II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 715 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 26, 2009 Mr. Levin (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Schumer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To establish a pilot program to provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the National Lighthouse Stewardship Act of 2009.

2.

Funding for historic lighthouse preservation

Title III of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

310.

National lighthouse stewardship pilot program

(a)

Definition of eligible entity

In this section, the term eligible entity means a State, unit of local government, or nonprofit organization that— (1)provides financial assistance and grants to local governmental units and nonprofit organizations to preserve and maintain historic lighthouse structures; (2)owns a lighthouse that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register; or (3)has a right to maintain and rehabilitate a lighthouse described in paragraph (2) that is owned by the Federal Government. (b)

Lighthouse stewardship pilot program

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall establish a 3-year pilot program under which the Secretary shall use amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (c) to provide grants to eligible entities to preserve and rehabilitate historic lighthouse structures. (2)

Distribution to eligible entities

(A)

Application

To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form and manner, and including such information as the Secretary may require. (B)

Approval or disapproval

Based on criteria established by the Secretary, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove an application submitted under subparagraph (A). (C)

Availability of grant funds

(i)

In general

On approval of an application under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make the grant funds available to the eligible entity. (ii)

Use of existing funds

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide funding through existing lighthouse grant programs administered by State governments. (c)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, to remain available until expended, without fiscal year limitation, not more than the lesser of— (1)$20,000,000; or (2)the amount collected as taxes and received in the Treasury during the fiscal year under section 60301 of title 46, United States Code.

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