Short title

This Act may be cited as

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act

Findings

Congress finds that— (1)the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is a cohesive assemblage of natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources that— (A)together represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and (B)are best managed through partnerships between private and public entities; (2)the Heritage Area reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, folklife, or a combination of those attributes that are a valuable part of the heritage of the United States; (3)the Heritage Area provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural features, historic feature, cultural features, or a combination of those features; (4)the Heritage Area provides outstanding recreational and interpretive opportunities; (5)the Heritage Area has an identifiable theme, and resources important to the theme, that retain integrity capable of supporting interpretation; (6)residents, nonprofit organizations, other private entities, and units of local government throughout the Heritage Area demonstrate support for— (A)designation of the Heritage Area as a national heritage area; and (B)management of the Heritage Area in a manner appropriate for the designation; (7)there is a compelling need to educate and cultivate among the citizens of the United States, particularly youth, an understanding appreciation for, and a renewed commitment to integrity, courage, self-initiative, and principled leadership in public and private life; (8)few individuals in the history of the United States have as broadly exemplified such qualities, and so profoundly influenced the history and character of the United States, as Abraham Lincoln; (9)the story and example of the life of Abraham Lincoln, including his inspiring rise from humble origins to the highest office in the land and his decisive leadership through the most harrowing and dangerous time in the history of the United States, continues to bring hope and inspiration to millions in the United States and around the world; (10)the great issues during the lifetime of Abraham Lincoln, including national unity, equality and race relations, the capacity for democratic government, and the ideals to address those and related issues, continue to this day to define the challenges facing the United States; (11)the ideals espoused by Lincoln, and the sentiments expressed by Lincoln with respect to keeping the United States together, are as relevant today as the ideals and sentiment were in Lincoln's troubled time; (12)Illinois is known throughout the world as the land of Abraham Lincoln; (13)unquestionably, the physical, social, and cultural landscape of Illinois helped mold the character of Lincoln; (14)Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man, Lincoln remarked on leaving Illinois. To this place and the kindness of these people I owe everything; (15)Lincoln, in turn, left his own traces across the Illinois landscape; (16)the traces remain today in the form of stories, folklore, artifacts, buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes; (17)though scattered geographically and in varying states of development and interpretation, together the traces of Lincoln bring an immediacy and tangible quality to the powerful Lincoln legacy; (18)individually and collectively, the traces of Lincoln in Illinois constitute an important national cultural and historic resource; (19)in particular, the stories and cultural resources of the Lincoln legacy of the region— (A)reflect the values and attitudes, obstacles and ingenuity, failures and accomplishments, human frailties, and strength of character of the men and women who made up the diverse people of Lincoln’s generation, including upland Southerners and Northeastern Yankees, Anglo-settlers and American Indians, free blacks, abolitionists, and critics of abolitionists; (B)reflect the material culture and relative levels of technical sophistication in the United States in the lifetime of Lincoln; (C)recreate the physical environment during the lifetime of Lincoln, revealing the impact of the environment on agriculture, transportation, trade, business, and social and cultural patterns in urban and rural settings; and (D)interpret the effect of the democratic ethos of the era on the development of the legal and political institutions and distinctive political culture of the United States; (20)3 previous studies entitled Abraham Lincoln Research and Interpretive Center Suitability/Feasibility Study by the National Park Service (1991), Looking for Lincoln Illinois Heritage Tourism Project commissioned by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in cooperation with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (1998), and the Feasibility Study for the Proposed Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, revised in 2003, help document a sufficient assemblage of nationally distinctive historic resources to demonstrate the feasibility of, and need to establish, the Heritage Area; (21)the National Park Service— (A)operates and maintains the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois; and (B)is responsible for— (i)advocating the protection and interpretation of the cultural and historic resources of the United States; and (ii)encouraging the development of interpretive context for those resources through appropriate planning and preservation; (22)the Heritage Area can strengthen, complement, and support the Lincoln Home National Historic Site through the interpretation and conservation of the associated living landscapes outside of the boundaries of the historic site; (23)there is a Federal interest in supporting the development of a regional framework and context to partner with and assist the National Park Service, the State of Illinois, local organizations, units of local government, and private citizens to conserve, protect, and bring recognition to the resources of the Heritage Area for the educational and recreational benefit of the present generation and future generations; (24)communities throughout the region— (A)know the value of their Lincoln legacy; but (B)need to expand upon an existing cooperative framework and technical assistance to achieve important goals by working together; (25)the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Bureau of Tourism of the State of Illinois— (A)officially designated Looking for Lincoln as a State Heritage Tourism Area; and (B)has identified the story of Lincoln as a key destination driver for the State; (26)the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, the management entity for the Heritage Area— (A)is a nonprofit corporation created for the purposes of preserving, interpreting, developing, promoting, and making available to the public the story and resources relating to— (i)the story of the adult life of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois; and (ii)the contributions of Abraham Lincoln to society; and (B)would be an appropriate entity to oversee the development of the Heritage Area; and (27)the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition has completed a business plan that— (A)describes in detail the role, operation, financing, and functions of the Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition as the management entity for the Heritage Area; and (B)provides adequate assurances that the Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition is likely to have the financial resources necessary to implement the management plan for the Heritage Area, including resources to meet matching requirement for grants.

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

Coalition

The term Coalition means the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, an entity recognized by the Secretary, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the State, that has agreed to perform the duties of the management entity under this Act. (2)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area established by section 4(a). (3)

Management entity

The term management entity means the management entity for the Heritage Area designated by section 5(a). (4)

Management plan

The term management plan means the plan developed by the management entity under section 6(a). (5)

Secretary

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

State

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

Unit of local government

The term unit of local government means the government of the State, a political subdivision of the State, or an Indian tribe.

Establishment of Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

(a)

In general

There is established in the State the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. (b)

Boundaries

The Heritage Area shall include— (1)a core area located in central Illinois, consisting of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Dewitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Knox, LaSalle, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Tazwell, Vermillion, Warren, and Woodford counties; (2)any sites, buildings, and districts within the core area that are recommended for inclusion in the management plan; and (3)each of the following sites: (A)Lincoln Home National Historic Site. (B)Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. (C)Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. (D)Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. (E)Thomas and Sara Bush Lincoln Log Cabin and Living History Farm State Historic Site. (F)Mt. Pulaski, Postville State Historic Sites and Metamora Courthouse. (G)Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site. (H)David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. (I)Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site. (J)Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum. (K)Macon County Log Court House. (L)Richard J. Oglesby Mansion. (M)Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial. (N)Governor John Wood Mansion. (O)Beardstown Courthouse. (P)Old Main at Knox College. (Q)Carl Sandburg Home State Historic Site. (R)Bryant Cottage State Historic Site. (S)Dr. William Fithian Home. (T)Vermillion County Museum. (c)

Map

A map of the Heritage Area shall be— (1)included in the management plan; and (2)on file in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

Designation of coalition as management entity

(a)

Management entity

The Coalition shall be the management entity for the Heritage Area. (b)

Authorities of management entity

The management entity may, for purposes of preparing and implementing the management plan, use Federal funds made available under this Act— (1)to prepare reports, studies, interpretive exhibits and programs, historic preservation projects, and other activities recommended in the management plan for the Heritage Area; (2)to pay for operational expenses of the management entity incurred during the first 10 fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act; (3)to make grants or loans to the State, units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and other persons; (4)to enter into cooperative agreements with the State, units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations; (5)to hire and compensate staff; (6)to obtain funds from any source under any program or law requiring the recipient of funds to make a contribution in order to receive the funds; and (7)to contract for goods and services. (c)

Duties of management entity

For any fiscal year for which Federal funds are received under this Act, the management entity shall— (1)submit to the Secretary a report that describes— (A)the accomplishments of the management entity; (B)the expenses and income of the management entity; and (C)the entities to which the management entity made any grants; (2)make available for audit by Congress, the Secretary, and appropriate units of local government, all records relating to the expenditure of the Federal funds and any matching funds; and (3)require, with respect to all agreements authorizing the expenditure of Federal funds by any entity, that the receiving entity make available for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the Federal funds. (d)

Prohibition on acquisition of real property

(1)

In general

The management entity shall not use Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property or any interest in real property. (2)

Other sources

Nothing in this Act precludes the management entity from using Federal funds from other sources for authorized purposes, including the acquisition of real property or any interest in real property.

Management plan

(a)

In general

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the management entity shall prepare and submit for review to the Secretary a management plan for the Heritage Area. (b)

Requirements for preparation and implementation

The management entity shall— (1)collaborate with and consider the interests of diverse units of local government, businesses, tourism officials, private property owners, and nonprofit groups within the Heritage Area in preparing and implementing the management plan; (2)ensure regular public involvement regarding the implementation of the management plan for the Heritage Area; and (3)submit the proposed management plan to participating units of local governments within the Heritage Area for review. (c)

Contents

The management plan for the Heritage Area shall— (1)present a comprehensive program for the conservation, interpretation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area (including the natural, historic, and cultural resources and the recreational and educational opportunities of the Heritage Area) in a manner consistent with— (A)existing Federal, State, and local land use laws; and (B)the compatible economic viability of the Heritage Area; (2)involve residents, public agencies, and private organizations in the Heritage Area; (3)specify and coordinate, as of the date of the management plan, existing and potential sources of technical and financial assistance under this Act and other Federal laws for the protection, management, and development of the Heritage Area; and (4)include— (A)actions to be undertaken by units of local government and private organizations to protect, conserve, and interpret the resources of the Heritage Area; (B)an inventory of resources in the Heritage Area that includes a list of property in the Heritage Area that— (i)is related to the themes of the Heritage Area; and (ii)merits preservation, restoration, management, development, or maintenance because of the natural, historic, cultural, or recreational significance of the property; (C)a recommendation of policies for resource management that consider the application of appropriate land and water management techniques, including policies for the development of intergovernmental cooperative agreements, private sector agreements, or any combination of agreements, to protect the natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area in a manner that is consistent with the support of appropriate and compatible economic viability; (D)a program for implementation of the management plan by the management entity, in cooperation with partners of the management entity and units of local government; (E)evidence that relevant State, county, and local plans applicable to the Heritage Area have been taken into consideration; (F)an analysis of means by which Federal, State, and local programs may best be coordinated to promote the purposes of this Act; and (G)a business plan for the Heritage Area that— (i)describes in detail— (I)the role, operation, financing, and functions of the management entity; and (II)each activity included in the recommendations in the management plan; and (ii)provides, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, adequate assurances that the management entity is likely to have the financial resources necessary to implement the management plan, including the resources necessary to meet matching requirement for grants awarded under this Act. (d)

Consideration of interests of local groups

In preparing and implementing the management plan, the management entity shall consider the interests of diverse units of local government, businesses, private property owners, and nonprofit groups in the Heritage Area. (e)

Public meetings

(1)

In general

The management entity shall conduct public meetings at least quarterly regarding the development and implementation of the management plan. (2)

Public notice

The management entity shall— (A)place a notice of each public meeting in a newspaper of general circulation in the Heritage Area; and (B)make the minutes of each public meeting available to the public. (f)

Disqualification from funding

If a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the management entity may not receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary receives the proposed management plan. (g)

Approval and disapproval of management plan

(1)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the management entity submits the management plan to the Secretary, the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of the State or a designee of the Governor, shall approve or disapprove the proposed management plan. (2)

Disapproval and revisions

(A)

In general

If the Secretary disapproves a proposed management plan, the Secretary shall— (i)advise the management entity, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval; and (ii)make recommendations for revision of the proposed management plan. (B)

Approval or disapproval

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a revised management plan not later than 90 days after the date on which the revised management plan is submitted. (3)

Approval of amendments

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove substantial amendments to the management plan. (B)

Funding

Funds appropriated under this Act may not be expended to implement any changes made by an amendment to the management plan until the Secretary approves the amendment. (h)

Priorities

The management entity shall give priority to the implementation of actions, goals, and strategies set forth in the management plan, including assisting units of local government and other persons in— (1)carrying out programs that recognize and protect important resource values in the Heritage Area; (2)encouraging economic viability in the Heritage Area in accordance with the goals of the management plan; (3)establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in the Heritage Area; (4)developing heritage-based recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Heritage Area; (5)increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; (6)restoring historic buildings that are— (A)located in the Heritage Area; and (B)related to the themes of the Heritage Area; and (7)installing throughout the Heritage Area clear, consistent, and appropriate signs to identify public access points and sites of interest.

Technical and financial assistance; other Federal agencies

(a)

Technical and financial assistance

(1)

In general

On request of the management entity, the Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance for the development and implementation of the management plan. (2)

Priority for assistance

In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to actions that assist in— (A)conserving the significant natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; and (B)providing educational, interpretive, and recreational opportunities consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area. (3)

Spending for non-Federal property

The management entity may expend Federal funds made available under this Act on non-Federal property that is— (A)identified in the management plan; or (B)listed, or eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places. (4)

Other assistance

The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with public and private organizations to carry out this subsection. (b)

Other Federal agencies

Any Federal entity conducting or supporting an activity that directly affects the Heritage Area shall— (1)consider the potential effects of the activity on— (A)the purposes of the Heritage Area; and (B)the management plan; (2)consult with the management entity with respect to the activity; and (3)to the maximum extent practicable, conduct or support the activity to avoid adverse effects on the Heritage Area. (c)

Other assistance not affected

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

Notification of other Federal activities

The head of each Federal agency shall provide to the Secretary and the management entity for the Heritage Area, to the extent practicable, advance notice of all activities that may have an impact on the Heritage Area.

Private property protection

(a)

In General

Nothing in this Act— (1)requires any private property owner to allow public access (including access by the Federal Government, State government, or units of local government) to the private property; or (2)modifies any provision of Federal, State, or local law with respect to public access to, or use of, private property. (b)

Liability

Designation of the Heritage Area shall not be considered to create any liability, or have any effect on any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any persons injured on the private property. (c)

Recognition of authority To control land use

Nothing in this Act modifies any authority of the Federal Government, State government, or units of local governments to regulate land use. (d)

Participation of private property owners in Heritage Area

Nothing in this Act requires the owner of any private property located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area to participate in, or be associated with, the Heritage Area. (e)

Land use regulation

(1)

In general

The management entity shall provide assistance and encouragement to State and local governments, private organizations, and persons to protect and promote the resources and values of the Heritage Area. (2)

Effect

Nothing in this Act grants any power of zoning or land use to the management entity. (f)

Private property

(1)

In general

The management entity shall be an advocate for land management practices that are consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area. (2)

Effect

Nothing in this Act— (A)abridges the rights of any person with respect to private property; (B)affects the authority of the State or unit of local government relating to private property; or (C)imposes any additional burden on any property owner.

Effect

(a)

Rules, regulations, standards, and permit processes

Nothing in this Act imposes any environmental, occupational, safety, or other rule, regulation, standard, or permit process in the Heritage Area that is different from the rule, regulation, standard, or process that would be applicable if the Heritage Area had not been established. (b)

Water and water rights

Nothing in this Act authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights. (c)

No diminishment of State authority

Nothing in this Act diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within the Heritage Area. (d)

Existing national heritage areas

Nothing in this Act affects any national heritage area designated before the date of enactment of this Act.

10.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year. (b)

Cost-Sharing requirement

The Federal share of the total cost of any activity carried out using funds made available under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.

11.

Termination of authority

The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

Short title

This Act may be cited as

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area established by section 3(a). (2)

Management entity

The term management entity means the management entity for the Heritage Area designated by section 4(a). (3)

Management plan

The term management plan means the plan developed by the management entity under section 5(a). (4)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (5)

State

The term State means the State of Illinois.

Establishment of Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

(a)

In general

There is established in the State the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. (b)

Boundaries

The Heritage Area shall include— (1)a core area located in central Illinois, consisting of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Dewitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Knox, LaSalle, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Tazwell, Vermillion, Warren, and Woodford counties; (2)any sites, buildings, and districts within the core area that are recommended in the management plan; and (3)each of the following sites: (A)Lincoln Home National Historic Site. (B)Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. (C)Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. (D)Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. (E)Thomas and Sara Bush Lincoln Log Cabin and Living History Farm State Historic Site. (F)Mt. Pulaski, Postville State Historic Sites and Metamora Courthouse. (G)Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site. (H)David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. (I)Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site. (J)Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum. (K)Macon County Log Court House. (L)Richard J. Oglesby Mansion. (M)Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial. (N)Governor John Wood Mansion. (O)Beardstown Courthouse. (P)Old Main at Knox College. (Q)Carl Sandburg Home State Historic Site. (R)Bryant Cottage State Historic Site. (S)Dr. William Fithian Home. (T)Vermillion County Museum. (c)

Map

A map of the Heritage Area shall be— (1)included in the management plan; and (2)on file in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

Designation of coalition as management entity

(a)

Management entity

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition shall be the management entity for the Heritage Area. (b)

Authorities of management entity

The management entity may, for purposes of preparing and implementing the management plan, use Federal funds made available under this Act— (1)to prepare reports, studies, interpretive exhibits and programs, historic preservation projects, and other activities recommended in the management plan for the Heritage Area; (2)to pay for operational expenses of the management entity; (3)to make grants to the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons; (4)to enter into cooperative agreements with the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations; (5)to hire and compensate staff; (6)to obtain funds or services from any source, including funds and services provided under any other Federal program or law; and (7)to contract for goods and services. (c)

Duties of management entity

To further the purposes of the Heritage Area, the management entity shall— (1)prepare a management plan for the Heritage Area in accordance with section 5; (2)give priority to the implementation of actions, goals, and strategies set forth in the management plan, including assisting units of government and other persons in— (A)carrying out programs and projects that recognize and protect important resource values in the Heritage Area; (B)encouraging economic viability in the Heritage Area in accordance with the goals of the management plan; (C)establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in the Heritage Area; (D)developing heritage-based recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Heritage Area; (E)increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; (F)restoring historic buildings that are— (i)located in the Heritage Area; and (ii)related to the themes of the Heritage Area; and (G)installing throughout the Heritage Area clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying public access points and sites of interest; (3)consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, tourism officials, private property owners, and nonprofit groups within the Heritage Area in developing and implementing the management plan; (4)conduct public meetings at least semiannually regarding the development and implementation of the management plan; and (5)for any fiscal year for which Federal funds are received under this Act— (A)submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes— (i)the accomplishments of the management entity; (ii)the expenses and income of the management entity; and (iii)the entities to which the management entity made any grants; (B)make available for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the Federal funds and any matching funds; and (C)require, with respect to all agreements authorizing the expenditure of Federal funds by other organizations, that the receiving organizations make available for audit all records relating to the expenditure of the Federal funds. (d)

Prohibition on acquisition of real property

(1)

In general

The management entity shall not use Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property or any interest in real property. (2)

Other sources

Nothing in this Act precludes the management entity from using Federal funds from other sources for authorized purposes, including the acquisition of real property or any interest in real property.

Management plan

(a)

In general

Contents

The management plan for the Heritage Area shall— (1)include comprehensive policies, strategies, and recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area; (2)take into consideration existing State, county, and local plans; (3)specify the existing and potential sources of funding to protect, manage, and develop the Heritage Area during the first 5 years of implementation of the management plan; (4)include— (A)a description of actions that governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to take to protect the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; (B)an inventory of the natural, historic, cultural, education, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area relating to the themes of the Heritage Area that should be preserved, restored, managed, developed or maintained; and (C)an interpretive plan for the Heritage Area; and (5)describe a program of implementation for the management plan, including— (A)plans for resource protection, restoration, and construction; and (B)specific commitments for implementation during the first 5 years of implementation. (c)

Disqualification from funding

Approval and disapproval of management plan

(1)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the management entity submits the management plan to the Secretary, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the proposed management plan. (2)

Considerations

In determining whether to approve or disapprove the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether— (A)the management entity is representative of the diverse interests of the Heritage Area, including governments, natural and historic resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and recreational organizations; (B)the management entity has provided adequate opportunities (including public hearings) for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan; (C)the resource protection and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; and (D)the management plan is supported by the appropriate State and local officials, the cooperation of which is needed to ensure the effective implementation of the State and local aspects of the management plan. (3)

Disapproval and revisions

(A)

In general

Approval or disapproval

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a revised management plan not later than 180 days after the date on which the revised management plan is submitted. (e)

Approval of amendments

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove substantial amendments to the management plan in accordance with subsection (d). (2)

Funding

Funds appropriated under this Act may not be expended to implement any changes made by an amendment to the management plan until the Secretary approves the amendment.

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 the Heritage Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary and the management 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 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 to refrain from participating in any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the Heritage Area; (2)requires any property owner to permit public access (including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of the property owner, or 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, or local agency, or conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to the management entity; (4)authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights; (5)diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within the Heritage Area; or (6)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; report

(a)

In general

Not later than 3 years before the date on which authority for Federal funding terminates for the Heritage Area, the Secretary shall— (1)conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the 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 management entity with respect to— (A)accomplishing the purposes of this Act for the Heritage Area; and (B)achieving the goals and objectives of the approved management plan for the Heritage Area; (2)analyze the Federal, State, local, and private investments in the Heritage Area to determine the leverage and 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

(1)

In general

Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall prepare a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service, if any, with respect to the Heritage Area. (2)

Required analysis

If the report prepared under paragraph (1) recommends that Federal funding for the Heritage Area be reauthorized, the report shall include an analysis of— (A)ways in which Federal funding for the Heritage Area may be reduced or eliminated; and (B)the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the recommended reduction or elimination. (3)

Submission to congress

On completion of the report, the Secretary shall submit the report to— (A)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (B)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year. (b)

Cost-Sharing requirement

The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using funds made available under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.

10.

Termination of authority

The authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

September 17, 2007

Reported with an amendment