54 U.S.C. § 120103 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 54. National Park Service and Related Programs § 120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation

(i) by 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; or

(ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of paragraph (3).

(i) represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States;

(ii) are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and

(iii) would be best managed--

(i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and

(ii) for recreation and education;

(i) are important to any identified themes of the proposed National Heritage Area; and

(ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;

(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;

(i) any correspondence received by the Secretary 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.

(i)Studies carried out by the Secretary.--With respect to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (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), the Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the requirements of paragraph (3).