1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study Act”.
Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study Act
A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land in the State of Kentucky as the Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.
2. Definitions
In this Act:
Heritage area— The term Heritage Area means the Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area.
Secretary— The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
State— The term State means the State of Kentucky.
Study area— The term study area means—
Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe Counties in the State; and
any other areas in the State that—
have heritage aspects that are similar to the heritage aspects of the areas described in subparagraph (A); and
are adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the areas described in that subparagraph.
3. Study
In general— The Secretary, in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a National Heritage Area, to be known as the “Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area”.
Requirements— The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study area—
has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that—
represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States;
are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and
would be best managed—
through partnerships among public and private entities; and
by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities;
reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;
provides outstanding opportunities—
to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and
for recreation and education;
contains resources that—
are important to any identified themes of the study area; and
retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;
includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that—
are involved in the planning of the Heritage Area;
have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and
have demonstrated support for the designation of the Heritage Area;
has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in paragraph (5) to develop the Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity;
could impact the rights of private property owners with respect to private property; and
has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public.
4. Report
Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes—
the findings of the study under section 3; and
any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.