H.R. 2899 – Reading Mode

IIB

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 2899

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 16, 2022

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

AN ACT

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within the island of Guam as a National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

The Guam National Heritage Area Study

(a)

Study

(1)

In general

The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate regional and local organizations or agencies, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the study areas as National Heritage Areas.

(2)

Requirements

The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study areas—

(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 by residents and visitors; 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 that share a common heritage;

(B)

reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;

(C)

provides—

(i)

outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and

(ii)

outstanding recreational and educational and cultural tourism opportunities;

(D)

contains resources that—

(i)

are important to any identified themes of the study area; and

(ii)

retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;

(E)

includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, including museums and heritage organizations, and State and local governments that—

(i)

are involved in the planning of the National Heritage Area;

(ii)

have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the Area, including the Federal Government; and

(iii)

have demonstrated support for the designation of the Area;

(F)

has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in subparagraph (E) to develop the Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and

(G)

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

(b)

Private property considerations

In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider the potential impact that designation of the study area as a national heritage area would have on private property on Guam.

(c)

Report

Not later than the end of the third fiscal year after the date on which funds are first made available for this section, 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 describes—

(1)

the findings of the study; and

(2)

any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.

(d)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Area

The term Area means a National Heritage Area located in Guam.

(2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(3)

Study area

The term study area means the island of Guam.

Passed the House of Representatives March 15, 2022.

Cheryl L. Johnson,

Clerk.