[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR ACT OF 
                                  1993

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1348) to establish the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor in the State of 
Connecticut, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, 
and concur in the Senate amendment.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The Clerk read the Senate amendment, as follows:

       Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and 
     insert the following:

   TITLE I--QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                                CORRIDOR

     SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Quinebaug and Shetucket 
     Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 102. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds that--
       (1) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley in the State 
     of Connecticut is one of the last unspoiled and undeveloped 
     areas in the Northeastern United States and has remained 
     largely intact, including important aboriginal archaeological 
     sites, excellent water quality, beautiful rural landscapes, 
     architecturally significant mill structures and mill 
     villages, and large acreages of parks and other permanent 
     open space;
       (2) the State of Connecticut ranks last among the 50 States 
     in the amount of federally protected park and open space 
     lands within its borders and lags far behind the other 
     Northeastern States in the amount of land set-aside for 
     public recreation;
       (3) the beautiful rural landscapes, scenic vistas and 
     excellent water quality of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers 
     contain significant undeveloped recreational opportunities 
     for people throughout the United States;
       (4) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley is within a 
     two-hour drive of the major metropolitan areas of New York 
     City, Hartford, Providence, Worcester, Springfield, and 
     Boston. With the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors 
     reporting that Americans are taking shorter ``closer-to-
     home'' vacations, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley 
     represents important close-by recreational opportunities for 
     significant population;
       (5) the existing mill sites and other structures throughout 
     the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley were instrumental 
     in the development of the industrial revolution;
       (6) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley contains a 
     vast number of discovered and unrecovered Native American and 
     colonial archaeological sites significant to the history of 
     North America and the United States;
       (7) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley represents 
     one of the last traditional upland farming and mill village 
     communities in the Northeastern United States;
       (8) the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley played a 
     nationally significant role in the cultural evolution of the 
     prewar colonial period, leading the transformation from 
     Puritan to Yankee, the ``Great Awakening'' religious revival 
     and early political development leading up to and during the 
     War of Independence; and
       (9) many local, regional and State `agencies businesses, 
     and private citizens and the New England Governors' 
     Conference have expressed an overwhelming desire to combine 
     forces: to work cooperatively to preserve and enhance 
     resources region-wide and better plan for the future.

     SEC. 103. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS 
                   VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR; PURPOSE.

       (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the 
     State of Connecticut the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers 
     Valley National Heritage Corridor.
       (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to provide 
     assistance to the State of Connecticut, its units of local 
     and regional government and citizens in the development and 
     implementation of integrated cultural, historical, and 
     recreational land resource management programs in order to 
     retain, enhance, and interpret the significant features of 
     the lands, water, and structures of the Quinebaug and 
     Shetucket Rivers Valley.

     SEC. 104. BOUNDARIES AND ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Boundaries.--The boundaries of the Corridor shall 
     include the towns of Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, 
     Coventry, Eastford, Franklin, Griswold, Hampton, Killingly, 
     Lebanon, Lisbon, Mansfield, Norwich, Plainfield, Pomfret, 
     Preston, Putnam, Scotland, Sprague, Sterling, Thompson, 
     Voluntown, Windham, and Woodstock. As soon as practical after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     publish in the Federal Register a detailed description and 
     map of boundaries established under this subsection.

     SEC. 105. STATE CORRIDOR PLAN.

       (a) Preparation of Plan.--Within two years after the date 
     of enactment of this title, the Governor of the State of 
     Connecticut is encouraged to develop a Cultural Heritage and 
     Corridor Management Plan. The plan shall be based on existing 
     Federal, State, and local plans, but shall coordinate those 
     plans and present a comprehensive historic preservation, 
     interpretation, and recreational plan for the Corridor. The 
     plan shall--
       (1) recommend non-binding advisory standards and criteria 
     pertaining to the construction, preservation, restoration, 
     alteration and use of properties within the Corridor, 
     including an inventory of such properties which potentially 
     could be preserved, restored, managed, developed, maintained, 
     or acquired based upon their historic, cultural or 
     recreational significance;
       (2) develop an historic interpretation plan to interpret 
     the history of the Corridor;
       (3) develop an inventory of existing and potential 
     recreational sites which are developed or which could be 
     developed within the Corridor;
       (4) recommend policies for resource management which 
     consider and detail application of appropriate land and water 
     management techniques, including but not limited to, the 
     development of intergovernmental cooperative agreements to 
     protect the Corridor's historical, cultural, recreational, 
     scenic, and natural resources in a manner consistent with 
     supporting appropriate and compatible economic revitalization 
     efforts;
       (5) detail ways in which local, State, and Federal programs 
     may best be coordinated to promote the purposes of this 
     title; and
       (6) contain a program for implementation of the plan by the 
     State and its political subdivisions.
       (b) Public Involvement in Plan Development.--During 
     development of the Plan, the Governor is encouraged to 
     include:
       (1) the participation of at least the following:
       (A) local elected officials in the communities defined in 
     section 104;
       (B) representatives of the three Regional Planning Agencies 
     defined in section 108;
       (C) representatives of Northeast Connecticut Visitors 
     District and Southeastern Connecticut Tourism District;
       (D) the Commissioners, or their designees, of the 
     Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the 
     Connecticut Department of Economic Development;
       (E) Director, or his designee of the Connecticut State 
     Historical Commission; and
       (F) residents of the communities within the Corridor as 
     defined in section 104.
       (2) hold at least one public hearing in each of the 
     following counties: Windham; Tolland; and New London; and
       (3) consider, to the maximum extent practicable, the 
     recommendations, comments, proposals and other information 
     submitted at the public hearings when developing the final 
     version of the plan. The Governor is encouraged to publish 
     notice of hearings discussed in subparagraph (2) of this 
     paragraph in newspapers of general circulation at least 30 
     days prior to the hearing date. The Governor is encouraged to 
     use any other means authorized by Connecticut law to gather 
     public input and/or involve members of the public in the 
     development of the plan.
       (c) Implementation of Plan.--After review of the plan by 
     the Secretary as provided for in section 106, the Governor 
     shall implement the plan. Upon the request of the Governor, 
     the Secretary may take appropriate steps to assist in the 
     preservation and interpretation of historic resources, and to 
     assist in the development of recreational resources within 
     the Corridor. These steps may include, but need not be 
     limited to--
       (1) assisting the State and local governmental entities or 
     regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations 
     in preserving the Corridor and ensuring appropriate use of 
     lands and structures throughout the Corridor;
       (2) assisting the State and local governmental entities or 
     regional planning organizations, and non-profit organizations 
     in establishing and maintaining visitor centers and other 
     interpretive exhibits in the Corridor;
       (3) assisting the State and local governmental entities or 
     regional planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations 
     in developing recreational programs and resources in the 
     Corridor;
       (4) assisting the State and local governmental entities or 
     regional planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations 
     in increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the 
     historical and architectural resources and sites in the 
     Corridor;
       (5) assisting the State and local governmental or regional 
     planning organizations and nonprofit organizations in the 
     restoration of historic building within the Corridor 
     identified pursuant to the inventory required in section 
     5(a)(1);
       (6) encouraging by appropriate means enhanced economic and 
     industrial development in the Corridor consistent with the 
     goals of the plan;
       (7) encouraging local governments to adopt land use 
     policies consistent with the management of the Corridor and 
     the goals of the plan; and
       (8) assisting the State and local governmental entities or 
     regional planning organizations to ensure that clear, 
     consistent signs identifying access points and sites of 
     interest are put in place throughout the Corridor.

     SEC. 106. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

       (a) Assitance.--The Secretary and the heads of other 
     Federal Agencies shall, upon request of the Governor assist 
     the Governor in the preparation and implementation of the 
     plan.
       (b) Completion.--Upon completion of the plan the Governor 
     shall submit such plan to the Secretary for review and 
     comment. The Secretary shall complete such review and comment 
     within 60 days. The Governor shall make such changes in the 
     plan as he deems appropriate based on the Secretary's review 
     and comment.

     SEC. 107. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL ENTITIES.

       Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities 
     directly affecting the Corridor shall consult with the 
     Secretary and the Governor with respect to such activities to 
     minimize any adverse effect on the Corridor.

     SEC. 108. DEFINITIONS.

       For the purposes of this title.
       (1) The term ``State'' means the State of Connecticut.
       (2) The term ``Corridor'' means the Quinebaug and Shetucket 
     Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor under section 3.
       (3) The term ``Governor'' means the Governor of the State 
     of Connecticut.
       (4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the 
     Interior.
       (5) The term ``regional planning organization'' means each 
     of the three regional planning organizations established by 
     Connecticut State statute chapter 127 and chapter 50 (the 
     Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, the Windham 
     Regional Planning Agency or its successor, and the 
     Southeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency or its 
     successor).

     SEC. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
     necessary to carry out this title: Provided, That not more 
     than $200,000 shall be appropriated for fiscal year 1995, and 
     not more Secretary to carry out this duties under this title 
     for a period not to exceed seven years; Provided further, 
     That the Federal funding for the Corridor shall not exceed 50 
     percent of the total annual costs for the Corridor.

     SEC. 110. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.

       The Corridor shall not be deemed to be a unit of the 
     National Park System.

          TITLE II--WEIR FARM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ADDITIONS

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the `Weir Farm National Historic 
     Site Expansion Act of 1994'.

     SEC. 202. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this title is to preserve the last remaining 
     undeveloped parcels of the historic Weir Farm that remain in 
     private ownership by including the parcels within the 
     boundary of the Weir Farm National Historic Site.

     SEC. 203. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

       (a) Adjustment.--Section 4(b) of the Weir Farm National 
     Historic Site Establishment Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-485; 
     104 Stat. 1171) is amended--
       (1) by striking out `and' at the end of paragraph (1);
       (2) by striking out the flush material below paragraph (2); 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       `(3) the approximately 2-acre parcel of land situated in 
     the town of Wilton, Connecticut, designated as lot 18 on a 
     map entitled `Revised Map of Section I, Thunder Lake at 
     Wilton, Connecticut, Scale 1''=100', October 27, 1978, Ryan 
     and Faulds Land Surveyors, Wilton, Connecticut', that is on 
     file in the office of the town clerk of the town of Wilton, 
     and therein numbered 3673; and
       `(4) the approximately 0.9-acre western portion of a parcel 
     of land situated in the town of Wilton, Connecticut, 
     designated as Tall Oaks Road on the map referred to in 
     paragraph (3).'.
       (b) General Depicition.--Section 4 of such Act, as amended 
     by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       `(c) General depiction.--The parcels referred to in 
     paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b) are all as 
     generally depicted on a map entitled `Boundary Map, Weir Farm 
     National Historic Site, Fairfield County Connecticut', dated 
     June, 1994. Such map shall be on file and available for 
     public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National 
     Park Service.'.

         TITLE III--CANE RIVER CREOLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

     SECTION 301. SHORT TITLE.

       Titles III and IV of this Act may be cited as the ``Cane 
     River Creole National Historical Park and National Heritage 
     Area Act''.

     SEC. 302. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
       (1) the Natchitoches area along Cane River, established in 
     1714, is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana 
     Purchase territory;
       (2) the Cane River area is the locale of the development of 
     Creole culture, from French-Spanish interactions of the early 
     18th century to today's living communities;
       (3) the Cane River, historically a segment of the Red 
     River, provided the focal point for early settlement, serving 
     as a transportation route upon which commerce and 
     communication reached all parts of the colony;
       (4) although a number of Creole structures, sites, and 
     landscapes exist in Louisiana and elsewhere, unlike the Cane 
     River area, most are isolated examples, and lack original 
     outbuilding complexes or integrity;
       (5) the Cane River area includes a great variety of 
     historical features with original elements in both rural and 
     urban settings and a cultural landscape that represents 
     various aspects of Creole culture, providing the base for a 
     holistic approach to understanding the broad continuum of 
     history within the region;
       (6) the Cane River region includes the Natchitoches 
     National Historic Landmark District, composed of 
     approximately 300 publicly and privately owned properties, 
     four other national historic landmarks, and other structures 
     and sites that may meet criteria for landmark significance 
     following further study;
       (7) historic preservation within the Cane River area has 
     greatly benefited from individuals and organizations that 
     have strived to protect their heritage and educate others 
     about their rich history; and
       (8) because of the complexity and magnitude of preservation 
     needs in the Cane River area, and the vital need for a 
     culturally sensitive approach, a partnership approach is 
     desirable for addressing the many preservation and 
     educational needs.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of titles III and IV of this 
     Act are to--
       (1) recognize the importance of the Cane River Creole 
     culture as a nationally significant element of the cultural 
     heritage of the United States;
       (2) establish a Cane River Creole National Historical Park 
     to serve as the focus of interpretive and educational 
     programs on the history of the Cane River area and to assist 
     in the preservation of certain historic sites along the 
     river; and
       (3) establish a Cane River National Heritage Area and 
     Commission to be undertaken in partnership with the State of 
     Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, local communities and 
     settlements of the Cane River area, preservation 
     organizations, and private landowners, with full recognition 
     that programs must fully involve the local communities and 
     landowners.

     SEC. 303. ESTABLISHMENT OF CANE RIVER CREOLE NATIONAL 
                   HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) In General.--In order to assist in the preservation and 
     interpretation of, and education concerning, the Creole 
     culture and diverse history of the Natchitoches region, and 
     to provide technical assistance to a broad range of public 
     and private landowners and preservation organizations, there 
     is hereby established the Cane River Creole National 
     Historical Park in the State of Louisiana (hereinafter in 
     titles III and IV of this Act referred to as the ``historical 
     park'').
       (b) Area Included.--The historical park shall consist of 
     lands and interests therein as follows:
       (1) Lands and structures associated with the Oakland 
     Plantation as depicted on map CARI, 80,002, dated January 
     1994.
       (2) Lands and structures owned or acquired by Museum 
     Contents, Inc. as depicted on map CARI, 80,001A, dated May 
     1994.
       (3) Sites that may be the subject of cooperative agreements 
     with the National Park Service for the purposes of historic 
     preservation and interpretation including, but not limited 
     to, the Melrose Plantation, the Badin-Roque site, the 
     Cherokee Plantation, the Beau Fort Plantation, and sites 
     within the Natchitoches National Historical Landmark 
     District: Provided, That such sites may not be added to the 
     historical park unless the Secretary of the Interior 
     (hereinafter referred to as the ``Secretary'') determines, 
     based on further research and planning, that such sites meet 
     the applicable criteria for national historical significance, 
     suitability, and feasibility, and notification of the 
     proposed addition has been transmitted to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and 
     the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives.
       (4) Not to exceed 10 acres of land that the Secretary may 
     designate for an interpretive visitor center complex to serve 
     the needs of the historical park and heritage area 
     established in title IV of this Act.

     SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the 
     historical park in accordance with this title and with 
     provisions of law generally applicable to units of the 
     National Park System, including the Act entitled ``An Act to 
     establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes'', 
     approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4); 
     and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666, 16 U.S.C. 461-
     467). The Secretary shall manage the historical park in such 
     a manner as will preserve resources and cultural landscapes 
     relating to the Creole culture of the Cane River and enhance 
     public understanding of the important cultural heritage of 
     the Cane River region.
       (b) Donations.--The Secretary may accept and retain 
     donations of funds, property, or services from individuals, 
     foundations, or other public or private entities for the 
     purposes of providing programs, services, facilities, or 
     technical assistance that further the purposes of titles III 
     and IV of this Act. Any funds donated to the Secretary 
     pursuant to this subsection may be expended without further 
     appropriation.
       (c) Interpretive Center.--The Secretary is authorized to 
     construct, operate, and maintain an interpretive center on 
     lands identified by the Secretary pursuant to section 
     303(b)(4). Such center shall provide for the general 
     information and orientation needs of the historical park and 
     the heritage area. The Secretary shall consult with the State 
     of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, the Association for 
     the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, and the Cane River 
     National Heritage Area Commission pursuant to section 402 of 
     this Act in the planning and development of the interpretive 
     center.
       (d) Cooperative Agreements and Technical Assistance.--(1) 
     The Secretary, after consultation with the Cane River 
     National Heritage Area Commission established pursuant to 
     section 402 of this Act, is authorized to enter into 
     cooperative agreements with owners of properties within 
     the heritage area and owners of properties within the 
     historical park that provide important educational and 
     interpretive opportunities relating to the heritage of the 
     Cane River region. The Secretary may also enter into 
     cooperative agreements for the purpose of facilitating the 
     preservation of important historic sites and structures 
     identified in the historical park's general management 
     plan or other heritage elements related to the heritage of 
     the Cane River region. Such cooperative agreements shall 
     specify that the National Park Service shall have 
     reasonable rights of access for operational and visitor 
     use needs and that preservation treatments will meet the 
     Secretary's standards for rehabilitation of historic 
     buildings.
       (2) The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative 
     agreements with the City of Natchitoches, the State of 
     Louisiana, and other public or private organizations for the 
     development of the interpretive center, educational programs, 
     and other materials that will facilitate public use of the 
     historical park and heritage area.
       (e) Research.--The Secretary, acting through the National 
     Park Service, shall coordinate a comprehensive research 
     program on the complex history of the Cane River region, 
     including ethnography studies of the living communities along 
     the Cane River, and how past and present generations have 
     adapted to their environment, including genealogical studies 
     of families within the Cane River area. Research shall 
     include, but not be limited to, the extensive primary 
     historic documents within the Natchitoches and Cane River 
     areas, and curation methods for their care and exhibition. 
     The research program shall be coordinated with Northwestern 
     State University of Louisiana, and the National Center for 
     Preservation Technology and Training in Natchitoches.

     SEC. 305. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.

       (a) General Authority.--Except as otherwise provided in 
     this section, the Secretary is authorized to acquire lands 
     and interests therein within the boundaries of the historical 
     park by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated 
     funds, or exchange.
       (b) State and Local Properties.--Lands and interests 
     therein that are owned by the State of Louisiana, or any 
     political subdivision thereof, may be acquired only by 
     donation or exchange.
       (c) Museum Contents, Inc.--Lands and structures identified 
     in section 303(b)(2) may be acquired only by donation.
       (d) Cooperative Agreement Sites.--Lands and interests 
     therein that are the subject of cooperative agreements 
     pursuant to section 303(b)(3) shall not be acquired except 
     with the consent of the owner thereof.

     SEC. 306. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.

       Within 3 years after the date funds are made available 
     therefor and in consultation with the Cane River heritage 
     Area Commission, the National Park Service shall prepare a 
     general management plan for the historical park. The plan 
     shall include, but need not be limited to--
       (1) a visitor use plan indicating programs and facilities 
     that will be provided for public use, including the location 
     and cost of an interpretive center;
       (2) programs and management actions that the National Park 
     Service will undertake cooperatively with the heritage area 
     commission, including preservation treatments for important 
     sites, structures, objects, and research materials. Planning 
     shall address educational media, roadway signing, and 
     brochures that could be coordinated with the Commission 
     pursuant to section 403 of this Act; and
       (3) preservation and use plans for any sites and structures 
     that are identified for National Park Service involvement 
     through cooperative agreements.

              TITLE IV--CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.

     SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                   AREA.

       (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the Cane 
     River National Heritage Area (hereinafter in this title 
     referred to as the ``heritage area'').
       (b) Purpose.--In furtherance of the need to recognize the 
     value and importance of the Cane River region and in 
     recognition of the findings of section 302(a) of this Act, it 
     is the purpose of this title to establish a heritage area to 
     complement the historical park and to provide for a 
     culturally sensitive approach to the preservation of the 
     heritage of the Cane River region, and for other needs 
     including--
       (1) recognizing areas important to the Nation's heritage 
     and identity;
       (2) assisting in the preservation and enhancement of the 
     cultural landscape and traditions of the Cane River region;
       (3) providing a framework for those who live within this 
     important dynamic cultural landscape to assist in 
     preservation and educational actions; and
       (4) minimizing the need for Federal land acquisition and 
     management.
       (c) Area Included.--The heritage area shall include--
       (1) an area approximately 1 mile on both sides of the Cane 
     River as depicted on map CARI, 80,000A, dated May 1994;
       (2) those properties within the Natchitoches National 
     Historic Landmark District which are the subject of 
     cooperative agreements pursuant to section 304(d) of this 
     Act;
       (3) the Los Adaes State Commemorative Area;
       (4) the Fort Jesup State Commemorative Area;
       (5) the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area; 
     and
       (6) the Kate Chopin House.
       A final identification of all areas and sites to be 
     included in the heritage area shall be included in the 
     heritage area management plan as required in section 403.

     SEC. 402. CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--To assist in implementing the purposes 
     of titles II and III of this Act and to provide guidance for 
     the management of the heritage area, there is established the 
     Cane River National Heritage Area Commission (hereinafter in 
     this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
       (b) Membership.--The Commission shall consist of 19 members 
     to be appointed no later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this title. The Commission shall be appointed by 
     the Secretary as follows--
       (1) one member from recommendations submitted by the Mayor 
     of Natchitoches;
       (2) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
     Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches;
       (3) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
     Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc.;
       (4) two members with experience in and knowledge of tourism 
     in the heritage area from recommendations submitted by local 
     business and tourism organizations;
       (5) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
     Governor of the State of Louisiana;
       (6) one member from recommendations submitted by the Police 
     Jury of Natchitoches Parish;
       (7) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
     Concerned Citizens of Cloutierville;
       (8) one member from recommendations submitted by the St. 
     Augustine Historical Society;
       (9) one member from recommendations submitted by the Black 
     Heritage Committee;
       (10) one member from recommendations submitted by the Los 
     Adaes/Robeline Community;
       (11) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
     Natchitoches Historic District Commission;
       (12) one member from recommendations submitted by the Cane 
     River Waterway Commission;
       (13) two members who are landowners in the residents of the 
     heritage area;
       (14) one member with experience and knowledge of historic 
     preservation from recommendations submitted by Museum 
     Contents, Inc.;
       (15) one member with experience and knowledge of historic 
     preservation from recommendations submitted by the President 
     of Northwestern State University of Louisiana;
       (16) one member with experience in and knowledge of 
     environmental, recreational and conservation matters 
     affecting the heritage area from recommendations submitted by 
     the Natchitoches Sportsmans Association and other local 
     recreational and environmental organizations; and
       (17) the director of the National Park Service, or the 
     Director's designee, ex officio.
       (c) Duties of the Commission.--The Commission shall--
       (1) prepare a management plan for the heritage area in 
     consultation with the National Park Service, the State of 
     Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, 
     interested groups, property owners, and the public;
       (2) consult with the Secretary on the preparation of the 
     general management plan for the historical park;
       (3) develop cooperative agreements with property owners, 
     preservation groups, educational groups, the State of 
     Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, universities, and 
     tourism groups, and other groups to further the purposes of 
     titles III and IV of this Act; and
       (4) identify appropriate entities, such as a non-profit 
     corporation, that could be established to assume the 
     responsibilities of the Commission following its termination.
       (d) Powers of the Commission.--In furtherance of the 
     purposes of titles III and IV of this Act, the Commission is 
     authorized to--
       (1) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same 
     extent that is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code, but at rates determined by the Commission 
     to be reasonable;
       (2) accept the services of personnel detailed from the 
     State of Louisiana or any political subdivision thereof, and 
     may reimburse the State or political subdivision for such 
     services;
       (3) upon the request of the Commission, the head of any 
     Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of 
     the personnel of such agency to the Commission to assist the 
     Commission in carrying out its duties;
       (4) appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as may 
     be necessary to carry out its duties. Staff shall be 
     appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United States 
     Code, governing appointments in the competitive services, and 
     shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 
     and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to 
     classification and General Schedule pay rates;
       (5) enter into cooperative agreements with public or 
     private individuals or entities for research, historic 
     preservation, and education purposes;
       (6) make grants to assist in the preparation of studies 
     that identify, preserve, and plan for the management of the 
     heritage area;
       (7) notwithstanding any other provision of law, seek and 
     accept donations of funds or services from individuals, 
     foundations, or other public or private entities and expend 
     the same for the purposes of providing services and programs 
     in furtherance of the purposes of titles III and IV of this 
     Act;
       (8) assist others in developing educational, informational, 
     and interpretive programs and facilities;
       (9) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
     places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as 
     the Commission may consider appropriate; and
       (10) use the United States mails in the same manner and 
     under the same conditions as other departments or agencies of 
     the United States.
       (e) Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall receive 
     no compensation for their service on the Commission. While 
     away from their homes or regular places of business in the 
     performance of services for the Commission, members shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed 
     intermittently in the Government services are allowed 
     expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
       (f) Chairman.--The Commission shall elect a chairman from 
     among its members. The term of the chairman shall be for 3 
     years.
       (g) Terms.--The terms of Commission members shall be for 3 
     years. Any member of the Commission appointed by the 
     Secretary for a 3-year term may serve after expiration of his 
     or her term until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy shall 
     be filled in the same manner in which the original 
     appointment was made. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the 
     predecessor was appointed.
       (h) Annual Reports.--The Commission shall submit an annual 
     report to the Secretary identifying its expenses and any 
     income, the entities to which any grants or technical 
     assistance were made during the year for which the report is 
     made, and actions that are planned for the following year.

     SEC. 403. PREPARATION OF THE PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Within 3 years after the Commission 
     conducts its first meeting, it shall prepare and submit a 
     heritage area management plan to the Governor of the State of 
     Louisiana. The Governor shall, if the Governor approves the 
     plan, submit it to the Secretary for review and approval. The 
     Secretary shall provide technical assistance to the 
     Commission in the preparation and implementation of the plan, 
     in concert with actions by the National Park Service to 
     prepare a general management plan for the historical park. 
     The plan shall consider local government plans and shall 
     present a unified heritage preservation and education plan 
     for the heritage area. The plan shall include, but not be 
     limited to--
       (1) an inventory of important properties and cultural 
     landscapes that should be preserved, managed, developed, and 
     maintained because of their cultural, natural, and public use 
     significance;
       (2) an analysis of current land uses within the area and 
     how they affect the goals of preservation and public use of 
     the heritage area;
       (3) an interpretive plan to address the cultural and 
     natural history of the area, and actions to enhance 
     visitor use. This element of the plan shall be undertaken 
     in consultation with the National Park Service and visitor 
     use plans for the historical park;
       (4) recommendations for coordinating actions by local, 
     State, and Federal governments within the heritage area, to 
     further the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; and
       (5) an implementation program for the plan including 
     desired actions by State and local governments and other 
     involved groups and entities.
       (b) Approval of the Plan.--The Secretary shall approve or 
     disapprove the plan within 90 days after receipt of the plan 
     from the Commission. The Commission shall notify the 
     Secretary of the status of approval by the Governor or 
     Louisiana when the plan is submitted for review and approval. 
     In determining whether or not to approve the plan the 
     Secretary shall consider--
       (1) whether the Commission has afforded adequate 
     opportunity, including public meetings and hearings, for 
     public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the 
     plan; and
       (2) whether reasonable assurances have been received from 
     the State and local governments that the plan is supported 
     and that the implementation program is feasible.
       (c) Disapproval of the Plan.--If the Secretary disapproves 
     the plan, he shall advise the Commission in writing of the 
     reasons for disapproval, and shall provide recommendations 
     and assistance in the revision of the plan. Following 
     completion of any revisions to the plan, the Commission shall 
     resubmit the plan to the Governor of Louisiana for approval, 
     and to the Secretary, who shall approve or disapprove the 
     plan within 90 days after the date that the plan is revised.

     SEC. 404. TERMINATION OF HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

       (a) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on the day 
     occurring 10 years after the first official meeting of the 
     Commission.
       (b) Extension.--The Commission may petition to be extended 
     for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the day 
     referred to in subsection (a), provided the Commission 
     determines a critical need to fulfill the purposes of titles 
     III and IV of this Act; and the Commission obtains approval 
     from the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of 
     Louisiana.
       (c) Heritage Area Management Following Termination of the 
     Commission.--The national heritage area status for the Cane 
     River region shall continue following the termination of the 
     Commission. The management plan, and partnerships and 
     agreements subject to the plan shall guide the future 
     management of the heritage area. The Commission, prior to its 
     termination, shall recommend to the Governor of the State of 
     Louisiana and the Secretary, appropriate entities, including 
     the potential for a nonprofit corporation, to assume the 
     responsibilities of the Commission.

     SEC. 405. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities 
     directly affecting the heritage area shall--
       (1) consult with the Secretary and the Commission with 
     respect to implementation of their proposed actions; and
       (2) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate such 
     activities with the Commission to minimize potential impacts 
     on the resources of the heritage area.

     SEC. 406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
     necessary to carry out titles III and IV of this Act.

  Mr. VENTO (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that the Senate amendment be considered as read and printed in the 
Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Minnesota?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the initial request of 
the gentleman from Minnesota?
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I yield to 
the gentleman from Minnesota.
  Mr. VENTO. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a measure that comes back from the Senate that 
we sent there about a year ago. It provides for the designation of a 
heritage corridor, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers. It provides for 
the addition of lands to the Weir Park, a historic park in Connecticut, 
and provides for a heritage corridor on the Cane River Creole National 
Historical Park in Louisiana.
  These are all measures that were heard--the latter measure was heard 
in the committee--this Congress. The Weir Park issue had been an issue 
under consideration in the past Congress, and it is a good addition to 
the park, and I would urge my colleagues to support it. I want to 
commend especially the gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Gejdenson], for 
his persistence in pursuing his heritage corridor. This corridor was 
not a part of the package of the measures that we sent over, the 
Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers were in a separate bill sent to the 
Senate about 1 year ago.
  I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding and urge the Members' 
support.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1348 establishes the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers 
Valley National Heritage Corridor consisting of 25 towns in the 
Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley in Connecticut. The legislation 
originally passed the House on September 13, 1994. Subsequently the 
Senate considered the measure on October 6, 1994 and has returned the 
bill to the House with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
  In lieu of what was provided for in the House-passed measure, the 
Senate amendment encourages the Governor or Connecticut to prepare a 
plan to provide for preservation, interpretation and recreation in the 
Heritage corridor with the input of the public and specified 
representatives of regional, State and local agencies. After review by 
the Secretary of the interior, the plan would be implemented by the 
Governor of Connecticut.
  The Senate amendment also expands the boundaries of the Weir Farm 
National Historic Site in the State of Connecticut. These provisions 
are similar to S. 2064, introduced by Senator Lieberman on May 3, 1994 
and H.R. 4480, introduced by Representative Franks on May 24, 1994. 
This boundary expansion will allow the National Park Service to acquire 
an adjacent parcel of land.
  Finally, the Senate amendment establishes the Cane River Creole 
National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area in the 
State of Louisiana. These provisions are similar to S. 1980 which was 
introduced by Senator Johnston on March 24, 1994. The park would 
consist of certain named plantations as well as a visitor center 
complex to be constructed. The heritage area would consist of areas 
along the Cane River, as well as other named locations in and around 
Natchitoches.
  Mr. Speaker, while H.R. 1348, as amended, is not the legislation I 
would have preferred, I appreciate the time constraints we are under. 
These provisions are adequate to protect the resources in these areas, 
and I urge my colleagues support.
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1348. I 
want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento], the gentleman 
from California [Mr. Miller], the gentleman from Utah [Mr. Hansen], and 
the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young], for their assistance in bringing 
this bill to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues may remember, the House passed 
H.R. 1348 by a voice vote on September 13, 1993. Today, we are 
considering an amended version of the bill that passed the Senate by 
unanimous consent on October 7. Senators Dodd and Lieberman worked 
closely with Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Johnston 
as well as Ranking Member Malcolm Wallop to draft this amendment. In 
fact, this version of the bill is largely the result of close 
negotiations with Senator Wallop and his staff. Senators Johnston and 
Wallop support this bill. I truly appreciate the efforts of these 
distinguished members of the other body.
  H.R. 1348 has been amended in several ways. First, the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket National Heritage Corridor Commission has been eliminated. 
This bill encourages, but does not direct, the Governor to develop the 
cultural heritage and corridor management plan called for under the 
bill. The Governor can request the assistance of the Secretary of 
Interior in developing such a plan. Under my previous bill, the 
Commission was comprised almost entirely of local officials and 
residents. Without the Commission, it was necessary to amend the bill 
to include a section guaranteeing broad-based public participation in 
the development of the plan. The Governor is authorized to involve a 
wide range of people, including local elected officials, members of the 
regional planning agencies in the corridor, experts in historic 
preservation and economic development, citizens, and others. The plan 
will be implemented by the Governor with the assistance of the 
Secretary.
  Under this amendment, no entity is authorized to acquire land through 
any means. The authorization of appropriations continues to be very 
modest, $200,000 in the first year and $250,000 in the succeeding 
years, and is limited to 7 years. This represents a reduction of 3 
years from the House-passed bill. Like my earlier bill, the amendment 
limits Federal contributions to 50 percent of the total costs of the 
corridor in any given fiscal year. State, local, and other sources must 
cover the remaining half. Furthermore, the amendment makes it clear 
that the Quinebaug and Shetucket National Heritage Corridor shall not 
be considered a unit of the National Park Service.
  Mr. Speaker, recently we have heard many Members of this body 
expressing their concerns about the possible effects of certain 
legislation on private property rights. These are legitimate concerns 
in light of our long tradition of valuing and protecting private 
property in this country. I share their desire to ensure that the 
interests of local land owners are protected and that is why I support 
the heritage corridor concept. Under this amendment, private property 
rights are completely protected. No entity is given authority to 
acquire property through any means. Land will stay in local hands and 
under local control. All zoning and land use regulations will remain 
unchanged. Neither the Governor nor the Secretary is authorized to 
change these local policies in any way. Zoning boards, elected 
officials, and residents will retain full authority over developing 
land use regulations within their communities. The role of the 
Secretary is advisory and technical in nature.
  I want my colleagues to know that this bill has overwhelming support 
in the proposed corridor area. It is backed by residents who own 
property in my State. For of the past 3 years, we have had walking 
weekend tours which have drawn between 3,000 to 4,000 people each year 
for hikes, tours, lectures, archeological digs, and other events. Other 
than a few large fairs and a University of Connecticut basketball game, 
no other single event attracts so many people in my area of 
Connecticut. Local elected officials, regional planning agencies, the 
State of Connecticut, business groups, and a wide range of others 
strongly support this bill.
  Finally, some have questioned whether the Department of Interior 
should have a role in supporting heritage corridors. I firmly believe 
that it should. In the eastern United States, it is impossible to place 
large tracts of land in traditional parks or monuments in order to 
protect natural resources or to provide recreational opportunities for 
residents. Current budgetary circumstances make large-scale land 
acquisition virtually impossible. Moreover, the residents of my area do 
not want the Federal Government to become a landlord.
  At the same time, my area has nationally significant natural, 
cultural, and historic resources which are threatened and are worthy of 
protection. This area has been referred to as the ``last green valley'' 
between Boston and New York. It contains the birthplaces and homes of 
signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and 
includes massive 19th and early 20th century textile mills which 
powered the Industrial Revolution in our Nation. Small towns in this 
area lack the technical and financial resources to preserve and promote 
these resources on their own. The Department, especially the National 
Park Service, has the technical expertise to assist these communities. 
This assistance will allow local groups and residents to preserve and 
develop these resources which are intimately connected to some of the 
most significant events in our Nation's history. Under my bill, the 
Department plays a supporting role which is completely consistent with 
its mission as guardian of our natural, cultural, and historic 
resources.
  In addition, I would briefly like to comment on the other two 
sections of this bill. TItle II expands the boundaries of the only 
national park in Connecticut, the Weir Farm, by adding about 3 acres. 
One acre will be donated and the other 2 will be acquired by the 
Service with unobligated funds set aside for land acquisition. This 
bill does not authorize any funds whatsoever. Finally, title III 
contains a bill introduced by Energy Chairman Johnston to create a 
heritage area along the Cane River in Louisiana. Chairman Vento has 
explained this portion of the bill adequately.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a balanced bill which has been developed with 
the assistance and guidance of Senators Johnston and Wallop. Private 
property rights are completely protected, land will stay in local hands 
and residents in the area will retain full authority over local zoning 
and land use regulations. This bill has a limited time frame and an 
extremely modest authorization of appropriations. Finally, this 
amendment has the overwhelming support of a wide range of interests 
throughout the proposed corridor area. I urge my colleagues to support 
this important measure.
  Mr. FRANKS of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
1348, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage 
Corridor Act of 1993. The bill would establish the Quinebaug and 
Shetucket Rivers Valley National Corridor in Connecticut and a 
Commission within the Interior Department to assist with the management 
of the corridor. Most importantly, the measure includes my legislation 
to expand the boundary of the Weir Farm National Historic Site. The 
National Park Service is authorized to acquire the last two remaining 
undeveloped parcels of the historic Weir Farm that remain in private 
ownership. This requires no additional funding authority or 
appropriations. Although these parcels were a part of the historic Weir 
Farm and were identified as such when the State of Connecticut and the 
trust for public land began acquiring the land that eventually became 
the Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Federal legislation that 
designated the site moved more quickly than the negotiations between 
the State and the trust for public land. Not wanting to include land 
from an owner who was unwilling to be included within the boundaries of 
a national park site, the sponsors of the authorizing legislation 
removed these parcels from the boundary maps.
  The legislation I introduced was prompted by an agreement between the 
owner of the land, the recent acquisition of the land by the trust for 
public land, and the expressed interest by the National Park Service of 
acquiring the land. The funds to do so have been appropriated, so no 
new funding authority or appropriations would be required.
  Moving forward with this acquisition would preclude development of 
these last remaining privately owned undeveloped parcels. Because these 
parcels are directly in view of the most visited part of Weir Farm, 
their undeveloped state is necessary to preserve the aesthetic 
integrity of the site. This will preserve the landscape as it was in 
the late 19th and early 20th century when it was painted by those--led 
by J. Alden Weir--who became known internationally as the American 
impressionists.
  The J. Alden Weir National Historic Site is the only site in the 
National Park System to commemorate an American painter and it is 
Connecticut's only national park.
  Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and would urge my colleagues 
to support it as well.
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the initial request of 
the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento]?
  There was no objection.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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