[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H10002-H10009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1529, I call
up the bill (S. 1942) to standardize the designation of National
Heritage Areas, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate
consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1529, the bill
is considered read.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 1942
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Heritage Area
Act''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Subtitle I of title 54, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``DIVISION C--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS
``CHAPTER 1201--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA SYSTEM
``Sec.
``120101. Definition of National Heritage Area.
``120102. Establishment of National Heritage Area System.
``120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation.
``120104. Evaluation.
``Sec. 120101. Definition of National Heritage Area
``In this chapter, the term `National Heritage Area' means
a component of the National Heritage Area System described in
section 120102(b).
``Sec. 120102. Establishment of National Heritage Area System
``(a) In General.--To recognize certain areas of the United
States that tell nationally significant stories and to
conserve, enhance, and interpret those nationally significant
stories and the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural
resources of areas that illustrate significant aspects of the
heritage of the United States, there is established a
National Heritage Area System through the administration of
which the Secretary may provide technical and financial
assistance to local coordinating entities to support the
establishment, development, and continuity of the National
Heritage Areas.
``(b) National Heritage Area System Components.--The
National Heritage Area System shall be composed of--
``(1) each National Heritage Area, National Heritage
Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage
Corridor, National Heritage Route, and National Heritage
Partnership designated by Congress before or on the date of
enactment of this chapter; and
``(2) each National Heritage Area designated by Congress
after the date of enactment of this chapter.
``(c) Relationship to the System.--
``(1) Relationship to system units.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable,
participation and assistance by any administrator of the
System unit that is located near or encompassed by a National
Heritage Area in local initiatives for the National Heritage
Area to conserve and interpret resources consistent with the
applicable management plan for the National Heritage Area;
and
``(B) work with local coordinating entities to promote
public enjoyment of System units and System-related
resources.
``(2) Treatment.--
``(A) In general.--A National Heritage Area shall not be--
``(i) considered to be a System unit; or
``(ii) subject to the authorities applicable to System
units.
``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph affects the
administration of a System unit located withinthe boundaries
of a National Heritage Area.
``(d) Authorities.--In carrying out this chapter, the
Secretary may--
``(1) conduct or review, as applicable, feasibility studies
in accordance with section 120103(a);
``(2) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of, and
submit to Congress a report that includes recommendations
regarding the role of the Service with respect to, each
National Heritage Area, in accordance with section 120104;
``(3) enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal
agencies, States, Tribal governments, local governments,
local coordinating entities, and other interested individuals
and entities to achieve the purposes of the National Heritage
Area System;
``(4) provide information, promote understanding, and
encourage research regarding National Heritage Areas, in
partnership with local coordinating entities; and
``(5) provide national oversight, analysis, coordination,
technical and financial assistance, and support to ensure
consistency and accountability of the National Heritage Area
System.
``Sec. 120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation
``(a) Studies.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary may carry out or review a study
to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed
National Heritage Area for designation as a National Heritage
Area.
``(2) Preparation.--
``(A) In general.--A study under paragraph (1) may be
carried out--
``(i) by the Secretary, in consultation with State and
local historic preservation officers, State and local
historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and
other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies; or
``(ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the
Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the
requirements of paragraph (3).
``(B) Certification.--Not later than 1 year after receiving
a study carried out by interested individuals or entities
under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall review and
certify whether the study meets the requirements of paragraph
(3).
``(3) Requirements.--A study under paragraph (1) shall
include analysis, documentation, and determinations on
whether the proposed National Heritage Area--
[[Page H10003]]
``(A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural
resources that--
``(i) represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the
United States;
``(ii) are worthy of recognition, conservation,
interpretation, and continuing use; and
``(iii) would be best managed--
``(I) through partnerships among public and private
entities; and
``(II) by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous
resources and active communities;
``(B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife
that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;
``(C) provides outstanding opportunities--
``(i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic
features; and
``(ii) for recreation and education;
``(D) contains resources that--
``(i) are important to any identified themes of the
proposed National Heritage Area; and
``(ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting
interpretation;
``(E) includes a diverse group of residents, business
interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local
governments that--
``(i) are involved in the planning of the proposed National
Heritage Area;
``(ii) have developed a conceptual financial plan that
outlines the roles of all participants in the proposed
National Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and
``(iii) have demonstrated significant support for the
designation of the proposed National Heritage Area;
``(F) has a potential management entity to work in
partnership with the individuals and entities described in
subparagraph (E) to develop the proposed National Heritage
Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and
``(G) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by
the public.
``(4) Report.--
``(A) In general.--For each study carried out under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee
on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report
that describes--
``(i) any correspondence received by the Secretary
demonstrating support for, or opposition to, the
establishment of the National Heritage Area;
``(ii) the findings of the study; and
``(iii) any conclusions and recommendations of the
Secretary.
``(B) Timing.--
``(i) Studies carried out by the secretary.--With respect
to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with
paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report
under subparagraph (A) not later than 3 years after the date
on which funds are first made available to carry out the
study.
``(ii) Studies carried out by other interested parties.--
With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals
or entities in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the
Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not
later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary
certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the
requirements of paragraph (3).
``(b) Designation.--An area shall be designated as a
National Heritage Area only by an Act of Congress.
``Sec. 120104. Evaluation
``(a) In General.--At reasonable and appropriate intervals,
as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may--
``(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of a
National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (b); and
``(2) prepare and submit to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives a report that
includes recommendations for the continued role of the
Service with respect to each National Heritage Area in
accordance with subsection (c).
``(b) Components.--An evaluation under subsection (a)(1)
shall--
``(1) assess the progress of the applicable local
coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area with respect
to--
``(A) accomplishing the purposes of the applicable National
Heritage Area; and
``(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the management
plan;
``(2) analyze Federal, State, local, Tribal government, and
private investments in the National Heritage Area to
determine the leverage and impact of the investments; and
``(3) review the management structure, partnership
relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Area for
purposes of identifying the critical components for
sustainability of the National Heritage Area.
``(c) Recommendations.--Each report under subsection (a)(2)
shall include--
``(1) if the report contains a recommendation of the
Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National
Heritage Area should be continued, an analysis of--
``(A) any means by which that Federal funding may be
reduced or eliminated over time; and
``(B) the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the
recommended reduction or elimination of Federal funding; or
``(2) if the report contains a recommendation of the
Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National
Heritage Area should be eliminated, a description of
potential impacts on conservation, interpretation, and
sustainability in the applicable National Heritage Area.''.
(b) Private Property and Regulatory Protections.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section (including an
amendment made by this section)--
(A) abridges any right of a public or private property
owner, including the right to refrain from participating in
any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a
National Heritage Area;
(B) requires any property owner to permit public access
(including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local
government access) to a property;
(C) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or
local law with respect to public access or use of private
land;
(D)(i) alters any applicable land use regulation, land use
plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, or
local agency or Tribal government; or
(ii) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use
or other regulatory authority;
(E) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation
of water or water rights;
(F) diminishes the authority of a State to manage fish and
wildlife, including through the regulation of fishing and
hunting within a National Heritage Area in the State; or
(G) creates or affects any liability--
(i) under any other provision of law; or
(ii) of any private property owner with respect to any
person injured on private property.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8004(f) of the Omnibus
Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note;
Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1245) is amended by striking
paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserting the following:
``(2) requires any property owner to permit public access
(including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local
government access) to a property;
``(3) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or
local law with respect to public access or use of private
land;
``(4)(A) alters any applicable land use regulation, land
use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal,
State, or local agency or Tribal government; or
``(B) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use
or other regulatory authority;''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3052(a) of Public Law
113-291 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note) is amended by striking
paragraph (2).
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subtitle I of
title 54, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``DIVISION C--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS''
``1201. National Heritage Area
System..........................120101''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
STUDIES.
(a) Kaena Point National Heritage Area Study.--The
Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the
``Secretary''), in consultation with State of Hawaii and
local historic preservation officers, State and local
historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and
other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies and
in accordance with section 120103(a) of title 54, United
States Code, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability
and feasibility of designating all or a portion of Honolulu
County on the island of Oahu as a National Heritage Area, to
be known as the ``Kaena Point National Heritage Area''.
(b) Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with State
and local organizations and governmental agencies, Tribal
governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate
entities and in accordance with section 120103(a) of title
54, United States Code, shall conduct a study to assess the
suitability and feasibility of designating the areas
described in paragraph (2) in the States of Virginia and
North Carolina as a National Heritage Area, to be known as
the ``Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area''.
(2) Description of study area.--The areas to be studied
under paragraph (1) include--
(A) the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and
Suffolk in the State of Virginia;
(B) Isle of Wight County in the State of Virginia;
(C) Camden, Currituck, Gates, and Pasquotank Counties in
the State of North Carolina; and
(D) any other area in the State of Virginia or North
Carolina that--
(i) has heritage aspects that are similar to the heritage
aspects of an area described in subparagraph (A), (B), or
(C); and
(ii) is adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, an area
described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
(c) Guam National Heritage Area Study.--The Secretary, in
consultation with appropriate regional and local
organizations or agencies, and in accordance with section
120103(a) of title 54, United States Code, shall conduct a
study to assess the suitability and feasibility of
designating sites in Guam as a National Heritage Area.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA DESIGNATIONS.
(a) Designations.--Section 6001(a) of the John D. Dingell,
Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law
116-9; 133 Stat. 768) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(7) Alabama black belt national heritage area.--
[[Page H10004]]
``(A) In general.--There is established the Alabama Black
Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, as
depicted on the map entitled `Alabama Black Belt Proposed
National Heritage Area', numbered 258/177,272, and dated
September 2021.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Center for the Study
of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall be
the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area
designated by subparagraph (A).
``(8) Bronzeville-black metropolis national heritage area,
illinois.--
``(A) In general.--There is established the Bronzeville-
Black Metropolis National Heritage Area in the State of
Illinois.
``(B) Boundaries.--The National Heritage Area shall consist
of the region in the city of Chicago, Illinois, bounded as
follows:
``(i) 18th Street on the north to 22nd Street on the south,
from Lake Michigan on the east to Wentworth Avenue on the
west.
``(ii) 22nd Street on the north to 35th Street on the
south, from Lake Michigan on the east to the Dan Ryan
Expressway on the west.
``(iii) 35th Street on the north to 47th Street on the
south, from Lake Michigan on the east to the B&O Railroad
(Stewart Avenue) on the west.
``(iv) 47th Street on the north to 55th Street on the
south, from Cottage Grove Avenue on the east to the Dan Ryan
Expressway on the west.
``(v) 55th Street on the north to 67th Street on the south,
from State Street on the west to Cottage Grove Avenue/ South
Chicago Avenue on the east.
``(vi) 67th Street on the North to 71st Street on the
South, from Cottage Grove Avenue/ South Chicago Avenue on the
west to the Metra Railroad tracks on the east.
``(C) Local coordinating entity.--The Black Metropolis
National Heritage Area Commission shall be the local
coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated
by subparagraph (A).
``(9) Downeast maine national heritage area.--
``(A) In general.--There is established the Downeast Maine
National Heritage Area in the State of Maine, consisting of
Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Sunrise County
Economic Council shall be the local coordinating entity for
the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A).
``(10) Northern neck national heritage area, virginia.--
``(A) In general.--There is established the Northern Neck
National Heritage Area in the State of Virginia, as depicted
on the map entitled `Northern Neck National Heritage Area
Proposed Boundary', numbered 671/177,224, and dated August
2021.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Northern Neck Tourism
Commission, a working committee of the Northern Neck Planning
District Commission, shall serve as the local coordinating
entity for the National Heritage Area designated by
subparagraph (A).
``(11) St. croix national heritage area, u.s. virgin
islands.--
``(A) In general.--There is established on the island of
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the St. Croix National
Heritage Area, consisting of the entire island of St. Croix.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Virgin Islands State
Historic Preservation Office shall be the local coordinating
entity for the National Heritage Area designated by
subparagraph (A).
``(12) Southern campaign of the revolution national
heritage corridor, north carolina and south carolina.--
``(A) In general.--There is established the Southern
Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor in the
States of North Carolina and South Carolina, as depicted on
the map entitled `Southern Campaign of the Revolution
Proposed National Heritage Corridor', numbered 257/177,271,
and dated September 2021.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The University of South
Carolina shall be the local coordinating entity for the
National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A).
``(13) Southern maryland national heritage area.--
``(A) In general.--There is established the Southern
Maryland National Heritage Area in the State of Maryland, as
depicted on the map entitled `Southern Maryland National
Heritage Area Proposed Boundary', numbered 672/177,225B, and
dated November 2021.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Tri-County Council
for Southern Maryland shall be the local coordinating entity
for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph
(A).''.
(b) Management Plans.--For the purposes of section 6001(c)
of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and
Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 772), the local
coordinating entity for each of the National Heritage Areas
designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall
submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management
plan for the applicable National Heritage Area not later than
3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Termination of Authority.--For the purposes of section
6001(g)(4) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation,
Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat.
776), the authority of the Secretary to provide assistance
under that section for each of the National Heritage Areas
designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall
terminate on the date that is 15 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
AUTHORITIES.
(a) Extensions.--
(1) Illinois and michigan canal national heritage
corridor.--Section 126 of the Illinois and Michigan Canal
National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 98-398; 98 Stat. 1456; 120 Stat. 1853), as
amended by section 119(a) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(2) John h. chafee blackstone river valley national
heritage corridor.--Section 10(a) of Public Law 99-647 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; 100 Stat. 3630; 104 Stat. 1018; 128 Stat.
3804), as amended by section 119(b) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(3) Delaware and lehigh national heritage corridor.--
Section 12 of the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal
National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 100-692; 102 Stat. 4558; 112 Stat. 3260; 123
Stat. 1293; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as
amended by section 119(c) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2037''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2037''.
(4) The last green valley national heritage corridor.--
Section 106(b) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley
National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 103-449; 108 Stat. 4755; 113 Stat. 1728; 123
Stat. 1291; 128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(d) of
the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(5) National coal heritage area.--Section 107 of the
National Coal Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4244; 127 Stat. 420; 128
Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(1)
of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(6) Tennessee civil war heritage area.--Section 208 of
division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management
Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110
Stat. 4248; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132
Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by section 119(e)(9) of
the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(7) Augusta canal national heritage corridor.--Section 310
of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
104-333; 110 Stat. 4252; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129
Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by
section 119(e)(7) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2037''.
(8) Rivers of steel national heritage area.--Section 408 of
the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4256; 127
Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by
section 119(e)(2) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2037''.
(9) Essex national heritage area.--Section 507 of division
II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of
1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat.
4260; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as
amended by section 119(e)(3) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(10) South carolina national heritage corridor.--Section
607 of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of
1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat.
4264; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 Stat.
661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by section 119(e)(8) of the
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(11) America's agricultural heritage partnership.--Section
707 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
104-333; 110 Stat. 4267; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128
Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(4) of the
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(12) Ohio & erie national heritage canalway.--Section 809
of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of
1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat.
4275; 122 Stat. 826; 127 Stat. 420; 128
[[Page H10005]]
Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(5)
of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(13) Maurice d. hinchey hudson river valley national
heritage area.--Section 910 of division II of Public Law 104-
333 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 110 Stat. 4281; 127 Stat. 420;
128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section
119(e)(6) of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-
103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(14) Motorcities national heritage area.--Section 109 of
the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 105-355; 112 Stat. 3252; 128 Stat. 3802), as
amended by section 119(f) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2037''.
(15) Lackawanna valley national heritage area.--Section 108
of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000
(54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat. 818;
127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3802), as amended by
section 119(g)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2037''.
(16) Schuylkill river valley national heritage area.--
Section 209 of the Schuylkill River Valley Heritage Area Act
(54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat. 824;
128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(g)(2) of the
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(17) Wheeling national heritage area.--Subsection (i) of
the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 106-291; 114 Stat. 967; 128 Stat.
3802), as amended by section 119(h) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(18) Yuma crossing national heritage area.--Section 7 of
the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-319; 114 Stat. 1284; 128
Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(i) of the Department
of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(19) Erie canalway national heritage corridor.--Section 811
of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-295;
128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(j) of the
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(20) Blue ridge national heritage area.--Subsection (j) of
the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 108-108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133 Stat.
778), as amended by section 119(k) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
(21) National aviation heritage area.--Section 512 of the
National Aviation Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note;
Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3367; 133 Stat. 2713) is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2022'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(22) Oil region national heritage area.--Section 608 of the
Oil Region National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note;
Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3372; 133 Stat. 2713) is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2022'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(23) Northern rio grande national heritage area.--Section
208 of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Act (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1790), as
amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(24) Atchafalaya national heritage area.--Section 221 of
the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1795), as amended by
section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30,
2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(25) Arabia mountain national heritage area.--Section 240
of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1799), as amended
by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30,
2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(26) Mormon pioneer national heritage area.--Section 260 of
the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1807), as amended
by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30,
2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(27) Freedom's frontier national heritage area.--Section
269 of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Act (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1813), as
amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(28) Upper housatonic valley national heritage area.--
Section 280B of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage
Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120
Stat. 1819), as amended by section 119(l)(2) of the
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(29) Champlain valley national heritage partnership.--
Section 289 of the Champlain Valley National Heritage
Partnership Act of 2006 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
109-338; 120 Stat. 1824), as amended by section 119(l)(1) of
the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(30) Great basin national heritage route.--Section 291J of
the Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1831), as amended by
section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30,
2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(31) Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage corridor.--Section
295L of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1837), as amended
by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
(Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30,
2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(32) Crossroads of the american revolution national
heritage area.--Section 297H of the Crossroads of the
American Revolution National Heritage Area Act of 2006 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1844), as
amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking
``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(33) Abraham lincoln national heritage area.--Section 451
of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat. 824) is amended by
striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of the
enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(34) Journey through hallowed ground national heritage
area.--Section 411 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act
of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat.
809) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after
the date of enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(35) Niagara falls national heritage area.--Section 432 of
the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat. 818) is amended by
striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(36) Sangre de cristo national heritage area.--Section
8001(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1229) is
amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the
date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(37) Cache la poudre river national heritage area.--Section
8002(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1234) is
amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the
date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(38) South park national heritage area.--Section 8003(i) of
the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1240) is amended by
striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(39) Northern plains national heritage area.--Section
8004(j) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1247; 123
Stat. 2929) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15
years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(40) Baltimore national heritage area.--
(A) Extension.--Section 8005(i) of the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
111-11; 123 Stat. 1253) is amended by striking ``the date
that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act''
and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(B) Boundary modification.--
(i) Map.--Section 8005(a)(4) of the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
111-11; 123 Stat. 1247) is amended by striking ``entitled''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``entitled `Baltimore National Heritage Area
Proposed Boundary',
[[Page H10006]]
numbered T10/179,623, and dated February 2022.''.
(ii) Boundaries.--Section 8005(b)(2) of the Omnibus Public
Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public
Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1247) is amended by striking
subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
``(A) The area encompassing the Baltimore City Heritage
Area certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority in
July 2020.''.
(41) Freedom's way national heritage area.--Section 8006(i)
of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1260) is amended by
striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(42) Mississippi hills national heritage area.--Section
8007(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1267) is
amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the
date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(43) Mississippi delta national heritage area.--Section
8008(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1275) is
amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the
date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30,
2037''.
(44) Muscle shoals national heritage area.--Section 8009(j)
of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1282) is amended by
striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
(45) Kenai mountains-turnagain arm national heritage
area.--Section 8010(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management
Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123
Stat. 1288) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15
years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting
``September 30, 2037''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated for each National Heritage Area extended
under an amendment made by paragraphs (1) through (45) of
subsection (a) not more than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2023 through 2037, subject to any other applicable
provisions of, but notwithstanding any limitation on total
appropriations for the applicable National Heritage Area
established by, a law amended by that subsection.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN NATIONAL
HERITAGE AREAS.
(a) Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.--Section 409(a)
of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4256; 129
Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the second
sentence, by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$22,000,000''.
(b) Essex National Heritage Area.--Section 508(a) of
division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management
Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110
Stat. 4260; 129 Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the
second sentence, by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$22,000,000''.
(c) South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.--Section
608(a) of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act
of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat.
4264; 122 Stat. 824; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the
second sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting
``$19,000,000''.
(d) America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership.--Section
708(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law
104-333; 110 Stat. 4267; 122 Stat. 824; 134 Stat. 1505) is
amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000''
and inserting ``$19,000,000''.
(e) Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway.--Section 810(a)
of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of
1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat.
4275; 122 Stat. 826; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking
``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$22,000,000''.
(f) Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National
Heritage Area.--Section 909(c) of division II of Public Law
104-333 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 110 Stat. 4280; 122 Stat.
824) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting ``$17,000,000''.
(g) MotorCities National Heritage Area.--Section 110(a) of
the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 105-355; 112 Stat. 3252; 133 Stat. 778) is
amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``$12,000,000''
and inserting ``$14,000,000''.
(h) Wheeling National Heritage Area.--Subsection (h)(1) of
the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 106-291; 114 Stat. 967; 133 Stat.
778) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting
``$17,000,000''.
(i) The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.--
Section 109(a) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley
National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 103-449; 108 Stat. 4756; 113 Stat. 1729; 123
Stat. 1292; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the first
sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting
``$19,000,000''.
(j) Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area.--Section
109(a) of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of
2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat.
818; 134 Stat. 1505) is amended by striking ``$12,000,000''
and inserting ``$14,000,000''.
(k) Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.--Subsection (i)(1)
of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54
U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108-108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133
Stat. 778) is amended by striking ``$14,000,000'' and
inserting ``$16,000,000''.
SEC. 7. REDESIGNATIONS.
(a) Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.--
(1) Redesignation.--The America's Agricultural Heritage
Partnership established by section 703(a) of division II of
the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4266) shall be known and
designated as the ``Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage
Area''.
(2) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
partnership referred to in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to
be a reference to the ``Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage
Area''.
(b) Great Basin National Heritage Area.--
(1) Designation of the great basin national heritage
area.--The Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended--
(A) by striking ``the Heritage Route'' each place it
appears and inserting ``the Heritage Area'';
(B) by striking ``along'' each place it appears and
inserting ``in'';
(C) in the subtitle heading, by striking ``Route'' and
inserting ``Area'';
(D) in section 291, by striking ``Route'' and inserting
``Area'';
(E) in section 291A(a)--
(i) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``the Great
Basin Heritage Route'' each place it appears and inserting
``the Great Basin National Heritage Area''; and
(ii) in paragraph (13), by striking ``a Heritage Route''
and inserting ``a Heritage Area'';
(F) in section 291B, by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Heritage area.--The term `Heritage Area' means the
Great Basin National Heritage Area established by section
291C(a).'';
(G) in section 291C--
(i) in the section heading, by striking ``route'' and
inserting ``area''; and
(ii) in subsection (a), by striking ``Heritage Route'' and
inserting ``Heritage Area''; and
(H) in section 291L(d), in the subsection heading, by
striking ``in Heritage Route'' and inserting ``in Heritage
Area''.
(2) Designation of great basin heritage area partnership.--
The Great Basin National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101
note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended by
striking ``Great Basin Heritage Route Partnership'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Great Basin Heritage Area
Partnership''.
SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE TO COMPLETE CERTAIN MANAGEMENT
PLANS.
Section 6001(c)(1) of the John D. Dingell, Jr.
Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (54 U.S.C.
320101 note; Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 772) is amended by
striking ``3'' and inserting ``5''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour,
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member
of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees.
The gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko) and the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).
General Leave
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and insert extraneous material on S. 1942.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I realize we are quickly reaching the end of the 117th Congress, and
there is necessary business to finish before the end of the year. I do
want to express my immense gratitude to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader
Hoyer, Chairman Grijalva, and Ranking Member Westerman for recognizing
the importance of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act, and finding
the time to allow it to be considered today.
National Heritage Areas are far too often overlooked, but they are so
important to so many Members and the communities that they serve. There
are 55 National Heritage Areas across our country, sites of cultural,
historical, or natural significance that help tell our unique and very
diverse American story.
In New York's 20th Congressional District, these legendary sites
include the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Maurice D.
Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Corridor named after our
late colleague.
For decades, these sites have opened wide the doors of economic
opportunity
[[Page H10007]]
and community engagement for constituents in my district and well
beyond. I am so grateful to Bob Radcliff and Meg Downey for their
leadership and commitment that drives the success of the sites in my
district.
Across our country, heritage areas touch 34 States and nearly 600
counties. They create local jobs, boost local economies, and certainly
bind communities together in every corner of America.
In total, heritage areas have a nearly $13 billion annual economic
impact and support almost 150,000 jobs nationwide. They also return an
average of $5.50 for every Federal dollar appropriated by effectively
leveraging public and private partnerships in the communities which
they serve.
Despite broad, bipartisan support and continued interest in the areas
from communities, these sites have faced inconsistent treatment before
Congress. There is no standardized programmatic system of
administration for our heritage areas, which has required each area to
pursue individual funding extensions and reauthorizations, often with
last-minute congressional action.
Even in this year's omnibus agreement, several sites required
extensions. This stopgap model puts a burden on local coordinating
entities.
Heritage areas have been made to function over the past few years
through multiple short-term stopgap reauthorizations while Congress has
failed to provide long-term certainty. We cannot let that continue into
next year as some 45 of our 55 areas face expiration dates during the
upcoming 118th Congress.
For years, I have worked alongside my colleagues in the House and
passionate partners from local heritage areas to pass the bipartisan
National Heritage Area Act, beginning with the efforts of our former
colleague, Representative Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania.
That effort has continued to grow as more and more Members have begun
to understand the rich value that heritage areas play in their given
districts.
H.R. 1316, the House companion to the bill we are considering today,
was introduced with Congressmen David McKinley, Glenn Thompson, and
135 other Members, and it has already passed the House this Congress as
part of the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. In
the 116th Congress, it was passed as a suspension.
This bill is not controversial. It has widespread support.
Importantly, it will finally bring stability and, very importantly,
predictability to these sites, allowing them to continue to serve their
communities and strengthen surrounding economies with minimal Federal
support.
The National Heritage Area Act would end the current system of
piecemeal reauthorizations through a 15-year authorization of all
existing areas; it would establish the first-ever standardized criteria
for designating new heritage areas; it would include new study
authorizations and designations, most of which have already passed the
House on suspension; and, finally, it would ensure that private
property rights are never affected by heritage area activities.
National Heritage Areas are an incredibly popular, bipartisan way of
preserving American history and culture while supporting local
economies, creating a deeply rooted sense of destination. Congress now
has the opportunity to ensure these sites can be enjoyed for
generations to come by finally making our National Heritage Area Act
law.
Madam Speaker, I encourage Members to support this bill, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, while I rise today in support of S. 1942, the National
Heritage Area Act, I also have serious concerns with the process by
which it came to the floor.
Americans have long been known for our ingenuity. From hearing aids
and cardiac defibrillators to traffic lights and microwave ovens,
Americans have been developing effective solutions to problems for
hundreds of years.
George Washington Carver discovered more than 300 uses for peanuts
and more than 80 uses for sweet potatoes. Americans invented Coca-Cola,
Whoppers, Big Macs, the Chick-fil-A sandwich, and chocolate chip
cookies. You would think Congress would hold to a legislative process
that was more appetizing and didn't end up trying to force feed us a
4,000-page stink sandwich at Christmas.
Americans invented countless methods to efficiently and effectively
move people across the country. We invented automobiles, airplanes, and
the GPS system. We put people on the Moon and built the Panama Canal.
So why can't Congress invent an efficient way to move bills through a
hearing, markup, over to the Senate, and finally to the President on
time, on budget, and with transparency and clear direction?
Americans invented the team sports of football, baseball, and
basketball.
Why can't Congress work together to solve our problems of the day
instead of having a small group determine what the Congress must pass
without giving us an opportunity to actually legislate, as we all were
elected to do?
Americans discovered electricity, invented the light bulb, and the
laser.
Why can't Congress operate in the light and be transparent with
Americans instead of producing 4,000-plus page bills, like the omnibus
that will be before us in the final days of this session?
Americans have invented countless ways to communicate. We invented
the telegraph, the telephone, radio, TV, Al Gore's internet, the
iPhone, voicemail, email, Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
You would think the House of Representatives could come up with a
better process to communicate with the Senate and the White House so it
can pass appropriation bills by September 30 and stop the madness that
has become the omnibus process. If we did that, maybe we wouldn't have
to be here today debating bills that could have and should have been
completed long ago.
There is a glimmer of hope before us today. This National Heritage
Area Act could have easily been buried in the omnibus, adding even more
pages, but here we are with the clock running out, doing something
that, again, could have and should have been done months ago.
It is amazing that when this bill was not agreed to in the omnibus,
the Senate magically found time to pass it and send it to the House.
I can find many shortcomings in the process that got us to the point
that we are at today, but I would like to focus on the positive things
we can take from it. As the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), my
friend, said about this National Heritage Area Act, it is important to
many of my colleagues across the Nation who have very successful
National Heritage Areas. These areas have private entities that work
very hard to promote their local communities and conserve their unique
heritage.
This bill, as proposed today, has bipartisan support, and while the
process that brought it to the floor leaves much to be desired, again,
at least it was not tucked into yet another omnibus spending bill.
In fact, if all the authorizations were removed from the omnibus, it
would have been 2,238 pages shorter and would be truly about funding
the government. Let me repeat that. If we took the authorizations out
of the appropriation bill, it would be 2,238 pages shorter. Maybe
somebody would have time to read it then.
Considering bills on the floor shows us a process that can work the
way it was intended. My commitment as chairman of the Natural Resources
Committee in the next Congress is to work extremely hard, to have
hearings, markups, and pass authorization bills out of the committee,
off the floor, and send them to the Senate using a regular order
process.
{time} 1045
Moving legislation the right way will also prevent the need for
authorization bills to be tucked into massive spending bills.
But that is only part of the equation. We have to work together to
fix the process that gives us bloated omnibus bills in the first place.
We should all commit to passing a budget, passing individual
appropriation bills, and sending them to the Senate with the
understanding that the ball is in their court, and there is not another
option, except possibly a continuing resolution--
[[Page H10008]]
which we all know is not a popular way to fund the government.
I have talked to many House Members and Senators on both sides of the
aisle throughout this omnibus process. Interestingly, not one person
has told me they like this process, and everyone thinks it needs to be
changed. Maybe I just haven't talked to the people that are benefiting
the most from this broken process, but I do believe that those of us
whose constituents are suffering from it make up a vast majority and
can change it.
Our constituents think that Washington is broken. It is time for us
to work as a team to develop another effective and efficient solution
to American problems.
With all that being said, I support S. 1942, the National Heritage
Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Nevada (Mr. Horsford.) Representative Horsford, who I thank for his
advocacy, represents the Fourth District of Nevada and includes in his
terrain the Great Basin National Heritage Area and Mormon Pioneer
National Heritage Area.
Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Tonko, for
yielding the time and for leading on this legislation on the floor
today.
I come here today to discuss my bipartisan, bicameral legislation,
the Great Basin National Heritage Area and Mormon Pioneer National
Heritage Area Extension Act, which was included as part of the National
Heritage Area Act, which we are debating today.
The overall bill would reauthorize all 55 National Heritage Areas for
15 years, providing the certainty that NHAs need to build long-term
partnerships and leverage public and private dollars while increasing
transparency and accountability for the program.
The Great Basin National Heritage Area is a remote region spanning
the border of Nevada and Utah with rich cultural roots, rugged
landscape features, and is home to many historical sites.
While the Great Basin National Heritage Area region is sparsely
populated with only 21,000 people calling these two counties home, what
the area lacks in people, it makes up for in historical sites, sweeping
landscape formations, and cultural attractions, including some of the
best stargazing people can see and outdoor recreation.
Since the initial designation, Great Basin and Mormon Pioneer have
received $6 million in Federal funds, which have produced projects and
programs valued at over $50 million.
National Heritage Areas are critical for our rural communities that
are vast beautiful landscapes that protect our lands and bring tourists
from around the world.
This designation does not result in any change in land-use
regulations or ownership. Reauthorization of the NHA distinction would
also not affect water rights, grazing rights, or mineral rights.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Nevada an
additional 30 seconds.
Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, this would only allow for a continuation
of National Heritage Areas, including Great Basin National Heritage
Area, which just this past August celebrated its 100-year anniversary,
which I was proud to attend.
This legislation is critical to protect and promote National Heritage
Areas across the country, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in
favor of this legislation. I am proud to stand up today for the
National Heritage Area Act.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend
from Arkansas for his leadership on this bill.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1942, the
National Heritage Area Act.
National Heritage Areas provide countless economic benefits to the
communities that they serve, while preserving important cultural,
historical, and nationally significant areas across the country.
In my district, I am proud to represent the Oil Region National
Heritage Area, which is home to the birth of the petroleum industry
located in Venango County, Pennsylvania.
The Oil Region National Heritage Area includes oil artifacts, scenic
communities, farmlands, woodlands, and industrial landscapes, which
provide valuable information and insight into the world's first
successful commercial oil well, the Drake Well, and the legacy of the
petroleum industry.
This successful public-private partnership has maximized Federal
dollars, increased economic investment, and preserved places of local
and national significance throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
This legislation before us will provide increased certainty to the
Oil Region National Heritage Area and all National Heritage Areas by
creating a National Heritage Area System to extend technical and
financial assistance to the entities that support the maintenance and
operation of existing heritage areas.
This bill will also provide a clear set of criteria for establishing
new National Heritage Areas, and this bipartisan legislation is long
overdue.
I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of S. 1942.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Wittman).
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Westerman for his
leadership and for all that he does for our efforts on the Natural
Resources Committee.
I rise today in support of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act.
S. 1942 includes my bill, the Northern Neck National Heritage Area
Act. The Northern Neck of Virginia's lands and waters showcase natural
beauty unlike any other. As a long-time resident of the Northern Neck,
I know our heritage is unique and worth preserving.
With a history profoundly intertwined with that of the entire Nation,
it is only right for us to recognize the Northern Neck as a National
Heritage Area.
The Northern Neck National Heritage Area Act will deliver critical
Federal resources; it will encourage public-private partnerships; and
assign a specific entity, the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, to help
protect the Northern Neck's natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational
resources.
Under this legislation, the National Heritage Area designation would
apply to the land between the Potomac River and Rappahannock River
spanning King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and
Westmoreland counties.
The Northern Neck has been working together for over 20 years in
pursuit of the National Heritage Area designation. With this
designation, the Northern Neck region will have a greater voice in
sharing its stories which contribute to the understanding of the early
origins of our Nation.
It also aligns with the region's tourism strategy as an important
economic driver in this rural part of the Commonwealth.
I was proud to have worked with Senators Warner and Kaine on this
bipartisan effort and thank them for their work in bettering the
Northern Neck.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I encourage support of this bill, which should have been done a long
time ago. It could have been done a long time ago, but I am grateful to
see it is not part of the omnibus spending bill. We are actually voting
on it on the floor like we should be doing with all authorization
bills.
Madam Speaker, I encourage passage of this bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself balance of my time.
Again, I want to thank Chair Grijalva and Ranking Member Westerman
for their help with this measure. This bill certainly would not have
been possible without the incredible leadership, and I might add
passion, of Sara Capen of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, of
Alan Spears of NPCA, and so many other stakeholders and supporters.
These advocates of this concept have been tremendously passionate. That
is an understatement, and they deserve this response.
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I also want to recognize the great work by the staff who have fought
for years to bring this bill to the floor: David Watkins, Brandon
Bragato, Henry Wykowski, and Lora Snyder of the House Natural Resources
majority staff, and indeed, Miranda Miller and Emily Silverberg from my
office.
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of S. 1942 to finally provide the
certainty and, yes, the predictability that National Heritage Areas
need to continue to serve local communities and strengthen local
economies all across our great United States.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1942, the
National Heritage Area Act.
We currently have 55 National Heritage Areas in operation
nationwide--these are sites of important cultural significances that
also spur jobs and have a positive economic impact.
And yet, no standardized process for administering National Heritage
Areas exists. This has led to inconsistent oversight and management, as
well as uncertainty for the future of these sites and future sites. The
bill we are considering today would fix this.
This bill would also include legislation I led this Congress that
would extend the authorization of the MotorCities National Heritage
Area in Michigan.
The stories told by MotorCities cannot be told anywhere else. They
are the stories of how auto tinkerers became titans, how the area
helped establish and expand the United States as an industrial power,
and how the automotive industry helped create the middle class.
Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this important
bill. And I thank Representative Tonko and Senator Stabenow for
spearheading this effort, and I thank leadership for moving quickly to
bring this bill to the floor before the 117th Congress closes.
Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I stand here in full support of the passage
of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act, which includes provisions
from my bill, the Baltimore National Heritage Area Act, and creates a
full reauthorization of the Baltimore National Heritage Area. The
Baltimore National Heritage Area stretches over a majority of
Maryland's 7th Congressional District, and includes important sites
such as the Basilica of the Assumption, Mt. Clare Station and
Roundhouse, and Edgar Allen Poe House. By reauthorizing this National
Heritage Area through 2037 and updating the Area's map, this bill will
secure federal support for Baltimore's most precious sites.
I grew up in Baltimore, amongst many of these historical sites, and I
am thrilled to have provided this federal support to help preserve and
celebrate the place I call home.
With reauthorization, federal support will continue to go towards
local agencies and nonprofits who preserve and promote Baltimore's
pivotal role in our nation's story and make strategic investments in
cultural heritage tourism projects.
The annual economic impact of the Baltimore National Heritage Area is
more than $750 million, 6,400 jobs and $61 million in state and tax
revenue. The Heritage Area has served more than 15,000 youth from
underserved communities and provides continuous operation and program
support to 35 historic museums, cultural attractions, and historic
neighborhoods through a competitive grant program. I would like to
thank Mr. Sarbanes and Mr. Ruppersberger of the Baltimore delegation
for helping me advocate for this reauthorization, and thank Senator
Cardin for introducing an identical reauthorization bill in the Senate.
I urge full passage of this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1529, the previous question is ordered
on the bill.
The question is on the third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be read a third time, and was read the third
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
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