---
kind: "section"
citation: "54 U.S.C. § 120103"
title: "54"
title_heading: "National Park Service and Related Programs"
number: "120103"
heading: "National Heritage Area studies and designation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/54/120103"
units:
  - "Subtitle I — National Park System"
  - "Division C — National Heritage Areas"
  - "Chapter 1201 — National Heritage Area System"
---

# §120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation

- (a) **Studies.—**
  - (1) **In general.—** Subject to the availability of appropriations, the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) may carry out or review a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed National Heritage Area for designation as a National Heritage Area.
  - (2) **Preparation.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** A study under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) may be carried out—
      - (i) by the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3), 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; or
      - (ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of [paragraph (3)](#a-3).
    - (B) **Certification.—** Not later than 1 year after receiving a study carried out by interested individuals or entities under [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#a-2-A-ii), the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) shall review and certify whether the study meets the requirements of [paragraph (3)](#a-3).
  - (3) **Requirements.—** A study under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the proposed National Heritage Area—
    - (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](/usc/54/100801.md?p=1), and continuing use; 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;
    - (B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;
    - (C) provides outstanding opportunities—
      - (i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and
      - (ii) for recreation and [education](/usc/54/100801.md?p=2);
    - (D) contains resources that—
      - (i) are important to any identified themes of the proposed National Heritage Area; and
      - (ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting [interpretation](/usc/54/100801.md?p=1);
    - (E) includes a diverse group of residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that—
      - (i) are involved in the planning of the proposed National Heritage Area;
      - (ii) have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the proposed National Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and
      - (iii) have demonstrated significant support for the designation of the proposed National Heritage Area;
    - (F) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in [subparagraph (E)](#a-3-E) to develop the proposed National Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and
    - (G) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public.
  - (4) **Report.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** For each study carried out under [paragraph (1)](#a-1), the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) 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—
      - (i) any correspondence received by the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) demonstrating support for, or opposition to, the establishment of the National Heritage Area;
      - (ii) the findings of the study; and
      - (iii) any conclusions and recommendations of the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3).
    - (B) **Timing.—**
      - (i) **Studies carried out by the secretary.—** With respect to a study carried out by the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) in accordance with [paragraph (2)(A)(i)](#a-2-A-i), the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) shall submit a report under [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A) not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study.
      - (ii) **Studies carried out by other interested parties.—** With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals or entities in accordance with [paragraph (2)(A)(ii)](#a-2-A-ii), the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) shall submit a report under [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A) not later than 180 days after the date on which the [Secretary](/usc/54/100102.md?p=3) certifies under [paragraph (2)(B)](#a-2-B) that the study meets the requirements of [paragraph (3)](#a-3).
- (b) **Designation.—** An area shall be designated as a National Heritage Area only by an Act of Congress.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 117–339, § 2(a), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6159.)