[Senate Report 111-253]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                       Calendar No. 523
111th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session                                                     111-253

======================================================================



 
         CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA REAUTHORIZATION ACT

                                _______
                                

                 August 5, 2010.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

   Mr. Bingaman, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                         [To accompany S. 1017]

    The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was 
referred the bill (S. 1017) to reauthorize the Cane River 
National Heritage Area Commission and expand the boundaries of 
the Cane River National Heritage Area in the State of 
Louisiana, having considered the same, reports favorably 
thereon with amendments and recommends that the bill, as 
amended, do pass.
    The amendments are as follows:
    1. On page 1, line 5, strike ``2009'' and insert ``2010''.
    2. On page 3, line 15, strike ``the heritage area''.
    3. On page 4, strike lines 8 and 9.
    4. On page 4, line 10, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(2)''.
    5. On page 5, line 1, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(3)''.
    6. On page 6, line 3, strike ``August 5, 2025'' and insert 
``September 30, 2015''.
    7. On page 6, strike lines 5 through 7 and insert the 
following:

          (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Evaluation and Report.--
          ``(1) Evaluation.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years 
                before the date on which authority for Federal 
                funding terminates for the Commission or any 
                successor entity, the Secretary shall conduct 
                an evaluation of the accomplishments of the 
                heritage area.
                  ``(B) Requirements.--In conducting the 
                evaluation under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary shall--
                          ``(i) assess the progress of the 
                        local management entity with respect 
                        to--
                                  ``(I) accomplishing the 
                                purposes of the heritage area; 
                                and
                                  ``(II) achieving the goals 
                                and objectives of the approved 
                                management plan for the 
                                heritage area;
                          ``(ii) analyze the investments of the 
                        Federal Government, State, tribal, and 
                        local governments, and private entities 
                        in the heritage area to determine the 
                        impact of the investments; and
                          ``(iii) review the management 
                        structure, partnership relationships, 
                        and funding of the heritage area for 
                        purposes of identifying the critical 
                        components for sustainability of the 
                        heritage area.
          ``(2) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
        Resources of the Senate a report that--
                  ``(A) describes the results of the evaluation 
                conducted under that paragraph; and
                  ``(B) includes a recommendation on the future 
                role of the National Park Service, if any, with 
                respect to the heritage area.''.

                                Purposes

    The purposes of S. 1017 are to modify the boundaries of the 
Cane River National Heritage Area in Louisiana, to expand the 
membership of the Cane River National Heritage Area Commission, 
and to extend the authorization for the commission through 
2015.

                          Background and Need

    The Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the 
surrounding Cane River National Heritage Area are located near 
Natchitoches, Louisiana. Both were established in 1994. The 
heritage area was established to complement the designation of 
the historical park and to assist in the preservation and 
enhancement of the region's unique cultural landscape without 
the need for federal management.
    The central corridor of the heritage area begins just south 
of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the 
Louisiana Purchase, and extends along both sides of Cane River 
Lake for approximately 35 miles. The heritage area includes 
Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National 
Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and a dense 
area of historic plantations, homes, and churches. While much 
of the roughly 116,000 acres are privately owned, many sites 
are open to the public. The region includes historic resources 
related to the many cultures that have settled in the area, 
including American Indians, Spanish and French colonial 
settlements, military and westward expansion sites, and 
plantation agriculture communities.
    The Cane River National Heritage Area is administered by a 
19-member commission consisting primarily of local residents 
appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The commission 
includes members representing private landowners; city, parish, 
and state government; and tourism, economic, cultural and 
historic preservation, recreational, and economic interests.
    Under the terms of the 1994 authorizing legislation, the 
commission will terminate ten years after the date of its first 
meeting. The law also authorized a five-year extension of the 
commission, if approved by the Secretary of the Interior, after 
consultation with the Governor of Louisiana. The extension was 
approved in 2005, so the Commission's authority will expire 
later this year, if not reauthorized.
    S. 1017 would extend the commission's authority until 
September 2015 to allow it to complete its work in implementing 
the management plan for the Cane River National Heritage Area.

                          Legislative History

    S. 1017 was introduced by Senator Landrieu on May 11, 2009. 
The Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on the bill 
on March 17, 2010. The Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources considered the bill and adopted amendments at its 
business meeting on June 16, 2010. The Committee ordered S. 
1017 favorably reported, as amended, at its business meeting on 
June 21, 2010.

                        Committee Recommendation

    The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in open 
business session on June 21, 2010, by a voice vote of a quorum 
present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 1017, if amended as 
described herein.

                          Committee Amendents

    During its consideration of S. 1017, the Committee adopted 
several amendments. The first five amendments make technical 
changes. The sixth amendment extends the Commission's 
termination date from August 5, 2025 to September 30, 2015. The 
seventh amendment adds a new subsection requiring the Secretary 
of the Interior to conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments 
of the heritage area and to submit a report describing the 
results of the evaluation. Similar provisions have been 
included in legislation extending the funding authorization for 
other national heritage areas.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis

    Section 1 provides the short title, the ``Cane River 
National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act of 2010.''
    Section 2(a) amends the purposes section (section 401 of 
Public Law 103-449) of the Cane River Creole National 
Historical Park and National Heritage Area Act, by making 
several technical corrections, updating a map reference, and 
changing what sites and properties are specifically included in 
the heritage area.
    Subsection (b) makes several technical and conforming 
corrections to section 402 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 410ccc-22), 
which addresses the membership of the Cane River National 
Heritage Area Commission. The membership of the Commission is 
expanded from 19 to 23, to include members who represent 
recreational and environmental organizations, African-American 
culture, Cane River Creole culture, and tourism.
    Subsection (c) amends section 403 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
410ccc-23) to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) 
to review amendments to the management plan that substantially 
alter the purposes of the heritage area, and to prohibit the 
local coordinating entity from using Federal funds made 
available pursuant to the Act to implement the amendments until 
the Secretary approves them.
    Subsection (d) amends section 404 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
410ccc-24) to extend the heritage area commission until 
September 30, 2015, and requires the Secretary to conduct an 
evaluation of the accomplishments of the heritage area not 
later than three years before the date Federal funding 
authority terminates. The evaluation will assess the progress 
of the management entity with respect to accomplishing the 
purposes of the heritage area and whether the management entity 
achieved the goals and objectives of the approved management 
plan for the heritage area. The evaluation is also required to 
analyze governmental investments in the heritage area to 
determine the leverage and impact of the investments.
    Paragraph (2) requires the Secretary to prepare a report 
based on the evaluation that includes recommendations for the 
future role of the National Park Service, if any, for the 
heritage area. The report is to be submitted to the House and 
Senate authorizing committees.

                   Cost and Budgetary Considerations

    The following estimate of costs of this measure has been 
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:

S. 1017--Cane River National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act of 2010

    S. 1017 would expand the boundaries of the Cane River 
National Heritage Area and extend the life of the Cane River 
National Heritage Area Commission through fiscal year 2015. 
Under current law, authority for the commission will expire on 
August 5, 2010. Because appropriations for the national 
heritage area do not depend on the existence of the commission 
and are authorized without expiration, CBO estimates that 
implementing the bill would have no effect on the federal 
budget. The heritage area currently receives appropriations of 
less than $1 million annually. Expanding the size of the area, 
which is not a unit of the National Park System but rather an 
affiliated area, would not affect the annual cost of 
operations.
    Enacting S. 1017 would not affect revenues or direct 
spending; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply.
    The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and 
would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Deborah Reis. 
The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                      Regulatory Impact Evaluation

    In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following 
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in 
carrying out S. 1017.
    The bill is not a regulatory measure in the sense of 
imposing Government-established standards or significant 
economic responsibilities on private individuals and 
businesses.
    No personal information would be collected in administering 
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal 
privacy.
    Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the 
enactment of S. 1017, as ordered reported.

                   Congressionally Directed Spending

    S. 1017, as ordered reported, does not contain any 
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits, 
or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate.

                        Executive Communications

    The testimony provided by the National Park Service at the 
March 17, 2010 Subcommittee hearing on S. 1017 follows:

 Statement of Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service, 
                       Department of the Interior

    Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for 
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the 
Interior on S. 1017, a bill to reauthorize the Cane River 
National Heritage Area Commission and expand the boundaries of 
Cane River National Heritage Area in the State of Louisiana.
    The Department recommends that the committee defer action 
on S. 1017 until program legislation is enacted that 
establishes guidelines and a process for the designation and 
administration of national heritage areas. The Administration 
anticipates submitting such a legislative proposal to you in 
the near future and we recommend that Congress enact national 
heritage area program legislation this Congress. The 
Administration's FY 2011 Budget proposes to reduce funding for 
national heritage areas to focus resources on those park 
activities that most closely align with its core mission and 
encourage areas to become self-sufficient, consistent with a FY 
2010 Congressional directive.
    Cane River National Heritage Area in northwestern Louisiana 
was established in 1994 as a complementary designation to the 
Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which was 
established at the same time. The national heritage area was 
intended to assist in preservation, ensure cultural 
sensitivity, and minimize the need for federal land 
acquisition. The heritage area is known for its historic 
plantations, Creole architecture, and complex multi-cultural 
legacy. The area is home to a unique blend of French, Spanish, 
African, American Indian, Creole, and other cultures. It is an 
extraordinarily significant area because the cultures that 
shaped the Cane River region in the 1700s remain there today, 
which is rare in the United States.
    S. 1017 would reauthorize the Cane River National Heritage 
Area Commission through 2025. Under current law, the 
commission, which serves as the local coordinating entity for 
the Cane River National Heritage Area, is scheduled to 
terminate on August 5, 2010. The commission operates in 
accordance with the heritage area management plan that was 
completed in 2003 and approved by both the Governor of 
Louisiana and the Secretary of the Interior. It is currently 
overseeing numerous projects and programs including a 
successful signage and wayfinding program, preservation of 
National Historic Landmarks and national register properties, 
development of a military heritage assessment and tour focusing 
on Civil War sites in preparation for the Civil War 
sesquicentennial, and teacher workshops on Creole history and 
culture.
    Under S. 1017, the composition of the Cane River National 
Heritage Area Commission would be modified to reflect current 
conditions. The heritage area's 1994 enabling legislation 
identified specific entities for representation on the 
commission. In some cases, those entities have evolved into 
other organizations. In addition, in order to allow commission 
representation of the entire range of cultural and landowner 
interests, as intended in the original legislation, the number 
of members would be increased from 19 to 23.
    S. 1017 would also expand the boundaries of the Cane River 
National Heritage Area to include all of Natchitoches Parish 
west of the Red River. This change would add significant 
cultural and natural resources, including Spanish Colonial, 
Native American, U.S. military and westward expansion sites. 
Among the resources that would be included are original trail 
ruts of El Camino Real de los Tejas, the Spanish Colonial trade 
route stretching from Natchitoches to Mexico City that is now a 
designated national historic trail.
    If the committee decides to take further action on S. 1017, 
there are two issues we would like to call to your attention. 
One is the length of the existence of the commission. The 1994 
authorizing legislation for the heritage area envisioned the 
transition of management from a Secretarial-appointed 
commission to another entity within 10-15 years. S. 1017 would 
allow that transition to be postponed for as long as 15 years, 
until 2025. Consistent with the idea that national heritage 
areas should be locally driven, nearly all other national 
heritage areas that were first established with a federal 
commission as the managing or coordinating entity have 
transitioned to a nonfederal coordinating entity, usually a 
non-profit organization. That process is underway at Cane River 
where a non-profit organization that could serve as the local 
coordinating entity is currently being developed.
    The other issue is the authorization of appropriations. The 
1994 enabling legislation authorized unlimited appropriations 
with no sunset date and no matching fund requirement, for the 
Cane River National Heritage Area. Congress has held most other 
national heritage areas to authorized funding of $10 million 
over 15 years in the initial heritage area designation, and 
required matching funds from other sources.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my prepared remarks. I would 
be pleased to answer any questions you or any members of the 
subcommittee may have.

                        Changes in Existing Law

    In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by 
the bill S. 1017, as ordered reported, are shown as follows 
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black 
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in 
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):

 AN ACT To establish the Quinebaug and Shetucket River Valley National 
 Heritage Corridor in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

            (Public Law 103-449; Approved November 2, 1994)

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

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

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


              TITLE IV--CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

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

    (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the Cane 
River National Heritage Area (hereinafter in this title 
referred to as the ``heritage area'').
    (b) Purpose.--In furtherance of the need to recognize the 
value and importance of the Cane River region and in 
recognition of the findings of section 302(a) of this Act, it 
is the purpose of this title to establish a heritage area to 
complement the historical park and to provide for a culturally 
sensitive approach to the preservation of the heritage of the 
Cane River region, and for other needs including--
          (1) recognizing areas important to the Nation's 
        heritage and identity;
          (2) assisting in the preservation and enhancement of 
        the cultural landscape and traditions of the Cane River 
        region;
          (3) providing a framework for those who live within 
        this important dynamic cultural landscape to assist in 
        preservation and educational actions; [and]
          (4) fostering compatible economic development;
          (5) enhancing the quality of life for local 
        residents; and
          [(4)](6) minimizing the need for Federal land 
        acquisition and management.
    (c) Area Included.--The heritage area shall include--
           [(1) an area approximately 1 mile on both sides of 
        the Cane River as depicted on map CARI, 80,000A, dated 
        May 1994;
          [(2) those properties within the Natchitoches 
        National Historic Landmark District which are the 
        subject of cooperative agreements pursuant to section 
        304(d) of this Act;
          [(3) the Los Adaes State Commemorative Area;
          [(4) the Fort Jesup State Commemorative Area;
          [(5) the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative 
        Area; and
          [(6) the Kate Chopin House.]
          (1) the area generally depicted on the map entitled 
        `Revised Boundary of Cane National Heritage Area 
        Louisiana', numbered 494/80021, and dated May 2008;
          (2) the Fort Jesup State Historic Site; and
          (3) as satellite site, any properties connected with 
        the prehistory, history, or cultures of the Cane River 
        region that may be the subject of cooperative 
        agreements with the Cane River National Heritage Area 
        Commission or any successor to the Commission.
A final identification of all areas and sites to be included in 
the heritage area shall be included in the heritage area 
management plan as required in section 403.

SEC. 402. CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

    (a) Establishment.--To assist in implementing the purposes 
of titles II and III of this Act and to provide guidance for 
the management of the heritage area, there is established the 
Cane River National Heritage Area Commission (hereinafter in 
this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
    (b) Membership.--The Commission shall consist of [19] 23 
members to be appointed no later than 6 months after the date 
of enactment of this title. The Commission shall be appointed 
by the Secretary as follows--
          (1) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Mayor of Natchitoches;
          (2) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Association for the Preservation of Historic 
        Natchitoches;
          (3) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc.;
          (4) two members with experience in and knowledge of 
        tourism in the heritage area from recommendations 
        submitted by the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission 
        and other local business and tourism organizations;
          (5) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Governor of the State of Louisiana;
          (6) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Police Jury of Natchitoches Parish;
          (7) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        [Concern Citizens of Cloutierville] Village of 
        Cloutierville;
          (8) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        St. Augustine Historical Society;
          (9) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Black Heritage Committee;
          (10) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Los Adaes/Robeline Community;
          (11) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Natchitoches Historic District Commission;
          (12) one member from recommendations submitted by the 
        Cane River Waterway Commission;
          (13) two members who [are landowners in and residents 
        of] own land within the heritage area the heritage 
        area;
          (14) one member with experience and knowledge of 
        historic preservation from recommendations submitted by 
        the Museum Contents, Inc.;
          (15) one member with experience and knowledge of 
        historic preservation from recommendations submitted by 
        the President of Northwestern State University of 
        Louisiana;
          (16) [one member] 2 members with experience in and 
        knowledge of environmental, recreational and 
        conservation matters affecting the heritage area from 
        recommendations submitted by the Natchitoches 
        Sportsmans Association and other local recreational and 
        environmental organizations; [and]
          (17) 2 members, 1 of whom represents African-American 
        culture and 1 of whom represents Cane River Creole 
        culture, after consideration of recommendations 
        submitted by the Governor of Louisiana;
          (18) 1 member with knowledge of tourism, after 
        consideration of recommendations by the Secretary of 
        the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and 
        Tourism; and
          [(17)] (19) the director of the National Park 
        Service, or the Director's designee, ex officio.
    (c) Duties of the Commission.--The Commission shall--
          (1) prepare a management plan for the heritage area 
        in consultation with the National Park Service, the 
        State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, 
        Natchitoches Parish, interested groups, property 
        owners, and the public;
          (2) consult with the Secretary on the preparation of 
        the general management plan for the historical park;
          (3) develop cooperative agreements with property 
        owners, preservation groups, educational groups, the 
        State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, 
        universities, and tourism groups, and other groups to 
        further the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; 
        and
          (4) identify appropriate entities, such as a non-
        profit corporation, that could be established to assume 
        the responsibilities of the Commission following its 
        termination.
    (d) Powers of the Commission.--In furtherance of the 
purposes of titles III and IV of this Act, the Commission is 
authorized to--
          (1) procure temporary and intermittent services to 
        the same extent that is authorized by section 3109(b) 
        of title 5, United States Code, but at rates determined 
        by the Commission to be reasonable;
          (2) accept the services of personnel detailed from 
        the State of Louisiana or any political subdivision 
        thereof, and may reimburse the State or political 
        subdivision for such services;
          (3) upon the request of the Commission, the head of 
        any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, 
        any of the personnel of such agency to the Commission 
        to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties;
          (4) appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as 
        may be necessary to carry out its duties. Staff shall 
        be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, 
        United States Code, governing appointments in the 
        competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance 
        with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of 
        chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and 
        General Schedule pay rates;
          (5) enter into cooperative agreements with public or 
        private individuals or entities [for research, historic 
        preservation, and education purposes] to further the 
        purposes of title III and this title;
          (6) make grants to assist in [the preparation of 
        studies that identify, preserve, and plan for the 
        management of the heritage area] carrying out projects 
        or programs that further the purposes of title III of 
        this title;
          (7) notwithstanding any other provision of law, seek 
        and accept donations of funds or services from 
        individuals, foundations, or other public or private 
        entities and expend the same for the purposes of 
        providing services and programs in furtherance of the 
        purposes of titles III and IV of this Act;
          [(8) assist others in developing educational, 
        informational, and interpretive programs and 
        facilities;] (8) develop, or assist others in 
        developing, projects or programs to further the 
        purposes of title III and this title;
          (9) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
        places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, 
        as the Commission may consider appropriate; and
          (10) use the United States mails in the same manner 
        and under the same conditions as other departments or 
        agencies of the United States.
    (e) Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall receive 
no compensation for their service on the Commission. While away 
from their homes or regular places of business in the 
performance of services for the Commission, members shall be 
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed 
intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses 
under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
    (f) Chairman.--The Commission shall elect a chairman from 
among its members. The term of the chairman shall be for 3 
years.
    (g) Terms.--The terms of Commission members shall be for 3 
years. Any member of the Commission appointed by the Secretary 
for a 3-year term may serve after expiration of his or her term 
until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy shall be filled in 
the same manner in which the original appointment was made, 
except that if any of the organizations specified in subsection 
(b) ceases to exist, the vacancy shall be filled with an at-
large member. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall 
serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor 
was appointed.
    (h) Annual Reports.--The Commission shall submit an annual 
report to the Secretary identifying its expenses and any 
income, the entities to which any grants or technical 
assistance were made during the year for which the report is 
made, and actions that are planned for the following year.

SEC. 403. PREPARATION OF THE PLAN.

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

SEC. 404. TERMINATION OF HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.

    (a) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on [the 
day occurring 10 years after the first official meeting of the 
Commission] September 30, 2015.
    (b) Extension.--The Commission may petition to be extended 
for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the day 
referred to in subsection (a), provided the Commission 
determines a critical need to fulfill the purposes of titles 
III and IV of this Act; and the Commission obtains approval 
from the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of 
Louisiana.
    (c) Heritage Area Management Following Termination of the 
Commission.--The national heritage area status for the Cane 
River region shall continue following the termination of the 
Commission. The management plan, and partnerships and 
agreements subject to the plan shall guide the future 
management of the heritage area. The Commission, prior to its 
termination, shall recommend to the Governor of the State of 
Louisiana and the Secretary, appropriate entities, including 
the potential for a nonprofit corporation, to assume the 
responsibilities of the Commission.
    (d) Evaluation and Report.--
          (1) Evaluation.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years 
                before the date on which authority for Federal 
                funding terminates for the Commission or any 
                successor entity, the Secretary shall conduct 
                an evaluation of the accomplishments of the 
                heritage area.
                  (B) Requirements.--In conducting the 
                evaluation under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary shall--
                          (i) assess the progress of the local 
                        management entity with respect to--
                                  (I) accomplishing the 
                                purposes of the heritage area; 
                                and
                                  (II) achieving the goals and 
                                objectives of the approved 
                                management plan for the 
                                heritage area;
                          (ii) analyze the investments of the 
                        Federal Government, State, tribal, and 
                        local governments, and private entities 
                        in the heritage area to determine the 
                        impact of the investments; and
                          (iii) review the management 
                        structure, partnership relationships, 
                        and funding of the heritage area for 
                        purposes of identifying the critical 
                        components for sustainability of the 
                        heritage area.
          (2) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
        Resources of the Senate a report that--
                  (A) describes the results of the evaluation 
                conducted under that paragraph; and
                  (B) includes a recommendation on the future 
                role of the National Park Service, if any, with 
                respect to the heritage area.

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