To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area in Virginia, and for other purposes.

February 27, 2003

Mr. ALLEN (for himself and Mr. WARNER) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area in Virginia, and for other purposes.

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

SECTION 1. NORTHERN NECK NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY AND REPORT.

(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study Act'.

(b) STUDY- The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with appropriate State historic preservation officers, States historical societies, and other appropriate organizations, shall conduct a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area described in subsection (c) as the Northern Neck National Heritage Area. The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determination regarding whether the study area--

(1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that together represent distinctive aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and are best managed through partnerships among public and private entities and by combining diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities;

(2) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the national story;

(3) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features;

(4) provides outstanding recreational and educational opportunities;

(5) contains resources important to the identified theme or themes of the study area that retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;

(6) includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments that are involved in the planning, have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants (including the Federal Government), and have demonstrated support for the concept of a national heritage area;

(7) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments to develop a national heritage area consistent with continued local and State economic activity; and

(8) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public.

(c) BOUNDARIES OF THE STUDY AREA- The study area referred to in subsection (b) shall be comprised of the following:

(1) The part of Virginia between the Potomac and the Rappahannock Rivers in eastern coastal Virginia.

(2) Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, King George, and Lancaster Counties, Virginia.

(3) Other areas that have heritage aspects that are similar to those aspects that are in the areas described in paragraphs (1) and (2) and which are adjacent to or in the vicinity of those areas.

(d) REPORT- Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are first made available for this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.

END