H.R. 3191

John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Establishment Act

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I

112th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3191

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 13, 2011

Mr. Cicilline (for himself, Mr. Langevin, Mr. McGovern, and Mr. Neal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To establish the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Establishment Act.

2.

Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to establish the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park—

(1)

to help preserve, protect, and interpret the nationally significant resources in the Blackstone River Valley that exemplify the industrial heritage of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for the benefit and inspiration of future generations;

(2)

to support the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the urban, rural, and agricultural landscape features (including the Blackstone River and Canal) of the region that provide an overarching context for the industrial heritage of the National Heritage Corridor;

(3)

to educate the public about—

(A)

the industrial history of the National Heritage Corridor; and

(B)

the significance of the National Heritage Corridor to the past and present; and

(4)

to support and enhance the network of partners who will continue to engage in the protection, improvement, management, and operation of key resources and facilities throughout the National Heritage Corridor.

3.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Map

The term map means the map entitled John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, numbered NEFA962/111015 and dated October, 2011.

(2)

National heritage corridor

The term National Heritage Corridor means the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

(3)

Park

The term Park means the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park established under section 4.

(4)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service.

(5)

State

The term State means each of the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

4.

Establishment of John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

(a)

Establishment

There is established in the States a unit of the National Park System, to be known as the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

(b)

Boundaries

The Park shall be comprised of the following sites and districts, as generally depicted on the map:

(1)

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District.

(2)

Slatersville Historic District.

(3)

Ashton Historic District.

(4)

Whitinsville Historic District.

(5)

Hopedale Village Historic District.

(6)

Blackstone River and the tributaries of Blackstone River.

(7)

Blackstone Canal.

(c)

Availability of map

The map shall be available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

(d)

Acquisition of land

The Secretary may acquire land or interests in land within the boundaries of the Park by—

(1)

donation;

(2)

purchase with donated or appropriated funds; or

(3)

exchange.

(e)

Administration

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall administer the Park in accordance with—

(A)

this Act;

(B)

the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including—

(i)

the National Park Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and

(ii)

the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.); and

(C)

any cooperative agreements entered into under subsection (f).

(2)

General management plan

(A)

In general

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a general management plan for the Park—

(i)

in consultation with the States; and

(ii)

in accordance with—

(I)

any cooperative agreements entered into under subsection (f); and

(II)

section 12(b) of the National Park System General Authorities Act (16 U.S.C. 1a–7(b)).

(B)

Requirements

To the maximum extent practicable, the plan prepared under subparagraph (A) shall consider ways to use pre-existing and/or planned facilities and recreational opportunities in the National Heritage Corridor, including—

(i)

the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, Pawtucket, RI;

(ii)

Captain Wilbur Kelly House, Blackstone River State Park, Lincoln, RI;

(iii)

the Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket, RI;

(iv)

River Bend Farm/Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge, MA; and

(v)

Worcester Blackstone Visitors Center, located at the former Washburn-Moen wire factory, Worcester, MA.

(f)

Cooperative agreements

The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the States, political subdivisions of the States, nonprofit organizations (including Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc.), and private property owners to provide technical assistance and interpretation in the Park and the National Heritage Corridor.

(g)

Financial assistance

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may provide financial assistance, on a matching basis, for the conduct of resource protection activities in the National Heritage Corridor.