[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.
* * * * * * *