound Greenway—(A)is a nationally important historical transportation corridor in which native travel routes, pioneer wagon roads, transcontinental railroads, original State highways, and modern interstates are layered into a historical and cultural mosaic that were important in opening the Northwest region of the United States to commerce, transport, settlement, and recreation;(B)remains a crucial transcontinental link within the United States;(C)has a unique and nationally important heritage of outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation; and(D)is a large, iconic, populated area of the United States, exemplified by—(i)hundreds of thousands of acres of forests and fields that are—(I)managed by the Federal Government and State, local, and tribal governments; and(II)in close proximity to a major metropolitan area;(ii)an outstanding array of accessible natural land, which is highlighted by—(I)the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area;(II)the forests of the Teanaway River basin; and(III)the towering Douglas firs of the Issaquah Alps;(iii)dynamic and engaging cultural opportunities, including hundreds of museums, environmental education centers, interpretive trails, festivals, and community centers;(iv)vibrant cities, extensive outdoor recreation, and globally competitive businesses established and thriving in the area; and(v)strong local citizen involvement and collaboration; and(2)the community of Mountains to Sound Greenway has many great stories to share, including stories of—(A)Indian tribes from time immemorial;(B)travel and transport in the West, including footpaths used for trading, transcontinental railroads, and the present-day Mountains to Sound Greenway I–90 National Scenic Byway;(C)settlement and commerce in the Northwest, including the coal mining communities of Roslyn and Newcastle, the railroad communities of Cle Elum and South Cle Elum, the timber communities of Snoqualmie and North Bend, and the agricultural communities of Ellensburg and Carnation;(D)extensive rural working farms and forests of the Snoqualmie and Yakima River valleys and the Cascade foothills; and(E)a strong interrelationship between built and natural environments that strengthens economies and communities.

Purposes

The purposes of this Act are—(1)to recognize the national importance of the natural, historical, and cultural legacies of the Heritage Area, as demonstrated in—(A)the study entitled Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Feasibility Study and dated April 2012; and(B)the document entitled National Heritage Area Feasibility Study Addendum and dated March 2014;(2)to recognize the nationally important role of the Heritage Area as a historical transportation corridor that continues to link the Puget Sound region to the rest of the United States;(3)to recognize the national heritage of the timber and outdoor recreation industries that have developed from the transportation corridor;(4)to recognize the heritage of natural resource conservation in the Pacific Northwest and in the Mountains to Sound Greenway;(5)to conserve, enhance, and interpret the legacy of natural resource conservation and community stewardship, which has been passed from generation to generation within the Heritage Area;(6)to promote heritage, cultural, and recreational tourism;(7)to develop educational and cultural programs for visitors and the general public;(8)to recognize and interpret important events and geographic locations representing key developments in the establishment of the United States, particularly the settlement of the West and the stories of diverse ethnic groups, including members of Indian tribes and others;(9)to enhance a cooperative management framework to assist the Federal Government, State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, and citizens residing in the Heritage Area in conserving, supporting, managing, enhancing, and interpreting the significant historical, cultural, natural, and recreational sites in the Heritage Area;(10)to recognize and interpret the relationship between land and people, which are broad ideals of the United States demonstrated through the integrity of existing resources within the Heritage Area; and(11)to support working relationships between public land managers and the community by creating relevant linkages between the National Park Service, the Forest Service, other relevant Federal agencies, Indian tribes, State and local governments and agencies, and community stakeholders within and surrounding the Heritage Area, in order to conserve, enhance, and interpret cultural and natural resources within the Heritage Area.

Definitions

In this Act:(1)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area established by section 5(a).(2)

Local coordinating entity

The term local coordinating entity means the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area designated by section 5(d).(3)

Management plan

The term management plan means the management plan for the Heritage Area required under section 6.(4)

Map

The term map means the map entitled Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, numbered 1, and dated January 31, 2011.(5)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.(6)

State

The term State means the State of Washington.(7)

Tribal

The term tribal means each of the tribal government of the Snoqualmie, Yakama, Tulalip, Muckleshoot, and Colville Indian tribes.

Designation of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area

(a)

Establishment

There is established in the State the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.(b)

Boundaries

The Heritage Area shall consist of the approximately 1,550,000 acres of land and interests in land located in King and Kittitas counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map, including—(1)the land within the Yakima River Basin upstream of Manastash Creek in Kittitas county, including the Manastash and Teanaway drainages and the cities of Ellensburg, Roslyn, Cle Elum and South Cle Elum; and(2)the land in the Snoqualmie River, Cedar River, and Lake Washington watersheds and the Puget Sound nearshore watersheds in the cities of Seattle, Shoreline, and 22 additional cities in King County.(c)

Map

The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and the local coordinating entity.(d)

Local coordinating entity

(1)

In general

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, a nonprofit corporation recognized by the Federal Government as being organized for charitable purposes in the State, is designated as the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area—(A)to facilitate, in partnership with Federal, State, and local partners, the development of the management plan for the Heritage Area; and(B)to act as a catalyst for the implementation of projects and programs among diverse partners in the Heritage Area.(2)

Duties

To further the purposes of the Heritage Area, the local coordinating entity shall—(A)prepare and submit a management plan for the Heritage Area to the Secretary, in accordance with section 6;(B)facilitate and expedite the implementation of projects and programs among diverse partners in the Heritage Area;(C)encourage economic viability and sustainability that is consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area;(D)every 5 years after the date on which the Secretary has approved the management plan, submit to the Secretary a report that describes—(i)the specific performance goals and accomplishments of the local coordinating entity;(ii)the expenses and income of the local coordinating entity; and(iii)significant grants or contracts made by the local coordinating entity to any other entities during the 5-year period;(E)make available for audit by the Secretary for each fiscal year for which the local coordinating entity receives Federal funds under this Act—(i)information pertaining to the expenditure of the Federal funds received under this Act; and(ii)any funds matched to Federal funds received under this Act; and(F)consult with the Forest Service, National Park Service, the Governor of the State, and the Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands.(3)

Authorities

To further the purposes of the Heritage Area, the local coordinating entity may—(A)make grants to political jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, and other parties within the Heritage Area;(B)enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, political jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, Federal agencies, and other interested parties;(C)hire and compensate staff, including individuals with expertise in—(i)natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resource conservation;(ii)economic and community development; and(iii)heritage and interpretive planning;(D)obtain funds or services from any source, including Federal programs;(E)contract for goods or services; and(F)support activities that—(i)further the purposes of the Heritage Area; and(ii)are consistent with the approved management plan.(4)

Prohibition on acquisition of real property

The local coordinating entity may not acquire land or interests in land through condemnation.

Management plan

(a)

In general

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the Heritage Area.(b)

Requirements

The management plan shall—(1)incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for the conservation, enhancement, management, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historical, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area;(2)take into consideration plans of the Federal Government and State, tribal, and local governments;(3)include—(A)an inventory of the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area that relate to the national importance and themes of the Heritage Area that should be conserved and enhanced;(B)a description of strategies and recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area;(C)a history of—(i)the Mountains to Sound Greenway; and(ii)the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, including the role of the Trust in encouraging stewardship of the Heritage Area by Federal, State, tribal, and local institutions and private organizations;(D)a description of actions Federal, State, tribal, local, and private partners have agreed to take to conserve, enhance, interpret, fund, manage, and develop the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area;(E)a program of implementation for the management plan by the local coordinating entity, including—(i)performance goals; and(ii)commitments for implementation made by partners;(F)the identification of sources of funding and economic development strategies for carrying out the management plan;(G)an analysis of, and recommendations for, means by which Federal, State, and local programs may best be coordinated to carry out this Act;(H)an interpretive plan for the Heritage Area;(I)recommended policies and strategies for resource management, including the development of intergovernmental and interagency agreements to protect, enhance, interpret, fund, manage, and otherwise provide for the enjoyment and understanding of the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area;(J)a definition of the roles of the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and other Federal agencies in the coordination of the Heritage Area and in otherwise furthering the purposes of this Act; and(K)in consultation with the National Park Service and the Forest Service, a plan to share with other communities and interested parties the expertise of the coordinating entity in—(i)reconnecting the people of the United States, with a special emphasis on children, to the outdoors;(ii)promoting community-based recreation and conservation; and(iii)advancing volunteer opportunities in conservation and outdoor recreation.(c)

Deadline

If the local coordinating entity does not submit a proposed management plan to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date on which the local coordinating receives funding under this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary receives and approves the management plan.(d)

Approval of management plan

(1)

Review

Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the management plan, the Secretary shall review and, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, approve or disapprove the management plan on the basis of the criteria established under paragraph (2).(2)

Criteria for approval

In determining whether to approve a management plan for a Heritage Area, the Secretary shall consider whether—(A)the local coordinating entity represents the diverse interests of the Heritage Area, including Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, natural and historical resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, recreational organizations, community members, and private property owners;(B)the local coordinating entity—(i)has afforded adequate opportunity for the public and the involvement of the Federal Government and State, tribal, and local governments in the preparation of the management plan; and(ii)provides for at least annual public meetings to ensure adequate implementation of the management plan;(C)the resource conservation, enhancement, interpretation, funding, and management strategies described in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately conserve, enhance, interpret, fund, manage, and otherwise provide for the enjoyment and understanding of the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area;(D)the management plan would not adversely affect any activities on Federal land authorized under public land laws or land use plans;(E)the local coordinating entity has demonstrated the financial capability, in partnership with others, to carry out the management plan;(F)the Secretary has received adequate assurances from the appropriate State, tribal, and local officials, the support of which is needed to ensure the effective implementation of the State, tribal, and local elements of the management plan;(G)the management plan demonstrates partnerships among the local coordinating entity, the Federal Government, State, tribal, and local governments, regional planning organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private sector parties for implementation of the management plan; and(H)the management plan is consistent with this Act.(e)

Disapproval

(1)

In general

If the Secretary disapproves the management plan, the Secretary shall—(A)advise the local coordinating entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval; and(B)make recommendations to the local coordinating entity for revisions to the management plan.(2)

Deadline

Not later than 180 days after receiving a revised management plan under this subsection, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the revised management plan.(f)

Amendments

(1)

In general

An amendment to the management plan that substantially alters the purposes of the Heritage Area shall be reviewed by the Secretary and approved or disapproved in the same manner as the original management plan.(2)

Implementation

The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds authorized by this Act to implement an amendment to the management plan until the Secretary approves the amendment.(g)

Authorities

The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture may—(1)provide technical assistance under this Act for the implementation of the management plan; and(2)enter into cooperative agreements with the local coordinating entity, State and local agencies, and other interested parties to carry out this Act, including cooperation and cost sharing, as appropriate, to provide more cost-effective and coordinated public land management.

Evaluation; reporting

(a)

In general

Not later than 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall—(1)conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the Heritage Area, in accordance with subsection (b); and(2)prepare and submit a report, in accordance with subsection (c).(b)

Evaluation requirements

An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall—(1)assess the progress of the local coordinating entity with respect to—(A)accomplishing the purposes of this Act; and(B)achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the Heritage Area;(2)analyze the Federal, State, tribal, local, and private investments in the Heritage Area to determine the impact of the investments; and(3)review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the Heritage Area for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the Heritage Area.(c)

Report

Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), 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—(1)shall include recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service with respect to the Heritage Area; and(2)may include recommendations by the Secretary of Agriculture for the future role of the Forest Service with respect to the Heritage Area.

Relationship to other Federal agencies

(a)

In general

Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.(b)

Consultation and coordination

To the maximum extent practicable, any Federal agency planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the Heritage Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the local coordinating entity.(c)

Other Federal agencies

Nothing in this Act—(1)modifies, alters, or amends any law (including regulations) authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency;(2)limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of the Heritage Area; or(3)modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.

Private property and regulatory protections

Nothing in this Act—(1)abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public or private), including the right of a property owner to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the Heritage Area;(2)requires any property owner—(A)to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, tribal, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner; or(B)to modify public access or use of property of the property owner under any other Federal, State, tribal, or local law;(3)alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved land use plan, or other regulatory authority (such as the authority to make safety improvements or increase the capacity of existing roads or to construct new roads or associated developments) of any Federal, State, tribal, or local unit of government or local agency;(4)conveys any land unit of government or agency use or other regulatory authority to any local coordinating entity, including development and management of energy, water, or water-related infrastructure;(5)alters, modifies, diminishes, or extinguishes the treaty rights of any Indian tribe within the Heritage Area;(6)authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights;(7)diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within the Heritage Area; or(8)creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner.

10.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

Authorization of appropriations

Subject to section 6(c) and subsection (b), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $1,000,000 for each fiscal year, to remain available until expended.(b)

Limitations on total amounts appropriated

A total of not more than $15,000,000 may be appropriated to carry out this Act.(c)

Cost-Sharing requirement

(1)

In general

The Federal share of the total cost of the activities carried out under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.(2)

Non-Federal share

The non-Federal share of the cost of activities carried out under this Act may be in the form of in-kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued.(d)

Use of Federal funds from other sources

Nothing in this Act precludes the local coordinating entity from using Federal funds available under other laws for the purposes for which the funds were authorized.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

National Heritage Area Authorization Act of 2014

Definition of Secretary

In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

National heritage area designations

The following areas are designated as national heritage areas, to be administered in accordance with this Act:(1)

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, West Virginia and Maryland

(A)

In general

There is established the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in the States of West Virginia and Maryland, as depicted on the map entitled Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, numbered T07/80,000 and dated October 2007, including—(i)Barbour, Braxton, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Morgan, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties in West Virginia; and(ii)Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Inc., shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).(2)

Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, Washington

(A)

In general

There is established the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area in the State of Washington, to include land in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, Island, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, Grays Harbor counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary, numbered 584/125484 and dated August, 2014.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Pacific Northwest Maritime Heritage Advisory Council, operating under the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).(3)

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, Washington

(A)

In general

There is established the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State of Washington, to consist of land in King and Kittitas counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary, numbered 584/125,484 and dated January 31, 2011.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).(4)

Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area, Pennsylvania

(A)

In general

There is established the Susquehanna Gateway National Heritage Area in the State of Pennsylvania, to include Lancaster and York counties in the State.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Susquehanna Heritage Corporation, a nonprofit organization established under the laws of the State, shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).(5)

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, California

(A)

In general

There is established the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area in the State of California, to consist of land in Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo counties in the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary, numbered T27/105,030 and dated October 2012.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Delta Protection Commission shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).(6)

Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, Alabama

(A)

In general

There is established the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, to include Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties in the State.(B)

Local coordinating entity

The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall be the local coordinating entity for the national heritage area established under subparagraph (A).

Administration

(a)

Authorities

For purposes of carrying out the management plan for each of the national heritage areas designated by section 3, the Secretary, acting through the local coordinating entity, may use amounts made available under section 9—(1)to make grants to the State or a political subdivision of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;(2)to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties;(3)to hire and compensate staff, which shall include individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical resources protection, and heritage programming;(4)to obtain money or services from any source including any money or services that are provided under any other Federal law or program;(5)to contract for goods or services; and(6)to undertake to be a catalyst for any other activity that furthers the national heritage area and is consistent with the approved management plan.(b)

Duties

The local coordinating entity for each of the national heritage areas designated by section 3 shall—(1)in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a management plan for the national heritage area to the Secretary;(2)assist units of local government, regional planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out the approved management plan by—(A)carrying out programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the national heritage area;(B)establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits and programs in the national heritage area;(C)developing recreational and educational opportunities in the national heritage area;(D)increasing public awareness of, and appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources of the national heritage area;(E)protecting and restoring historic sites and buildings in the national heritage area that are consistent with national heritage area themes;(F)ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying points of public access and sites of interest are posted throughout the national heritage area; and(G)promoting a wide range of partnerships among governments, organizations, and individuals to further the national heritage area;(3)consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the national heritage area in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;(4)conduct meetings open to the public at least semiannually regarding the development and implementation of the management plan;(5)for any year that Federal funds have been received under this section—(A)submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the activities, expenses, and income of the local coordinating entity (including grants to any other entities during the year that the report is made);(B)make available to the Secretary for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the funds and any matching funds; and(C)require, with respect to all agreements authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by other organizations, that the organizations receiving the funds make available to the Secretary for audit all records concerning the expenditure of the funds; and(6)encourage by appropriate means economic viability that is consistent with the national heritage area.(c)

Prohibition on the acquisition of real property

The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds made available under section 9 to acquire real property or any interest in real property.

Management plan

(a)

In general

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity for each of the national heritage areas designated by section 3 shall submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the national heritage area.(b)

Requirements

The management plan shall—(1)incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the national heritage area;(2)take into consideration State and local plans;(3)include—(A)an inventory of—(i)the resources located in the national heritage area; and(ii)any other property in the national heritage area that—(I)is related to the themes of the national heritage area; and(II)should be preserved, restored, managed, or maintained because of the significance of the property;(B)comprehensive policies, strategies and recommendations for conservation, funding, management, and development of the national heritage area;(C)a description of actions that governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to take to protect the natural, historical and cultural resources of the national heritage area;(D)a program of implementation for the management plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a description of—(i)actions to facilitate ongoing collaboration among partners to promote plans for resource protection, restoration, and construction; and(ii)specific commitments for implementation that have been made by the local coordinating entity or any government, organization, or individual for the first 5 years of operation;(E)the identification of sources of funding for carrying out the management plan;(F)analysis and recommendations for means by which Federal, State, and local programs, including the role of the National Park Service in the national heritage area, may best be coordinated to carry out this section; and(G)an interpretive plan for the national heritage area; and(4)recommend policies and strategies for resource management that consider and detail the application of appropriate land and water management techniques, including the development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative agreements to protect the natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the national heritage area.(c)

Deadline

If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary receives and approves the management plan.(d)

Approval or disapproval of management plan

(1)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the management plan under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall approve or disapprove the management plan.(2)

Criteria for approval

In determining whether to approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether—(A)the local coordinating entity is representative of the diverse interests of the national heritage area, including governments, natural and historic resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and recreational organizations;(B)the local coordinating entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan; and(C)the resource protection and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the national heritage area.(3)

Action following disapproval

If the Secretary disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—(A)advise the local coordinating entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval;(B)make recommendations for revisions to the management plan; and(C)not later than 180 days after the receipt of any proposed revision of the management plan from the local coordinating entity, approve or disapprove the proposed revision.(4)

Amendments

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove each amendment to the management plan that the Secretary determines make a substantial change to the management plan.(B)

Use of funds

The local coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds authorized by this section to carry out any amendments to the management plan until the Secretary has approved the amendments.

Relationship to other Federal agencies

(a)

In general

Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.(b)

Consultation and coordination

The head of any Federal agency planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on a national heritage area designated by section 3 is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the local coordinating entity to the maximum extent practicable.(c)

Other federal agencies

Nothing in this Act—(1)modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency;(2)limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of a national heritage area designated by section 3; or(3)modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.

Private property and regulatory protections

Nothing in this Act—(1)abridges the rights of any property owner (whether public or private), including the right to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a national heritage area designated by section 3;(2)requires any property owner—(A)to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner; or(B)to modify public access or use of property of the property owner under any other Federal, State, or local law;(3)alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, tribal, or local agency,(4)conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the local coordinating entity;(5)authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights;(6)diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within a national heritage area designated by section 3; or(7)creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any person injured on the private property.

Evaluation and report

(a)

In general

For each of the national heritage areas designated by section 3, not later than 3 years before the date on which authority for Federal funding terminates for each national heritage area, the Secretary shall—(1)conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the national heritage area; and(2)prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).(b)

Evaluation

An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall—(1)assess the progress of the local management entity with respect to—(A)accomplishing the purposes of the authorizing legislation for the national heritage area; and(B)achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the national heritage area;(2)analyze the investments of Federal, State, tribal, and local government and private entities in each national heritage area to determine the impact of the investments; and(3)review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the national heritage area for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the national heritage area.(c)

Report

Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service with respect to the national heritage area.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

In general

There is authorized to be appropriated for each national heritage area designated by section 3 to carry out the purposes of this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be made available in any fiscal year.(b)

Availability

Amounts made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.(c)

Cost-sharing requirement

(1)

In general

The Federal share of the total cost of any activity under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.(2)

Form

The non-Federal contribution of the total cost of any activity under this Act may be in the form of in-kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued.(d)

Termination of authority

The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act (other than sections 10 and 11) terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

10.

Extension of national heritage area authorities

(a)Section 12 of Public Law 100–692 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 102 Stat. 4558; 112 Stat. 3258; 123 Stat. 1292; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314) is amended—(1)in subsection (c)(1), by striking 2015 and inserting 2030; and(2)in subsection (d), by striking 2015 and inserting 2030 .(b)Division II of Public Law 104–333 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by striking 2015 each place it appears in the following sections and inserting 2030:(1)Section 107 (110 Stat. 4244; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(2)Section 408 (110 Stat. 4256; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(3)Section 507 (110 Stat. 4260; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(4)Section 707 (110 Stat. 4267; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(5)Section 809 (110 Stat. 4275; 122 Stat. 826; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(6)Section 910 (110 Stat. 4281; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314).(c)Section 109 of Public Law 105–355 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 112 Stat. 3252) is amended by striking September 30, 2014 and inserting September 30, 2030.(d)Public Law 106–278 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended—(1)in section 108 (114 Stat. 818; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314), by striking 2015 and inserting 2030; and(2)in section 209 (114 Stat. 824), by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this title and inserting September 30, 2030.(e)Section 157(i) of Public Law 106–291 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 114 Stat. 967) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2030.(f)Section 7 of Public Law 106–319 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 114 Stat. 1284) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2030.(g)Section 804(j) of title VIII of division B of H.R. 5666 (Appendix D) as enacted into law by section 1(a)(4) of Public Law 106–554 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-295; 123 Stat. 1294) is amended by striking the day occurring 15 years after the date of enactment of this title and inserting September 30, 2030.

11.

John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor amendments

Public Law 99–647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; 100 Stat. 3625) is amended—(1)in the first sentence of section 2 (110 Stat. 4202), by striking the map entitled Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Boundary Map, numbered BRV–80–80,011, and dated May 2, 1993 and inserting the map entitled John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor—Proposed Boundary, numbered 022/111530, and dated November 10, 2011;(2)in section 7 (120 Stat. 1858, 125 Stat. 155)—(A)in the section heading, by striking

termination of commission

and inserting

termination of commission; designation of local coordinating entity

;(B)by striking The Commission and inserting the following:

(a)

In general

The Commission

; and

(C)by adding at the end the following:

(b)

Local coordinating entity

(1)

Designation

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc., shall be the local coordinating entity for the Corridor (referred to in this section as the local coordinating entity).(2)

Implementation of management plan

The local coordinating entity shall assume the duties of the Commission for the implementation of the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan developed and approved under section 6.(c)

Use of funds

For the purposes of carrying out the management plan, the local coordinating entity may use amounts made available under this Act—(1)to make grants to the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (referred to in this section as the States), political subdivisions of the States, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;(2)to enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to the States, political subdivisions of the States, nonprofit organizations, Federal agencies, and other interested parties;(3)to hire and compensate staff, including individuals with expertise in—(A)natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, and recreational resource conservation;(B)economic and community development; or(C)heritage planning;(4)to obtain funds or services from any source, including funds and services provided under any other Federal law or program;(5)to contract for goods or services; and(6)to support activities of partners and any other activities that further the purposes of the Corridor and are consistent with the approved management plan.

;

(3)in section 8 (120 Stat. 1858)—(A)in subsection (b)—(i)by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

The Secretary

; and

(ii)by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Cooperative agreements

Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the local coordinating entity designated by paragraph (1) and other public or private entities for the purpose of—(A)providing technical assistance; or(B)implementing the plan under section 6(c).

; and

(B)by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

(d)

Transition memorandum of understanding

The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the local coordinating entity to ensure—(1)the appropriate transition of management of the Corridor from the Commission to the local coordinating entity; and(2)coordination regarding the implementation of the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan.

;

(4)in section 10 (104 Stat. 1018, 120 Stat. 1858)—(A)in subsection (a), by striking in which the Commission is in existence and inserting until September 30, 2016; and(B)by striking subsection (c); and(5)by adding at the end the following:

11.

References to the Corridor, Inc

For purposes of sections 6, 8 (other than section 8(d)(1)), 9, and 10, a reference to the Commission shall be considered to be a reference to the local coordinating entity.

12.

Redesignation of the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor

(a)

In general

The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; Public Law 103–449) is amended—(1)in section 103—(A)in the heading, by striking

Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

and inserting

Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor

; and(B)in subsection (a), by striking the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor and inserting The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor; and(2)in section 108(2), by striking the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor under and inserting The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor established by.(b)

References

Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor shall be deemed to be a reference to the The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.

December 10, 2014

Reported with an amendment