S. 3435Senate117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

National Heritage Area Authority Extension Act of 2021

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Updated February 8, 2026 at 8:43 AM UTC

The National Heritage Area Authority Extension Act of 2021 extends the federal authorization periods for dozens of existing National Heritage Areas and Corridors to September 30, 2036 (or the year 2036). It also raises the annual appropriations for several of those areas, extends the terms of certain heritage commissions, lengthens the deadline for completing management plans, and redesignates two heritage entities with new names. The changes affect the management and funding of the listed heritage areas across many states.

Key Provisions

Extends the authorization dates for a long list of National Heritage Areas and Corridors—including the Illinois‑Michigan Canal, Blackstone River Valley, Delaware‑Lehigh, Last Green Valley, National Coal, and many others—until September 30, 2036.
Increases the authorized annual funding for several heritage areas, such as raising Rivers of Steel, Essex, and Ohio & Erie from $20 million to $22 million, and boosting others by $2 million to $4 million.
Extends the operating terms of the Erie Canalway and Gullah/Geechee heritage commissions to 2036.
Extends the deadline to complete certain management plans from 3 years to 5 years under the John D. Dingell Conservation Act.
Redesignates the America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership as the “Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area” and changes the Great Basin Heritage Route terminology to “Great Basin National Heritage Area,” updating related references.

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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 230.

December 17, 2021

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Introduced in Senate

December 17, 2021

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Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Manchin. Without written report.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

December 17, 2021

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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 230.

December 17, 2021

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Reported to SenateIssued December 17, 2021

Calendar No. 230

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 3435

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

December 17, 2021

Mr. Manchin, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, reported the following original bill; which was read twice and placed on the calendar

A BILL

To extend the authorizations for certain National Heritage Areas, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the National Heritage Area Authority Extension Act of 2021.

Extension of certain National Heritage Area authorities

(a)

Illinois and michigan canal national heritage corridor

Section 126 of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 98–398; 98 Stat. 1456; 120 Stat. 1853) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this section and inserting September 30, 2036.

(b)

John H. chafee blackstone river valley national heritage corridor

Section 10(a) of Public Law 99–647 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 100 Stat. 3630; 104 Stat. 1018; 128 Stat. 3804) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(c)

Delaware and lehigh national heritage corridor

Section 12 of the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 100–692; 102 Stat. 4558; 112 Stat. 3260; 123 Stat. 1293; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (c)(1), by striking 2021 and inserting 2036; and

(2)

in subsection (d), by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(d)

The last green valley national heritage corridor

Section 106(b) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 103–449; 108 Stat. 4755; 113 Stat. 1728; 123 Stat. 1291; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(e)

National coal heritage area

Section 107 of the National Coal Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4244; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(f)

Tennessee civil war heritage area

Section 208 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4248; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(g)

Augusta canal national heritage corridor

Section 310 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4252; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(h)

Rivers of steel national heritage area

Section 408 of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4256; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(i)

Essex national heritage area

Section 507 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4260; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(j)

South carolina national heritage corridor

Section 607 of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4264; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(k)

America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership

Section 707 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4267; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(l)

Ohio & erie National Heritage Canalway

Section 809 of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4275; 122 Stat. 826; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(m)

Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Section 910 of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4281; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(n)

MotorCities national heritage area

Section 109 of the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 105–355; 112 Stat. 3252; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(o)

Lackawanna valley national heritage area

Section 108 of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 818; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(p)

Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area

Section 209 of the Schuylkill River Valley Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 824; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(q)

Wheeling national heritage area

Subsection (i) of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–291; 114 Stat. 967; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(r)

Yuma crossing national heritage area

Section 7 of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–319; 114 Stat. 1284; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(s)

Erie canalway national heritage corridor

Section 811 of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A–295; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(t)

Blue ridge national heritage area

Subsection (j) of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(u)

National Aviation Heritage Area

Section 512 of the National Aviation Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–447; 118 Stat. 3367; 133 Stat. 2713) is amended by striking September 30, 2022 and inserting September 30, 2036.

(v)

Oil Region National Heritage Area

Section 608 of the Oil Region National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–447; 118 Stat. 3372; 133 Stat. 2713) is amended by striking September 30, 2022 and inserting September 30, 2036.

(w)

Northern rio grande national heritage area

Section 208 of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1790) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(x)

Atchafalaya national heritage area

Section 221 of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1795) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(y)

Arabia mountain national heritage area

Section 240 of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1799) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(z)

Mormon pioneer national heritage area

Section 260 of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1807) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(aa)

Freedom's frontier national heritage area

Section 269 of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1813) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(bb)

Upper housatonic valley national heritage area

Section 280B of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1819) is amended by striking the day occurring 15 years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle and inserting September 30, 2036.

(cc)

Champlain Valley national heritage partnership

Section 289 of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership Act of 2006 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(dd)

Great Basin National Heritage Route

Section 291J of the Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1831) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(ee)

Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor

Section 295L of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1837) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(ff)

Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area

Section 297H of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Act of 2006 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1844) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(gg)

Abraham lincoln national heritage area

Section 451 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 110–229; 122 Stat. 824) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle and inserting September 30, 2036.

(hh)

Journey through hallowed ground national heritage area

Section 411 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 110–229; 122 Stat. 809) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle and inserting September 30, 2036.

(ii)

Niagara falls national heritage area

Section 432 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 110–229; 122 Stat. 818) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

(jj)

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area

Section 8010(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111–11; 123 Stat. 1288) is amended by striking the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting September 30, 2036.

Authorizations of appropriations for certain National Heritage Areas

(a)

Rivers of steel national heritage area

Section 409(a) of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4256; 129 Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking $20,000,000 and inserting $22,000,000.

(b)

Essex national heritage area

Section 508(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4260; 129 Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking $20,000,000 and inserting $22,000,000.

(c)

South carolina national heritage corridor

Section 608(a) of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4264; 122 Stat. 824; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking $17,000,000 and inserting $19,000,000.

(d)

America’s agricultural heritage partnership

Section 708(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4267; 122 Stat. 824; 134 Stat. 1505) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking $17,000,000 and inserting $19,000,000.

(e)

Ohio & erie national heritage canalway

Section 812(a) of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4275; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking $20,000,000 and inserting $22,000,000.

(f)

Maurice d. hinchey hudson river valley national heritage area

Section 909(c) of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4280; 122 Stat. 824) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $17,000,000.

(g)

MotorCities national heritage area

Section 110(a) of the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 105–355; 112 Stat. 3252; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking $12,000,000 and inserting $14,000,000.

(h)

Wheeling national heritage area

Subsection (h)(1) of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–291; 114 Stat. 967; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $17,000,000.

(i)

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Section 810(a)(1) of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A–303; 131 Stat. 461; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended by striking $14,000,000 and inserting $16,000,000.

(j)

Illinois and michigan canal national heritage corridor

Section 125(a) of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 98–398; 98 Stat. 1456; 120 Stat. 1853) is amended by striking $10,000,000 and inserting $12,000,000.

(k)

The last green valley national heritage corridor

Section 109(a) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 103–449; 108 Stat. 4756; 113 Stat. 1729; 123 Stat. 1292; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking $17,000,000 and inserting $19,000,000.

(l)

Lackawanna valley national heritage area

Section 109(a) of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 818; 134 Stat. 1505) is amended by striking $12,000,000 and inserting $14,000,000.

(m)

Schuylkill River Valley national heritage area

Section 210(a) of the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 824) is amended by striking $10,000,000 and inserting $12,000,000.

(n)

Blue ridge national heritage area

Subsection (i)(1) of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking $14,000,000 and inserting $16,000,000.

Extension of certain National Heritage and Cultural Heritage Corridor commissions

(a)

Erie canalway national heritage corridor commission

Section 804(j) of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A–299; 123 Stat. 1294; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.

(b)

Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage corridor commission

Section 295D(d) of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1833; 130 Stat. 962) is amended by striking 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act and inserting on September 30, 2036.

Extension of deadline to complete certain management plans

Section 6001(c)(1) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 116–9; 133 Stat. 772) is amended by striking 3 and inserting 5.

Redesignation of heritage areas

(a)

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area

(1)

Redesignation

The America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership established by section 703(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4266) shall be known and designated as the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

(2)

References

Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the partnership referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

(b)

Great Basin National Heritage Area

(1)

Designation of the Great Basin National Heritage Area

The Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended—

(A)

by striking the Heritage Route each place it appears and inserting the Heritage Area;

(B)

by striking along each place it appears and inserting in;

(C)

in the subtitle heading, by striking Route and inserting Area;

(D)

in section 291, by striking Route and inserting Area;

(E)

in section 291A(a)—

(i)

in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking the Great Basin Heritage Route each place it appears and inserting the Great Basin National Heritage Area; and

(ii)

in paragraph (13), by striking a Heritage Route and inserting a Heritage Area;

(F)

in section 291B, by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

(2)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the Great Basin National Heritage Area established by section 291C(a).

;

(G)

in section 291C—

(i)

in the section heading, by striking Route and inserting Area; and

(ii)

in subsection (a), by striking Heritage Route and inserting Heritage Area; and

(H)

in section 291L(d), in the subsection heading, by striking in Heritage Route and inserting in Heritage Area.

(2)

Designation of Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership

The Great Basin National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109–338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended by striking Great Basin Heritage Route Partnership each place it appears and inserting Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership.

Effective date

This Act, including the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect 1 day after the date of enactment of this Act.

December 17, 2021

Read twice and placed on the calendar