[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR ACT

  The text of 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, as passed by the Senate on October 
6, 1994, is as follows:

                               H.R. 1348

         Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives 
     (H.R. 1348) entitled ``An Act to establish the Quinebaug and 
     Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor in the 
     State of Connecticut, and for other purposes'', do pass with 
     the following amendment:
       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
   TITLE I--QUINEBAUG AND SHETUCKET RIVERS VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE 
                               CORRIDOR.

     SEC. 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 buildings 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) Assistance.--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 103.
       (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 than $250,000 annually thereafter shall be 
     appropriated for the Secretary to carry out his 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 Depiction.--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.

     SEC. 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 benefitted 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, 1935 (49 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 Acra 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 the 
     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 
     Ades/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 and 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 Sportsman 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 service, 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 service 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 of 
     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 plant to the Government or 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.

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