I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 397 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 9, 2009 Mr. Courtney (for himself and Mr. Neal of Massachusetts) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To extend the authorization of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994, and for other purposes.

1.

Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

(a)

Termination of Authority

Section 106(b) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; Public Law 103–449) is amended by striking September 30, 2009 and inserting September 30, 2015. (b)

Evaluation; Report

Section 106 of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; Public Law 103–449) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)

Evaluation; Report

(1)

In general

Not later than 3 years before the date on which authority for Federal funding terminates for the Corridor, the Secretary shall— (A)conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the Corridor; and (B)prepare a report in accordance with paragraph (3). (2)

Evaluation

An evaluation conducted under paragraph (1)(A) shall— (A)assess the progress of the management entity with respect to— (i)accomplishing the purposes of this title for the Corridor; and (ii)achieving the goals and objectives of the management plan for the Corridor; (B)analyze the Federal, State, local, and private investments in the Corridor to determine the leverage and impact of the investments; and (C)review the management structure, partnership relationships, and funding of the Corridor for purposes of identifying the critical components for sustainability of the Corridor. (3)

Report

(A)

In general

Based on the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall prepare a report that includes recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service, if any, with respect to the Corridor. (B)

Required analysis

If the report prepared under subparagraph (A) recommends that Federal funding for the Corridor be reauthorized, the report shall include an analysis of— (i)ways in which Federal funding for the Corridor may be reduced or eliminated; and (ii)the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the recommended reduction or elimination. (C)

Submission to congress

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

Authorization of Appropriations

Section 109(a) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 461 note; Public Law 103–449) is amended by striking $10,000,000 and inserting $15,000,000.