[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3962 Introduced in House (IH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 3962

To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to 
undertake initiatives to address certain needs in the Lower Mississippi 
                 Delta Region, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 3, 1994

 Mr. Thompson of Mississippi introduced the following bill; which was 
  referred jointly to the Committees on Education and Labor, Natural 
   Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to 
undertake initiatives to address certain needs in the Lower Mississippi 
                 Delta Region, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Lower Mississippi Delta Initiatives 
Act of 1994''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Sec. 1. Short Title.
Sec. 2. Table of Contents.
Sec. 3. Findings.
Sec. 4. Definitions.
       TITLE I--INITIATIVES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Natural Resources and Environmental Educational Initiatives.
Sec. 103. Lower Mississippi Delta Region Heritage Study.
Sec. 104. Delta Region Heritage Corridors and Heritage and Cultural 
                            Centers.
Sec. 105. Historic and Prehistoric Structures and Sites Survey.
Sec. 106. Delta Antiquities Survey.
Sec. 107. Historic and Archeological Resources Program.
Sec. 108. Authorization of Appropriations.
         TITLE II--INITIATIVES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Delta Energy Technology and Business Development Center.
Sec. 203. Institutional Conservation Program for the Delta Region.
Sec. 204. Energy Related Educational Initiatives.
Sec. 205. Integrated Biomass Energy Systems.
Sec. 206. Weatherization Assistance Program for the Delta Region.
Sec. 207. Renewable Energy Production Incentives.

SEC. 3. FINDINGS.

    (a) The Congress finds that--
            (1) in 1988, Congress enacted Public Law 100-460, 
        establishing the Lower Mississippi Delta Development 
        Commission, to assess the needs, problems, and opportunities of 
        people living in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region that 
        includes 219 counties and parishes within the States of 
        Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, 
        and Tennessee;
            (2) the Commission conducted a thorough investigation to 
        assess these needs, problems, and opportunities, and held 
        several public hearings throughout the Delta Region;
            (3) on the basis of these investigations, the Commission 
        issued the Delta Initiatives Report, which included 
        recommendations on natural resource protection, historic 
        preservation, and the enhancement of educational and other 
        opportunities in the areas of mathematics and science and 
        technology transfer for Delta residents;
            (4) the Delta Initiatives Report recommended--
                    (A) the implementation of pre-college education 
                programs in mathematics and science as well as other 
                initiatives to enhance the educational and technical 
                capabilities of the Delta Region's workforce;
                    (B) that States and local school systems seek ways 
                to expand the pool of qualified educators in 
                mathematics and sciences;
                    (C) that institutions of higher education in the 
                Delta Region work with local school districts to 
                promote mathematics and science education;
                    (D) that Federal grant-making agencies target more 
                research and development monies in selected areas to 
                institutions of higher education in the Delta Region, 
                including Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
                    (E) that institutions of higher education establish 
                a regional consortium to provide technical assistance 
                and training to increase international trade between 
                businesses in the Delta Region and foreign countries;
                    (F) designating the Great River Road as a scenic 
                byway, and designating other hiking and motorized 
                trails throughout the Delta Region;
                    (G) that the Federal Government identify sites and 
                structures of historic and prehistoric importance 
                throughout the Delta Region;
                    (H) the further study of potential new units of the 
                National Park System within the Delta Region;
                    (I) that the Federal Government should create 
                economic incentives to encourage the location of value-
                added facilities for processing agricultural products 
                within the Delta Region; and
                    (J) that Congress provide practical incentives to 
                encourage the construction of alternative fuel 
                production facilities in the Delta Region.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this Act, the term--
            (1) ``Commission'' means the Lower Mississippi Delta 
        Development Commission established pursuant to Public Law 100-
        460;
            (2) ``Delta Initiatives Report'' means the May 14, 1990 
        Final Report of the Commission entitled ``The Delta 
        Initiatives: Realizing the Dream * * * Fulfilling the 
        Potential'';
            (3) ``Delta Region'' means the Lower Mississippi Delta 
        Region including the 219 counties and parishes within the 
        States of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
        Missouri, and Tennessee, as defined in the Delta Initiatives 
        Report, except that, for any State for which the Delta Region 
        was defined in such report comprises more than half of the 
        geographic area of such State, the entire State shall be 
        considered part of the Delta Region for purposes of this Act;
            (4) ``Historically Black College or University'' means a 
        college or university that would be considered a ``part B 
        institution'' by section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)); and
            (5) ``minority college or university'' means a Historically 
        Black College or University that would be considered a ``part B 
        institution'' by section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)) or a ``minority institution'' as that 
        term is defined in section 1046 of the Higher Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1135d-5(3)).

       TITLE I--INITIATIVES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this title, the term--
            (1) ``Department'' means the United States Department of 
        the Interior, unless otherwise specifically stated; and
            (2) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior, 
        unless otherwise specifically stated.

SEC. 102. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES.

    (a) Office of Education.--(1) There shall be established within the 
Department an Office of Education to encourage, support, and coordinate 
education programs of the Department at the elementary, secondary, 
college and university, and graduate levels.
    (2) The goals of the Office of Education shall be to--
            (A) enhance the quality of education in the areas of 
        natural resources, the environment, the sciences, cultural 
        resources management, historic preservation, archeology, 
        aquaculture, and related subjects;
            (B) establish initiatives at minority colleges or 
        universities;
            (C) encourage the consideration of careers in the areas of 
        natural resources, the environment, the sciences, cultural 
        resource management, historic preservation, archeology, 
        aquaculture, and related subjects;
            (D) enhance teacher development and recruitment;
            (E) increase research opportunities for teachers and 
        students;
            (F) enhance curriculum development; and
            (G) improve laboratory instrumentation and equipment 
        through purchase, loan, or other transfer mechanisms.
    (b) Duties.--The duties of the Secretary, through the Office of 
Education, shall be to--
            (1) coordinate the educational programs within the 
        Department, including implementation of programs established 
        under this title, in order to ensure the goals of the Office of 
        Education are met; and
            (2) inventory existing education programs within the 
        Department.
    (c) The Secretary shall report to Congress, within one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, on an 
inventory of existing education programs of the Department, the status 
of such programs, and progress toward meeting the goals of the Office 
of Education as established in this Act.
    (d) Minority College and University Initiative.--(1) Within one 
year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, 
the Secretary, through the Office of Education, shall submit to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate 
and to the United States House of Representatives a report identifying 
opportunities for minority colleges or universities to participate in 
programs and activities carried out by the Department. The Secretary, 
through the Office of Education, shall consult with representatives of 
minority colleges or universities in preparing the report. Such report 
shall--
            (A) describe ongoing education and training programs 
        carried out by the Department with respect to, or in 
        conjunction with, minority colleges or universities in the 
        areas of natural resources, the environment, the sciences, 
        cultural resource management, historic preservation, 
        archeology, aquaculture, and related subjects;
            (B) describe ongoing research, development or demonstration 
        programs involving the Department and minority colleges or 
        universities;
            (C) describe funding levels for the programs referred to in 
        subparagraphs (A) and (B);
            (D) include specific proposals and recommendations for 
        providing assistance to minority colleges and universities to 
        enter into memoranda of understanding and other appropriate 
        forms of agreement with the Department in order to plan and 
        develop programs to foster greater involvement of these schools 
        in the contract, research, education, training, and recruitment 
        activities of the Department;
            (E) address the need for, and potential role of, the 
        Department in providing minority colleges or universities 
        with--
                    (i) increased research opportunities for faculty 
                and students;
                    (ii) assistance in faculty department and 
                recruitment;
                    (iii) curriculum enhancement and development; and
                    (iv) improved laboratory instrumentation and 
                equipment, through purchase, loan, or other transfer 
                mechanisms;
            (F) address the need for, and potential role of, the 
        Department in providing financial and technical assistance for 
        the development of infrastructure facilities, including 
        buildings and laboratory facilities, at minority colleges or 
        universities; and
            (G) include specific proposals and recommendations, 
        together with estimates of necessary funding levels, for 
        initiatives to be carried out by the Department in order to 
        assist minority colleges or universities in providing education 
        and training in the areas of natural resources, the 
        environment, the sciences, cultural resource management, 
        historic preservation, archeology, aquaculture, and related 
        subjects.
    (2) The Secretary, through the Office of Education, shall encourage 
memoranda of understanding and other appropriate forms of agreement 
between the Department and minority colleges or universities directed 
at jointly planning and developing programs to foster greater 
involvement of minority colleges or universities in the research, 
education, training, and recruitment activities of the Department.
    (e) Scholarship Program.--The Secretary, through the Office of 
Education, shall establish a scholarship program for students pursuing 
undergraduate or graduate degrees in natural resource and environmental 
related fields including, but not limited to: biology, wildlife 
biology, forestry, botany, horticulture, historic preservation, 
cultural resource management, archeology, anthropology, aquaculture, 
geology, engineering, the environment, the sciences, and ecology at 
minority colleges and universities in the Delta Region. The scholarship 
program shall include tuition assistance. Recipients of such 
scholarships shall be students deemed by the Secretary to have 
demonstrated (1) a need for such assistance; and (2) academic potential 
in the particular area of study.
    (f) Pre-College Education.--The Secretary, through the Office of 
Education, shall undertake activities to encourage pre-college 
education programs in subjects relating to natural resources, the 
environment, the sciences, cultural resource management, historic 
preservation, archeology, aquaculture, and related subjects, for 
students in the Delta Region. Such activities shall include, but not be 
limited to, the following:
            (1) Cooperation with, and assistance to, State departments 
        of education and local school districts in the Delta Region to 
        develop and carry out after school and summer education 
        programs for elementary, middle, and secondary school students.
            (2) Cooperation with, and assistance to, institutions of 
        higher education in the Delta Region to develop and carry out 
        pre-college education programs for elementary, middle, and 
        secondary school students.
            (3) Cooperation with, and assistance to, State departments 
        of education and local school districts in the Delta Region in 
        the development and use of curriculum and educational 
        materials.
            (4) The establishment of education programs for elementary, 
        middle, and secondary school teachers in the Delta Region at 
        research facilities of the Department.
    (g) Volunteer Program.--The Secretary, through the Office of 
Education, shall establish and carry out a program to encourage the 
involvement on a voluntary basis of qualified employees of the 
Department in educational enrichment programs relating to natural 
resources, the environment, the sciences, cultural resource management, 
historic preservation, archeology, aquaculture, and related subjects, 
in cooperation with State departments of education and local school 
districts in the Delta Region.
    (h) Women and Minorities in the Sciences.--The Secretary, through 
the Office of Education, shall establish a Center for Excellence in the 
Sciences at Alcorn State in Lorman, Mississippi, in cooperation with 
Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the University of 
Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and other minority colleges or 
universities for purposes of encouraging women and minority students in 
the Delta Region to study and pursue careers in the sciences. The 
Center shall enter into cooperative agreements with Southern University 
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the University of Arkansas at Pine 
Bluff, Arkansas, and other minority colleges and universities in the 
Delta Region, to carry out affiliated programs and coordinate programs 
activities at such colleges and universities. The Secretary is 
authorized to provide grants and other forms of financial assistance to 
the Center.
    (i) Center for Aquaculture Studies.--The Secretary, through the 
Office of Education, shall establish a Center for Aquaculture Studies 
at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in cooperation 
with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Alcorn State in 
Lorman, Mississippi, and other minority colleges or universities for 
purposes of encouraging women and minority students in the Delta Region 
to study and pursue careers in the field of aquaculture. The Center 
shall enter into cooperative agreements with Southern University in 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Alcorn State in Lorman, Mississippi, and 
other minority colleges or universities in the Delta Region to carry 
out affiliated programs and coordinate program activities at such 
colleges or universities.
    (j) Coordination With Other Federal Agencies.--The Secretary, 
through the Office of Education, shall ensure that the programs 
authorized in this section are coordinated with, and complimentary to, 
educational assistance programs administered by other Federal agencies. 
These agencies include, but are not limited to, the Department of 
Energy, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, the 
Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

SEC. 103. LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA REGION HERITAGE STUDY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the States of 
the Delta Region, the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center, and 
other appropriate Delta Region institutions, is directed to prepare and 
transmit to the Congress within three years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, a study of significant natural, recreational, 
historical or prehistorical, and cultural lands, waters, sites, and 
structures located within the Delta Region. This study shall take into 
consideration the research and inventory of resources conducted by the 
Mississippi River Heritage Corridor Study Commission.
    (b) Transportation Routes.--(1) The study shall include 
recommendations on appropriate designation and interpretation of 
historically significant roads, trails, byways, waterways, or other 
routes within the Delta Region.
    (2) In order to provide for public appreciation, education, 
understanding, interpretation, and enjoyment of the significant sites 
identified pursuant to subsection (a), which are accessible by public 
roads, the Secretary shall recommend in the study vehicular tour routes 
along existing public roads linking such sites within the Delta Region.
    (3) Such recommendations shall include an analysis of designating 
the Great River Road (as depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Delta 
Transportation Network'' on pages 102-103 of the Delta Initiatives 
Report) and other sections of the Great River Road between Baton Rouge 
and New Orleans, Louisiana and an analysis of designating that portion 
of the Old Antonio Road and the Louisiana Natchez Trace which extends 
generally along Highway 84 from Vidalia, Louisiana, to Clarence, 
Louisiana, and Louisiana Highway 6 from Clarence, Louisiana, to the 
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana, as a National Scenic Byway, or as a 
component of the National Trails System, or such other designation as 
the Secretary deems appropriate.
    (4) The Secretary shall also recommend in the study an appropriate 
route along existing public roads to commemorate the importance of 
timber production and trade to the economic development of the Delta 
Region in the early twentieth century, and to highlight the continuing 
importance of timber production and trade to the economic life of the 
Delta Region. Recommendations shall include an analysis of designating 
that portion of US 165 which extends from Alexandria, Louisiana, to 
Monroe, Louisiana, as a National Scenic Byway, or as a component of the 
National Trails System, or such other designation as the Secretary 
deems appropriate.
    (5) The study shall also include a comprehensive recreation, 
interpretive, and visitor use plan for the routes described in the 
above paragraphs, including bicycle and hiking paths, and make specific 
recommendations for the acquisition and construction of related 
interpretive and visitor information facilities at selected sites along 
such routes.
    (6) The Secretary is authorized to make grants to States for work 
necessary to stabilize, maintain, and widen public roads to allow for 
adequate access to the nationally significant sites and structures 
identified by the study, to allow for proper use of the vehicular tour 
route, trails, byways, including the routes defined in paragraphs (3) 
and (4) or other public roads within the Delta Region and to implement 
the comprehensive recreation, interpretive, and visitor use plan 
required in paragraph (5).
    (c) Listing.--On the basis of the study, and in consultation with 
the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Secretary shall 
inventory significant structures and sites in the Delta Region. The 
Secretary shall further recommend and encourage cooperative 
preservation and economic development efforts such as the establishment 
of preservation districts linking groups of contiguous counties or 
parishes, especially those that lie along the aforementioned designated 
routes. The Secretary shall prepare a list of the sites and structures 
for possible inclusion by the National Park Service as National 
Historic Landmarks of such other designation as the Secretary deems 
appropriate.

SEC. 104. DELTA REGION HERITAGE CORRIDORS AND HERITAGE AND CULTURAL 
              CENTERS.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
            (1) in 1990, the Congress authorized the Institute of 
        Museum Services to prepare a report assessing the needs of 
        small, emerging, minority, and rural museums in order to 
        identify the resources such museums needed to meet their 
        education mission, to identify the areas of museum operation in 
        which the needs were greatest, and to make recommendations on 
        how these needs could best be met;
            (2) the Institute of Museum Services undertook a 
        comprehensive eighteen month study of such needs with the 
        assistance of two advisory groups, surveyed 524 museums from 
        throughout the Nation, held discussion groups in which 
        representatives of 25 museum groups participated, and conducted 
        case studies of 12 museum facilities around the Nation;
            (3) on the basis of this assessment, the Institute of 
        Museum Services issued a report in September 1992, entitled, 
        ``National Needs Assessment of Small, Emerging, Minority and 
        Rural Museums in the United States'' (hereinafter ``National 
        Needs Assessment'') which found that small, emerging, minority, 
        and rural museums provide valuable educational and cultural 
        resources for their communities and contain a reservoir of the 
        Nation's material, cultural and scientific heritage, but due to 
        inadequate resources are unable to meet their full potential or 
        the demands of the surrounding communities;
            (4) the needs of these institutions are not being met 
        through existing Federal programs;
            (5) fewer than half of the participants in the survey had 
        applied for Federal assistance in the past two years and that 
        many small, emerging, minority and rural museums believe 
        existing Federal programs do not meet their needs;
            (6) based on the National Needs Assessment, that funding 
        agencies should increase support available to small, emerging, 
        minority, and rural museums and make specific recommendations 
        for increasing technical assistance in order to identify such 
        institutions and provide assistance to facilitate their 
        participation in Federal programs;
            (7) the Delta Initiatives Report made specific 
        recommendations for the creation and development of centers for 
        the preservation of the cultural, historical, scientific and 
        literary heritage of the Delta Region, including 
        recommendations for the establishment of a Delta Region Native 
        American Heritage and Cultural Center and a Delta Region 
        African American Heritage and Cultural Center with additional 
        satellite centers or museums linked throughout the Delta 
        Region;
            (8) the Delta Initiatives Report stated that new ways of 
        coordinating, preserving, and promoting the Delta Region's 
        literature, art, and music should be established including the 
        creation of a network to promote the Delta Region's literary, 
        artistic, and musical heritage; and
            (9) wholesale destruction and attrition of archeological 
        sites and structures has eliminated a significant portion of 
        Native American heritage as well as the interpretive potential 
        of the Delta Region's parks and museums. Furthermore, site and 
        structure destruction is so severe that an ambitious program of 
        site and structure acquisition in the Delta Region is 
        necessary.
    (b) General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the States of the 
Delta Region, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, the 
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Director of 
the Smithsonian Institution, the Lower Mississippi Delta Development 
Center, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other Delta 
Regional educational institutions, and appropriate African American and 
Native American organizations in the Delta Region, is further directed 
to prepare and transmit to the Congress a plan outlining specific 
recommendations, including recommendations for necessary funding, for 
the establishment of a Delta Region Native American Heritage Corridor 
and Heritage and Cultural Center with a network of satellite or 
cooperative units.
    (c) Delta Region Native American Heritage Corridor and Cultural 
Center.--(1) The plan referred to in subsection (b) of this section 
shall include recommendations for establishing a network of parks, 
museums, and other centers to interpret Native American culture and 
heritage in the Delta Region, including a ten year development strategy 
for such a network.
    (2) Such plan shall include specific proposals for the development 
of a Native American Heritage Corridor and Heritage and Cultural Center 
in the Delta Region, along with recommendations for the appropriate 
Federal role in such a center including matching grants, technical and 
interpretive assistance.
    (3) Such plan shall be conducted in consultation with tribal 
leaders in the Delta Region.
    (4) Such plan shall also include specific proposals for educational 
and training assistance for Delta Region Native Americans to carry out 
the recommendations provided in the study.
    (d) Delta Region African American Heritage Corridor and Heritage 
and Cultural Center.--(1) The plan referred to in subsection (b) of 
this section shall include recommendations for establishing a heritage 
corridor or trail system, consisting of one or two major north-south 
routes and several east-west-spur loops to preserve, interpret and 
commemorate the African American heritage and culture in the Delta 
Region during all significant historical periods.
    (2) Such plan shall make specific recommendations for representing 
all forms of expressive culture including the musical, folklore, 
literary, artistic, scientific, historical, educational, and political 
contributions and accomplishments of African Americans in the Delta 
Region.
    (3) Such plan shall make specific recommendations for implementing 
the findings of the Delta Initiatives Report with respect to 
establishing an African American Heritage Corridor and Heritage and 
Cultural Center and related satellite museums in the Delta Region, 
together with specific funding levels necessary to carry out these 
recommendations and shall also include recommendations for improving 
access of small, emerging, minority or rural museums to technical and 
financial assistance.
    (4) Such plan shall be conducted in consultation with institutions 
of higher education in the Delta Region with expertise in African 
American studies, Southern studies, archeology, anthropology, history 
and other relevant fields.
    (5) Such plan shall make specific recommendations for improving 
educational programs offered by existing cultural facilities and 
museums as well as establishing new outreach programs for elementary, 
middle and secondary schools, including summer programs for youth in 
the Delta Region.
    (e)(1) In furtherance of the purposes of this section, the 
Secretary is authorized to make planning grants to State Humanities 
Councils in the Delta Region to assist small, emerging, minority and 
rural museums selected on a financial needs basis in the development of 
a comprehensive long term plan for these institutions. The Secretary is 
also authorized to make implementation grants to State Humanities 
Councils in the Delta Region who, in consultations with State Museum 
Associations, shall make grants to small, emerging, minority or rural 
museums for the purpose of carrying out an approved plan for training 
personnel, improving exhibits or other steps necessary to assure the 
integrity of collections in their facilities, for educational outreach 
programs, or for other activities the Secretary deems appropriate 
including the promotion of tourism in the region. Such institutions 
shall be selected competitively and on the basis of demonstrated 
financial need. The Secretary is also authorized to make grants to 
State Humanities Councils to update, simplify and coordinate the 
respective State Works Progress Administration guides and to develop a 
single comprehensive guide for the Delta Region.
    (2) The Secretary is authorized to provide grants and other 
appropriate technical assistance to State Humanities Councils, State 
Museum Associations, and State Arts Councils in the Delta Region for 
the purpose of assessing the needs of such institutions. Such grants 
may be used by these institutions to undertake such an assessment and 
to provide other technical, administrative and planning assistance to 
small, emerging, minority or rural institutions seeking to preserve the 
Delta Region's literary, artistic, and musical heritage.
    (f) Music Heritage Program.--(1) The plan referred to in subsection 
(b) of this section shall include recommendations for establishing a 
Music Heritage Program, with specific emphasis on the Mississippi Delta 
Blues. The plan shall include specific recommendations for developing a 
network of heritage sites, structures, small museums, and festivals in 
the Delta Region.
    (2) The plan shall include an economic strategy for the promotion 
of the Delta Region's music, through the participation of musicians, 
festival developers, museum operators, universities, and other relevant 
individuals and organizations.
    (g) Completion Date.--The plan authorized in this section shall be 
completed not later than three years after the date funds are made 
available for such plan.

SEC. 105. HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC STRUCTURES AND SITES SURVEY.

    (a) Assistance.--The Secretary is authorized to provide technical 
and financial assistance to Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities to undertake a comprehensive survey of historic and 
prehistoric structures and sites located on their campuses, including 
recommendations as to the inclusion of appropriate structures and sites 
on the National Register of Historic Places, designation as National 
Historic Landmarks, or other appropriate designation as determined by 
the Secretary. The Secretary shall also make specific proposals and 
recommendations, together with estimates of necessary funding levels, 
for a Comprehensive Plan to be carried out by the Department to assist 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the preservation and 
interpretation of such sites and structures.
    (b) Grants.--In furtherance of the purposes of this section, the 
Secretary is authorized to provide technical and financial assistance 
to Historically Black Colleges and Universities for stabilization, 
preservation and interpretation of such sites and structures.

SEC. 106. DELTA ANTIQUITIES SURVEY.

    (a) General.--(1) The Secretary is directed to prepare and transmit 
to the Congress, in cooperation with the States of the Delta Region, 
State Archeological Surveys and Regional Archeological Centers, a study 
of the feasibility of establishing a Delta Antiquities Trail or Delta 
Antiquities Heritage Corridor in the Delta Region.
    (2) Such study shall, to the extent practicable, use nonintrusive 
methods of identifying, surveying, inventorying, and stabilizing 
ancient archeological sites and structures.
    (3) In undertaking this study, the Secretary is directed to enter 
into cooperative agreements with the States of the Delta Region, the 
State Archeological Surveys, and Regional Archeological Centers located 
in Delta Region institutions of higher education for on-site activities 
including surveys, inventories, and stabilization and other activities 
which the Secretary deems appropriate.
    (4) In addition to the over 100 known ancient archeological sites 
located in the Delta Region including Watson's Brake, Frenchman's Bend, 
Hedgepeth, Monte Sano, Banana Bayou, Hornsby, Parkin, Toltec, Menard-
Hodges, Eaker, Blytheville Mound, Nodena, Taylor Mounds, DeSoto Mound 
and others, such study shall also employ every practical means 
possible, including assistance from the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, the Forest Service and Soil Conservation Service of the 
Department of Agriculture, the Army Corps of Engineers of the 
Department of Defense, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to 
locate and confirm the existence of a site known as Balbansha in 
southern Louisiana and a site known as Autiamque in Arkansas. The heads 
of these Federal agencies shall cooperate with the Secretary as the 
Secretary requires on a non-reimbursable basis.
    (b) In furtherance of the purposes of this section, the Secretary 
is authorized to provide technical assistance and grants to private 
landowners for necessary stabilization activities of identified sites 
and for preparing recommendations for designating such sites as 
National Landmarks or other appropriate designations as the Secretary, 
with the concurrence of the landowners, determines to be appropriate.
    (c) The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative 
agreements with the States, State Archeological Surveys, and Regional 
Archeological Centers of the Delta Region to develop a ten-year plan 
for the stabilization, preservation and interpretation of those sites 
and structures as may be identified by the Secretary.

SEC. 107. HISTORIC AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES PROGRAM.

    (a) Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive program 
for the research, interpretation, and preservation of significant 
historic and archeological resources in the Delta Region.
    (b) Elements of the Program.--The program shall include, but not be 
limited to--
            (1) identification of research projects related to historic 
        and archeological resources in the Delta Region and a proposal 
        for the regular publication of related research materials and 
        publications;
            (2) the development of a survey program to investigate, 
        inventory and further evaluate known historic and archeological 
        sites and structures and identify those sites and structures 
        that require additional study;
            (3) identification of a core system of interpretive sites 
        and structures that would provide a comprehensive overview of 
        historic and archeological resources of the Delta Region;
            (4) preparation of educational materials to interpret the 
        historical and archeological resources of the Delta Region; and
            (5) preparation of surveys and archeological and historical 
        investigations of sites, structures, and artifacts relating to 
        the Delta Region, including the preparation of reports, maps, 
        and other related activities.
    (c) Grants and Technical Assistance.--(1) The Secretary is 
authorized to award grants to qualified tribal, governmental and non-
governmental entities and individuals to assist the Secretary in 
carrying out those elements of the program which the Secretary deems 
appropriate.
    (2) The Secretary is further authorized to award grants and provide 
other types of technical and financial assistance to such entities and 
individuals to conserve and protect historic and archeological sites 
and structures in the Delta Region identified in the program prepared 
pursuant to this section.
    (d) The Secretary shall establish a national demonstration project 
for the conservation and curation of the archeological records and 
collections of Federal and State management agencies in the Delta 
Region.

SEC. 108. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.

         TITLE II--INITIATIVES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this title, the term--
            (1) ``Center'' means the Delta Energy Technology and 
        Business Development Center established under section 202 of 
        this Act;
            (2) ``Department'' means the United States Department of 
        Energy, unless otherwise specifically stated;
            (3) ``departmental laboratory'' means a facility operated 
        by or on behalf of the Department of Energy that would be 
        considered a laboratory as that term is defined in section 12 
        of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
        U.S.C. 3710(d)(2)) or other laboratory or facility the 
        Secretary designates;
            (4) ``persons in the Delta Region'' means an entity 
        primarily located in the Delta Region, the controlling interest 
        (as defined by the Secretary) of which is held by persons of 
        the United States, including--
                    (A) a for-profit entity;
                    (B) a private foundation or corporation exempt 
                under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
                    (C) a non-profit organization such as a public 
                trust;
                    (D) a trade or professional society;
                    (E) a tribal government;
                    (F) institutions of higher education; or
                    (G) a unit of State or local government; and
            (5) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy, unless 
        otherwise specifically stated.

SEC. 202. DELTA ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement 
with Louisiana State University in partnership with Southern University 
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to establish the Delta Energy Technology and 
Business Development Center. The agreement shall provide for 
cooperative agreements with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 
Arkansas, and Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, and other 
universities and institutions in the Delta Region, to carry out 
affiliated programs and coordinate program activities at such 
universities and institutions.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Center shall be to--
            (1) foster the creation and retention of energy resource 
        and manufacturing and related energy service jobs in the Delta 
        Region;
            (2) encourage the export of energy resources and 
        technologies, including services related thereto, from the 
        Delta Region;
            (3) develop markets for energy resources and technologies 
        manufactured in the Delta Region for use in meeting the energy 
        resource and technology needs for foreign countries;
            (4) encourage the successful, long-term market penetration 
        of energy resources and technologies manufactured in the Delta 
        Region into foreign countries;
            (5) encourage participation in energy-related projects in 
        foreign countries by persons in the Delta Region as well as the 
        utilization in such projects of energy resources and 
        technologies significantly developed, demonstrated, or 
        manufactured in the Delta Region; and
            (6) assist in the establishment of technology transfer 
        programs in cooperation with Federal laboratories to create 
        businesses in energy resources and technology in the Delta 
        Region.
    (c) General.--The Center, in cooperation with participating 
universities and institutions in the Delta Region, shall--
            (1) identify and foster the establishment of flexible 
        manufacturing networks in consultation with the States of the 
        Delta Region to promote the development of energy resources and 
        technologies that have the potential to expand technology 
        development and manufacturing in, and exports from, the Delta 
        Region;
            (2) provide technical, business, training, marketing, and 
        other assistance to persons in the Delta Region;
            (3) develop a comprehensive database and information 
        dissemination system, that will provide detailed information on 
        the specific energy resources and technologies of the Delta 
        Region itself, as well as domestic and international market 
        opportunities for businesses in the Delta Region, and 
        electronically link the Center with other institutions of 
        higher education in the Delta Region;
            (4) establish a network of business and technology 
        incubators to promote the design, manufacture, and sale of 
        energy resources and technologies from the Delta Region;
            (5) enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other 
        arrangements with the Federal Government, international 
        development agencies, or persons in the Delta Region to carry 
        out these objectives; and
            (6) coordinate existing Department and other Federal 
        programs having comparable goals and purposes.
    (d) Assistance From the Secretary.--The Secretary is authorized to 
provide the Center assistance in obtaining such personnel, equipment, 
and facilities as may be needed by the Center and affiliated 
participating universities and institutions to carry out its activities 
under this section.
    (e) Grants.--The Secretary is authorized to provide grants and 
other forms of financial assistance to the Center for the Center and 
participating universities and institutions to (1) support the creation 
of flexible manufacturing networks as identified in subsection (c)(1); 
and (2) develop the comprehensive database described in paragraph 
(c)(3); and (3) support the training, marketing, and other related 
activities of the Center.
    (f) Acceptance of Grants and Transfers.--The Center may accept--
            (1) grants and donations from private individuals, groups, 
        organizations, corporations, foundations, State and local 
        governments, and other entities; and
            (2) transfers of funds from other Federal agencies.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the programs 
under this section and for the establishment, operation, construction, 
and maintenance of the Center and facilities of participating 
universities and institutions.

SEC. 203. INSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR THE DELTA REGION.

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 
6371, et seq.) is amended by adding a new section 400K as follows:

       ``institutional conservation program for the delta region

    ``Sec. 400K. (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to 
encourage the use of energy conservation measures in the schools and 
hospitals of the Delta Region.
    ``(b) Grants for Establishment of Program.--Not later than 12 
months after the date of the enactment of the Lower Mississippi Delta 
Initiatives Act of 1994, the Secretary is authorized to provide grants 
to schools or hospitals, or to consortiums consisting of a school or 
hospital and one or more of the following: State or unit of local 
government; local education agency; State hospital facilities agency; 
or State school facilities agency. Such grants shall be for purposes of 
conducting innovative energy conservation projects and providing 
Federal financing for energy conservation projects at schools and 
hospitals in the Delta Region.
    ``(c) Applications.--(1) Applications of schools or hospitals for 
grants under this section shall be made not more than once for any 
fiscal year. Such applications shall be submitted to the State energy 
agency, in consultation with the Planning and Development Districts in 
the Delta Region, and the State energy agency shall make a single 
submittal to the Secretary containing all applications which comply 
with subsection (e).
    ``(2) Applications for grants shall contain, or be accompanied by, 
such information as the Secretary may reasonably require in accordance 
with regulations governing institutional conservation programs under 
this part; provided, however, that the Secretary shall encourage 
flexible and innovative approaches consistent with this Act.
    ``(d) Selection of Applications.--(1) Not later than six months 
after the receipt of applications under subsection (c), the Secretary 
shall select at least seven, but not more than 21, proposals from 
States to receive grants under subsection (b).
    ``(2) The Secretary may select more than 21 applications under this 
subsection, if the Secretary determines that the total amount of 
available funds is not likely to be otherwise utilized.
    ``(3) No one State shall receive less than one, or more than four, 
grants under subsection (b).
    ``(4) Such grants shall be in addition to such grants as would 
otherwise be provided under Part G of this Act.
    ``(5) No one grant recipient under this section shall receive 
Federal funds in excess of $2,000,000.
    ``(e) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall select recipients of 
grants under this section on the basis of the following criteria:
            ``(1) The location of the grant recipient in the Delta 
        Region.
            ``(2) The demonstrated or potential resources available to 
        the grant applicant for carrying out the purposes of this 
        section.
            ``(3) The demonstrated or potential ability of the grant 
        applicant to improve energy conservation measures in the 
        designated school or hospital.
            ``(4) Such other criteria as the Secretary deems 
        appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this section.
    ``(f) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `Delta 
Region' means the Lower Mississippi Delta Region including the 219 
counties and parishes within the States of Arkansas, Illinois, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, as defined 
in the May 14, 1990 Final Report of the Lower Mississippi Delta 
Development Commission entitled `The Delta Initiatives: Realizing the 
Dream * * * Fulfilling the Potential'.
    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated for purposes of carrying out this section, to remain 
available until expended, not more than $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 1995, and 1996, and 1997.''.

SEC. 204. ENERGY RELATED EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES.

    (a) Minority Colleges or University Initiative.--(1) Within one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources of the United States Senate and to the United States 
House of Representatives a report identifying opportunities for 
minority colleges and universities to participate in programs and 
activities carried out by the Department or the departmental 
laboratories. The Secretary shall consult with representatives of 
minority colleges or universities in preparing the report. Such report 
shall--
            (A) describe ongoing education and training programs 
        carried out by the Department or the departmental laboratories 
        with respect to, or in conjunction with, minority colleges or 
        universities in the areas of mathematics, science, and 
        engineering;
            (B) describe ongoing research, development, demonstration, 
        or commercial application activities involving the Department 
        or the departmental laboratories and minority colleges or 
        universities;
            (C) describe funding levels for the programs referred to in 
        subparagraphs (A) and (B);
            (D) identify ways for the Department or the departmental 
        laboratories to assist minority colleges or universities in 
        providing education and training in the fields of mathematics, 
        science, and engineering;
            (E) identify ways for the Department or the departmental 
        laboratories to assist minority colleges and universities in 
        entering into partnerships;
            (F) address the need for, and potential role of, the 
        Department or the departmental laboratories in providing 
        minority colleges or universities with--
                    (i) increased research opportunities for faculty 
                and students;
                    (ii) assistance in faculty development and 
                recruitment;
                    (iii) curriculum enhancement and development; and
                    (iv) improved laboratory instrumentation and 
                equipment, including computer equipment, through 
                purchase, loan, or other transfer mechanisms;
            (G) address the need for, and potential role of, the 
        Department or departmental laboratories in providing financial 
        and technical assistance for the development of infrastructure 
        facilities; including buildings and laboratory facilities, at 
        minority colleges and universities; and
            (H) make specific proposals and recommendations, together 
        with estimates of necessary funding levels, for initiatives to 
        be carried out by the Department or the departmental 
        laboratories in order to assist minority colleges or 
        universities in providing education and training in the areas 
        of mathematics, science, and engineering, and in entering into 
        partnerships with the Department or departmental laboratories.
    (2) The Secretary shall encourage memoranda of understanding and 
other appropriate forms of agreement between the Department and 
minority colleges and universities directed at jointly planning and 
developing programs to foster greater involvement of minority colleges 
and universities in research, education, training, and recruitment 
activities of the Department.
    (b) Minority College and University Scholarship Programs for the 
Delta Region.--The Secretary shall establish a scholarship program for 
students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in energy-related 
scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technical disciplines at 
minority colleges and universities in the Delta Region. The scholarship 
program shall include tuition assistance. Recipients of such 
scholarships shall be students deemed by the Secretary to have 
demonstrated (1) a need for such assistance and (2) academic potential 
in the particular area of study.
    (c) Pre-College Education.--The Secretary shall undertake 
activities to encourage pre-college education programs in energy-
related scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technical 
disciplines for students in the Delta Region. Such activities shall 
include, but not be limited to the following:
            (1) Cooperation with, and assistance to, State departments 
        of education and local school districts in the Delta Region to 
        develop and carry out after school and summer education 
        programs for elementary, middle, and secondary school students 
        in energy-related scientific, mathematical, engineering, and 
        technical disciplines.
            (2) Cooperation with, and assistance to, institutions of 
        higher education in the Delta Region to develop and carry out 
        pre-college education programs in energy related scientific, 
        mathematical, engineering, and technical disciplines for middle 
        and secondary school students.
            (3) Cooperation with, and assistance to, State departments 
        of education and local school districts in the development and 
        use of curriculum and educational materials in energy-related 
        scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technical 
        disciplines for middle and secondary students.
            (4) The establishment of education programs in subjects 
        relating to energy-related scientific, mathematical, 
        engineering, and technical disciplines for elementary, middle, 
        and secondary school teachers in the Delta Region.
    (d) Volunteer Program.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to 
encourage the involvement on a voluntary basis of qualified employees 
of the Department in educational programs relating to energy-related 
scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technical disciplines, in 
cooperation with State departments of education and local school 
districts in the Delta Region.
    (e) Women and Minorities in the Sciences.--The Secretary shall 
establish a Center for Excellence in the Sciences at Alcorn State in 
Lorman, Mississippi, in cooperation with Southern University in Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 
Arkansas, and other minority colleges or universities for purposes of 
encouraging women and minority students in the Delta Region to study 
and pursue careers in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and 
technical disciplines. The Center shall enter into cooperative 
agreements with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the 
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and other minority 
colleges and universities in the Delta Region, to carry out affiliated 
programs and coordinate programs activities at such colleges and 
universities. The Secretary is authorized to provide grants and other 
forms of financial assistance to the Center.
    (f) Coordination With Other Federal Agencies.--The Secretary shall 
ensure that the programs authorized in this section are coordinated 
with, and complimentary to, education assistance programs administered 
by the Department and by other Federal agencies in the Delta Region. 
These agencies include, but are not limited to, the Department of the 
Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and Department of Education, 
the National Science Foundation, and the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes 
of this section.

SEC. 205. INTEGRATED BIOMASS ENERGY SYSTEMS.

    (a) Program Direction.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Agriculture, shall conduct a research, development and 
demonstration program to determine the economic viability of integrated 
biomass energy systems within the Delta Region.
    (b) Program Plan.--Not later than six months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the 
Congress a program plan to guide the activities under this section.
    (c) Solicitation of Proposals.--Not later than one year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall solicit proposals 
for conducting activities consistent with the program plan. Such 
activities shall include at least three demonstrations of integrated 
biomass energy systems that--
            (1) involve the production of dedicated energy crops of not 
        less than 25,000 acres per demonstration;
            (2) include predominantly herbaceous energy crops;
            (3) include predominantly short-rotation woody crops;
            (4) demonstrate cost-effective methods for growing, 
        harvesting, storing, transporting, and preparing energy crops 
        for conversion to electricity or transportation fuel; and
            (5) result in the conversion of such crops to electricity 
        or transportation fuel by a non-Federal energy producer or the 
        Tennessee Valley Authority.
    (d) Cost Sharing.--(1) For research and development programs 
carried out under this section, the Secretary shall require a 
commitment from non-Federal sources of at least 20 percent of the cost 
of the project.
    (2) The Secretary shall require at least 50 percent of the costs 
directly and specifically related to any demonstration or commercial 
application project under this section to be provided from non-Federal 
sources. The Secretary may reduce the non-Federal requirement under 
this section if the Secretary determines that the reduction is 
necessary and appropriate considering the technological risks involved 
in the project and is necessary to meet the objectives of this section.
    (3) In calculating the amount of the non-Federal commitment under 
paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary shall include cash, personnel, 
services, equipment, and other resources.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated for purposes of carrying out this section, to remain 
available until expended, not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 1995, 1996, and 1997.

SEC. 206. WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE DELTA REGION.

    Title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 
6851, 6861-6846) is further amended by adding a new section 423 as 
follows:

        ``weatherization assistance program for the delta region

    ``Sec. 423. (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to 
encourage the weatherization of low-income dwelling units in the Delta 
Region.
    ``(b) Grants for Establishment of Program.--Not later than 12 
months after the date of the enactment of the Lower Mississippi Delta 
Initiatives Act of 1994, the Secretary shall make grants to (1) States, 
and (2) in accordance with the provisions of subsection (413)(d), to 
Indian tribal organizations to serve Native Americans in the Delta 
Region. Such grants shall be made for the purposes of providing 
financial assistance for the weatherization of low-income dwelling 
units.
    ``(c) Applications.--(1) Applications of States or Indian tribal 
organizations for grants under this section shall be made not more than 
once for any fiscal year. Such applications shall be submitted to the 
State weatherization agency, in consultation with Community Action 
Agencies and Planning and Development Districts in the Delta Region, 
and the State weatherization agency shall make a single submittal to 
the Secretary containing all applications which comply with subsection 
(e).
    ``(2) Applications for grants for energy conservation projects 
shall contain, or be accompanied by, such information as the Secretary 
may reasonably require in accordance with regulations governing 
weatherization assistance programs under this Part.
    ``(d) Selection of Applications.--(1) The Secretary shall select 
applications from States to receive grants under subsection (b).
    ``(2) Such grants shall be in addition to such grants as would 
otherwise be provided under section 414 of this Act.
    ``(3) No one grant recipient under this section shall receive 
Federal funds in excess of $2,000,000,
    ``(e) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall select recipients of 
grants under this section in accordance with the requirements of 
sections 414(b) and 415 of this Act, and on the basis of the following 
criteria:
            ``(1) The location of the grant applicant in the Delta 
        Region.
            ``(2) The demonstrated or potential resources available to 
        the grant applicant for carrying out the purposes of this 
        section.
            ``(3) The demonstrated or potential ability of the grant 
        applicant to improve energy efficiency in low-income dwelling 
        units.
    ``(f) Coordination With Other Weatherization Assistance Programs.--
The Secretary shall ensure that the programs authorized in this section 
are coordinated with, and complimentary to, Department weatherization 
assistance programs under sections 413, 414A and 414B of this Act.
    ``(g) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `Delta 
Region' means the Lower Mississippi Delta Region including the 219 
counties and parishes within the States of Arkansas, Illinois, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, as defined 
in the May 14, 1990 Final Report of the Lower Mississippi Delta 
Development Commission entitled `The Delta Initiatives: Realizing the 
Dream * * * Fulfilling the Potential'.
    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated for purposes of carrying out this section, to remain 
available until expended, not more than $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 1995, 1996, and 1997.''.

SEC. 207. RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION INCENTIVES.

    Section 1212 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13317) is 
amended by inserting immediately after ``foregoing,'' the following: 
``by the Tennessee Valley Authority,''.

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