[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the 
Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act. The legislation would 
establish a program within the National Park Service to help preserve 
and enhance the cultural heritage of the United States. The program 
would coordinate Federal activities and provide information, technical 
assistance and grants to States, Indian tribes, local governments and 
non-profit organizations.
  Our nation's cultural heritage is a diverse array of natural, 
historical, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources. The hallmark 
of these treasures is that they are authentic.
  Together they define an area or region's distinct character. 
Communities increasingly recognize their cultural heritage as a 
valuable resource, both esthetically and economically. Cultural 
heritage tourism is now a $50 billion segment of the $600 billion US 
travel industry.
  Within Colorado are six state heritage areas, designated by the 
Colorado Heritage Area Partnership and the governor. Colorado also has 
one federally designated heritage area, Cache La Poudre. The Colorado 
program is still relatively young and depends largely on volunteers and 
some small grants. Yet the heritage they share is very important not 
just to Colorado, but to the rest of the country as well.
  Other states--such as Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah--have developed or are in the 
process of developing heritage area programs. I'm told that at least 20 
states have developed cultural heritage tourism programs.
  At the national level, however, no Federal agency has the role of 
coordinating the many government programs that could assist the 
cultural heritage programs being developed by States, tribes, local 
governments and private organizations.
  My legislation would create the Cultural Heritage Assistance 
Partnership Program in the National Park Service to provide information 
and technical assistance on cultural heritage resources and activities, 
including heritage areas, heritage tourism and related economic and 
community development.
  Technical assistance would include developing models of cultural 
heritage partnership agreements; holding workshops, conferences, 
training and public meetings; developing guidance on ways to access 
Federal programs; and coordinating meetings with Federal agencies and 
non-federal partners. An awards program would be established to 
recognize exemplary projects or program that carry out the purposes of 
this Act.
  The legislation also provides for a modest grant program, to provide 
grants, on a competitive basis, to States, Indian tribes, local 
governments and nonprofit organizations. Annual funding for the grants 
is capped at $9 million. No applicant could receive more than $50,000 
in grants in any fiscal year, all grants must be matched on a 50 
percent basis, and all recipients must have at least one partner who 
also contributes facilities, supplies or services for the project.
  Mr. Speaker, my bill has gained support from many international, 
national and local interests--not only from my own State of Colorado, 
but organizations from all over the country. Many of them are listed 
below, and the list grows daily.
  They speak far more eloquently than I can about what the bill would 
do to further their efforts to preserve and enhance the cultural 
heritage of our great nation.

 Organizations Supporting Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act


                                COLORADO

       Colorado Preservation, Inc.
       Colorado Community Revitalization Association.
       City of Lafayette, Colorado.
       Operation Healthy Communities (Durango Colorado).
       Park County Historical Society, Colorado.


                  OTHER STATE AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:

       Connecticut River Watershed Council--Connecticut, 
     Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont.
       Historic Staunton Foundation, Virginia.
       Kentucky Organization of Professional Archaeologists.
       New River Community Partners, North Carolina, Virginia and 
     West Virginia.
       New York State Archaeological Association.
       Public Policy Information Fund, Austin, Texas.
       Rio Grande Institute, Marathon, Texas.


                         NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       American Association of Museums.
       American Cultural Resources Association.
       American Planning Association.
       National Conference of State Historic Preservation 
     Officers.
       National Trust for Historic Preservation.
       Partners in Parks.
       Preservation Action.
       Scenic America.
       Society for American Archaeology.
       US/ICOMOS.

                                  ____
                                  

  Selected Statements in Support of the Cultural Heritage Assistance 
                            Partnership Act


                                COLORADO

       Colorado Community Revitalization Association (CCRA) 
     wholeheartedly endorses the Cultural Heritage Assistance 
     Partnership Act that Congressman Udall will be introducing 
     this week in Congress.
       CCRA is a statewide nonprofit organization that has, as one 
     of its programs, the Colorado Heritage Area Partnership 
     program (CHAP). Within Colorado there are six state heritage 
     areas.
       The heritage areas in Colorado are volunteer efforts that 
     receive sporadic project funding from grants. Two of the 
     areas have been fortunate to have volunteers who have had the 
     flexibility to provide minor assistance to the heritage areas 
     as part of their employment.
       As Colorado wrestles with ways to control and direct its 
     growth, the goals of Colorado's heritage areas become more 
     difficult to realize and simultaneously all the more 
     critical. Recognition of the importance of our heritage and 
     providing ways to identify, inventory, preserve and enhance 
     all the elements that make up what we call ``heritage'' is 
     vital to securing our place in history. We must protect and 
     enhance the qualities that make Colorado, Colorado.

                                            Barbara Silverman,

                                           Executive Director,

                                                Colorado Community
                                       Revitalization Association.

                                  ____
                                  

       On behalf of Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI), I write in 
     support of the Cultural Heritage Resources Partnership Act 
     which you are sponsoring and the assistance it could provide 
     to heritage areas.
       As Colorado's statewide historic preservation organization, 
     CPI sees the needs of historic preservation around the state 
     more clearly than most organizations. As CPI members, we see 
     these needs through the lens of one of our own programs, 
     Colorado's Most Endangered Places Program. As a citizen-
     driven initiative, this program identifies historic places 
     that are about to be lost forever.
       Most of the places that get placed on the Endangered Places 
     List each year would not have been noticed had it not been 
     for this annual listing and the publicity it generates. Yet, 
     even with recognition that a historic place is threatened, 
     many of these endangered places are located in small towns or 
     rural areas where there is little funding for them. Local 
     citizens typically want to save a beloved building in their 
     town but often have no idea where to turn for help.
       The bill which you are sponsoring would provide much needed 
     technical assistance to these sites which otherwise would 
     have no one to advocate on their behalf And the program could 
     generate good partnerships with already existing programs. 
     For example, it could link to other Endangered Places 
     Programs around the country since many statewide historic 
     preservation organizations like CPI sponsor such a program.
       This bill is a good idea and one that could provide needed 
     assistance to areas that could really use it. Additionally, 
     the bill could bring economic relief to local economies 
     particularly those in rural areas.
       As the public loves heritage areas and will travel to visit 
     them, there is tourism potential So add tourism development 
     to the list of ways in which a local area could benefit from 
     the bill.
       Thank you so much for your efforts to take on this issue of 
     helping heritage areas and

[[Page E826]]

     for understanding that these areas bring an economic 
     advantage to places that need it the most.

                                              Monta Lee Dakin,

                                               Executive Director,
                                       Colorado Preservation, Inc.

                                  ____
                                  

       This legislation sounds like an answer to some of the 
     prayers of local preservation organizations, especially in 
     rural areas. We have been involved as partners with Park 
     County, Colorado, and several state and federal organizations 
     and agencies to strengthen the mechanisms to preserve our 
     important cultural heritage resources.
       This is difficult work when you are starting from scratch, 
     and there is little or no technical advice available. The 
     National Trust and the NPS websites and publications are 
     excellent sources, but sometimes it comes down to being able 
     to hire the expertise to get the pump primed, to get the 
     local people sensitized and trained.
       Colorado is fortunate in having the magnificent State 
     Historical Fund that grants funds for historic preservation 
     projects. However, there are areas of cultural heritage that 
     do not qualify for this program--developing archives of 
     documents and photographs, assisting local museums, 
     conducting oral histories, writing community histories that 
     are not directly related to preserving sites and structures.
       Partnerships are ``Best Practice'' for accomplishing 
     significant work in rural communities. Bringing together 
     everyone who is interested in and responsible for cultural 
     heritage preservation is essential. The proposed legislation 
     will go a long way to help us in our efforts.
                                                 Jackie W. Powell,
                         Director, Park County Historical Society.

                                  ____
                                  

                                                 Fort Collins, CO.
       As someone who has done applied research and community 
     outreach on cultural heritage issues, especially as they 
     relate to local economic development, I strongly support the 
     passage of the Cultural Heritage Partnership Act.
       If possible, I'd appreciate any further information on the 
     bill as it develops. Thanks!
                                            Stephan Weiler, Ph.D.,
         Assistant Professor & Regional Economist, Department of 
           Economics, Colorado State University.

                                  ____
                                  

       I serve on the boards of directors of the South Park 
     Historical Foundation, Inc., The South Park Symposium, and 
     the Park County Advisory Board on the Environment. The 
     proposal by Representative Mark Udall to establish a Cultural 
     Heritage Assistance Partnership Program as part of the 
     Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act would be 
     beneficial to the three organizations I serve on in Park 
     County, Colorado.
       Park County has an abundance of cultural heritage worth 
     preserving but the pressure to build for the expanding 
     population could sweep much of it away. Assistance to 
     preserve and manage a significant portion of this rich 
     cultural heritage is needed.
                                                       Gary Minke,
                                                  Park County, CO.

                                  ____
                                  

       I am in full support of Rep. Mark Udall's proposed 
     legislation establishing a Cultural Heritage Resources 
     Partnership Program. Many communities are trying to preserve 
     their heritage resources.
       In Park County, we have several programs such as a local 
     historic register, a State Heritage Area, historical 
     archives, historic preservation/rehabilitation, river 
     conservation/recreation, and view corridor preservation, 
     which are actively working on small budgets with dedicated 
     volunteers to preserve cultural resources and promote 
     heritage tourism.
       This legislation would benefit all communities by 
     recognizing the importance of heritage preservation, acting 
     as an informational base/disseminator, and providing small 
     grant programs. Please add my name to the list of supporters 
     for Rep. Mark Udall's proposed legislation.
                                                      Lynda James,
                                                       Bailey, Co.

                                  ____
                                  

       As a non profit organization that supports community 
     development and mobilization, I am expressing our interest in 
     the Act that Rep. Mark Udall is planning to introduce. Feel 
     free to add the name of our organization. We serve 5 counties 
     in SW Colorado.

                                                  Laura Lewis,

                                               Executive Director,
                                    Operation Healthy Communities.

                                  ____
                                  

                         NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       The American Association of Museums is proud to support 
     Rep. Mark Udall's outstanding legislation, the Cultural 
     Heritage Assistance Partnership Act. Please list us as a 
     supporter of this legislation.
       Founded in 1906, the American Association of Museums (AAM) 
     is dedicated to promoting excellence within the museum 
     community. AAM currently represents more than 16,000 
     members--11,500 individual museum professionals and 
     volunteers, 3,100 institutions, and 1,700 corporate members. 
     Individual members span the range of occupations in museums, 
     including directors, curators, registrars, educators, exhibit 
     designers, public relations officers, development officers, 
     security managers, trustees, and volunteers.
       Museums are first and foremost educational Institutions and 
     are entrusted to care for over 750 million objects and 
     specimens. We strongly support programs, such as the one that 
     would be established by the Cultural Heritage Assistance 
     Partnership Act, to preserve and protect our national 
     heritage for both recreational as well as educational 
     purposes.
       We strongly support preserving and protecting our wealth of 
     cultural, scientific, technological, historic and artistic 
     treasures so that they may be available to current and future 
     generations as a learning resource. In this way, we can 
     provide our children with the most well rounded and 
     comprehensive education possible.

                                             Edward Able, Jr.,

                                                President and CEO,
                                  American Association of Museums.

                                  ____
                                  

       US/ICOMOS (the US National Committee of the International 
     Council on Monuments and Sites) welcomes the proposed 
     Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act (CHAP) and its 
     efforts to foster and support cooperative partnerships 
     designed to preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the 
     United States.
       We are particularly pleased to see that you have included 
     international organizations including ICOMOS as one of those 
     involved in coordination efforts. We believe that ICOMOS with 
     its 6000 members who are part of its 116 national committees 
     (of which the US Committee, US/ICOMOS, is the largest) has 
     much to bring to such a partnership program and we strongly 
     believe that cultural heritage programs and activities in the 
     US can gain from intellectual contributions to their efforts 
     from professional colleagues in other countries.
       The need for coordination and collaboration among players 
     in the field of cultural heritage protection is great and we 
     applaud the Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act as a 
     step toward enriching a variety of programs large and small 
     in this country and elsewhere through the program of 
     partnerships that you have proposed.
       With best wishes for the success of your efforts to achieve 
     a truly collaborative and cooperative program where 
     knowledge, expertise and technical information in the field 
     of cultural heritage can be shared by Americans and their 
     colleagues, at home and abroad.
     Robert Wilburn,
       President, US/ICOMOS, Washington, D.C.
     Ann Webster Smith,
       Vice President, ICOMOS, Paris, France.

                                  ____
                                  

          OTHER STATES AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

     Florida
       I am a Ph.D. Candidate at the Univ. of Florida (Dept. of 
     Anthropology), finishing in August. I could see many groups 
     in Florida benefiting from the grants to be included in this 
     act. Also, the idea of people striving to form partnerships 
     is much needed.
       It seems that many people talk about collaborating, but 
     never know how to go about implementing such an effort. I 
     hope the act passes Congress, as it is widely beneficial.

                                               Tanya M. Peres,

                                                  Ph.D. Candidate,
                           Dept. of Anthropology, Univ. of Florida
     Indiana
       Since 1996 in southwestern Indiana, we have developed a 
     partnership of 10 organizations to present public education 
     programs about regional archaeology, and we invite the public 
     and school groups to visit our ongoing excavations. We do 
     this in conjunction with the celebration of Indiana 
     Archaeology Week, but our various public events extend over a 
     month.
       See the web site below for a list of our partners, and the 
     kind of program we present with thousands of volunteered 
     hours. The public loves our programs, and we do receive 
     contributions from local businesses, but you might guess that 
     we are always searching for grant funds.
       Rep. Udall's Cultural Heritage Resources Partnership bill 
     would create the kind of program that could help us continue 
     giving the public a ``first hand view'' of the past, which 
     teaches about the value of archaeological research and 
     preservation of heritage resources.

                                            Cheryl Ann Munson,

                                       Department of Anthropology,
                              Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
     Kentucky
       I was recently forwarded a copy of the Cultural Heritage 
     Resources Partnership Act, and wanted to applaud your efforts 
     on behalf of the Kentucky Organization of Professional 
     Archaeologists. I have participated in numerous educational 
     projects involved in Kentucky archaeology. They are always 
     well received, and generate great public interest in the 
     preservation of our cultural and historical resources.
       As a professional, I often write reports that detail the 
     specifics of archaeological sites in a scientific fashion. 
     Programs that will be generated by this legislation will 
     bring the stories of our cultural heritage directly to the 
     public, rather than a dusty bookshelf. This legislation will 
     serve to enhance the efforts of those who work to protect our 
     history.

[[Page E827]]

       Thank you for your efforts. We are in full support of this 
     legislation.

                                         Hank McKelway, Ph.D.,

                                  President, Kentucky Organization
                                   of Professional Archaeologists.
     Maryland
       Please include my name on the list of supporters of the 
     Cultural Heritage Assistance Partenrship Act. Thank you and 
     good luck. If there is anything further that I can do on an 
     individual level, please feel free to contact me. I will be 
     happy to provide whatever assistance I can.

                                                 Patrick Lang,

                                                        Historian,
                                                     Bethesda, MD.
     New York
       I would very much like to support your efforts in the 
     introduction of this bill. There are numerous ``heritage 
     areas'' in New York State and throughout the United States 
     which the Cultural Heritage Resources Partnership Act will 
     aid in preserving.

                                       Susan Winchell-Sweeney,

                                                        Secretary,
                        New York State Archaeological Association.

                                  ____
                                  

       I would like to support your efforts in the introduction of 
     this bill. It will serve as important in the effort to 
     preserve our cultural heritage in the United States.

                                         Marie-Lorraine Pipes,

                                                 Zooarchaeologist,
                                                       Victor, NY.
     Virginia
       Please include the Historic Staunton Foundation as a 
     supporter of the bill. We are a local non-profit org. that 
     could certainly use technical support of the NPS. Thanks

                                              Frank Strassler,

                                               Executive Director,
                       Historic Staunton Foundation, Staunton, VA.

        Overview of Cultural Heritage Assistance Partnership Act

                     (By Representative Mark Udall)

       Background and Need: Our nation's cultural heritage is a 
     diverse array of natural, historical, cultural, scenic, and 
     recreational resources. The hallmark of these treasures is 
     that they are authentic. Together they define an area or 
     region's distinct character. Communities increasingly 
     recognize their cultural heritage as a valuable resource, 
     both esthetically and economically. Cultural heritage tourism 
     is now a $50 billion segment of the $600 billion US travel 
     industry. Yet no Federal agency has the role of coordinating 
     the many government programs that could assist the cultural 
     heritage programs being developed by States, tribes, local 
     governments and private organizations.
       Program: The legislation would establish a Cultural 
     Heritage Assistance Partnership Program within the National 
     Park Service to coordinate Federal programs and to provide 
     information, technical assistance and grants to States, 
     Indian tribes, local governments and non-profit 
     organizations. In turn it would also provide Federal agencies 
     with opportunities to benefit from the knowledge and 
     experience of their non-Federal, cultural heritage partners.
       Federal Coordination: To carry out the purposes of the 
     Partnership Program, the Act would establish a Federal 
     Coordinating Council composed of the heads of 11 Federal 
     departments and agencies. The Secretary of the Interior would 
     serve as chair. The purposes of the Council are to:
       Identify Federal programs that can assist the Partnership 
     Program;
       Establish methods to collaborate together and with other 
     governmental and nongovernmental entities on cultural 
     heritage programs and projects;
       Find ways to cut red tape and increase efficiencies in 
     delivering services under existing Federal programs to 
     States, Indian Tribes, local governments, and private 
     organizations; and
       Assure that the Partnership Program is responsive to the 
     diverse needs of communities, from urban centers to remote 
     rural areas, and are balanced in outreach and funding.
       Citizens Advisory Committee: The legislation establishes an 
     11 member Citizens Advisory Committee appointed by the 
     Secretary of the Interior to provide independent advice from 
     the private sector to the Partnership Program and the Federal 
     Coordinating Council. Members would be chosen for 5 year 
     terms from among individuals who represent a range of 
     technical expertise as well as broad based interests in 
     cultural heritage resources, heritage areas, heritage tourism 
     and related economic and community development.
       Partnerships: In carrying out the Partnership Program, the 
     Secretary of the Interior would coordinate with and seek the 
     participation of organizations and agencies involved in 
     heritage areas and related cultural heritage tourism and 
     economic and community development, including:
       (1) Private sector non-profit organizations.
       (2) Educational and training institutions.
       (3) Professional societies and trade associations.
       (4) State and local government agencies and affiliated 
     organizations.
       (5) Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
       (6) Other offices and programs within the National Park 
     Service, including Units of the National Park System.
       (7) Federal agencies, including agencies not represented on 
     the Federal Coordinating Council, and Federal organizations 
     such as Coastal America and the National Rural Development 
     Council; and
       (8) International agencies and organizations.
       Information, Technical Assistance, and Awards. The 
     Partnership Program would provide information and technical 
     assistance on cultural heritage resources and activities, 
     including heritage areas, heritage tourism and related 
     economic and community development. The information would be 
     available electronically on the World Wide Web. Technical 
     assistance would include developing models of cultural 
     heritage partnership agreements; holding workshops, 
     conferences, training and public meetings; developing 
     guidance on ways to access Federal programs; and coordinating 
     meetings with Federal agencies and non-federal partners. An 
     awards program would be established to recognize exemplary 
     projects or programs that carry out the purposes of this Act.
       Grants. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of the 
     Interior to make grants, on a competitive basis, to States, 
     Indian tribes, local governments and nonprofit organizations. 
     Annual funding for the grants is capped at $9 million. No 
     applicant could receive more than $50,000 in grants in any 
     fiscal year, and all grants must be matched on a 50 percent 
     basis. All grant recipients must have at least one partner 
     who also contributes facilities, supplies or services for the 
     project. Priority would be given to projects that have more 
     than two entities who contribute facilities, supplies or 
     services or projects representing a broad base of interests 
     that can increase community involvement.
       Types of Projects: Among the types of projects that may be 
     funded are projects that:
       (1) Develop plans, programs, training, and informational 
     materials relating to the development, management or 
     interpretation of cultural heritage resources and heritage 
     areas or potential heritage areas;
       (2) Create innovative projects that address natural 
     resource conservation, environmental education, outdoor 
     recreation, economic revitalization, archaeology, historic, 
     scenic and cultural preservation, and the arts, humanities 
     and folklore;
       (3) Carry out cultural heritage activities in conjunction 
     with libraries, museums and schools
       (4) Improve the organizational and management capacity of 
     cultural heritage organizations and agencies;
       (5) Create or implement innovative ways to combine historic 
     property restoration and conservation with economic and 
     community development;
       (6) Provide electronic access, including equipment and 
     training, especially in rural or underserved urban 
     communities, to promote cultural heritage activities or 
     heritage areas;
       (7) Develop alliances among heritage areas within a State 
     and among the States;
       (8) Share information with other nations on cultural 
     heritage programs in the United States; and
       (9) Develop programs for collecting information on cultural 
     heritage activities and resources in other nations that might 
     serve as models for similar activities in the United States.
       Report: The legislation directs the Secretary of the 
     Interior to prepare a report to Congress within 4 years of 
     enactment that describes the accomplishments of Partnership 
     Program; identifies any problems that were encountered in 
     implementing the provisions of this Act; and recommends any 
     changes are needed in the Partnership Program, including 
     amendments to the Act.
       Definitions: Standard definitions are provided for terms 
     used throughout the Act. The term ``Heritage Area'' is 
     defined as ``a discrete geographic area or region (including 
     trails, corridors, rivers, and watersheds) designated by 
     Federal, State, tribal or local legislation or executive 
     action and having a distinctive sense of place embodied in 
     its historic buildings, communities, traditions, cultural and 
     natural features.''
       Annual Funding: In addition to the $9 million authorized 
     annually to be appropriated for the grants program, the 
     $500,000 is authorized for information and technical 
     assistance and $500,000 for program administration.

     

                          ____________________