PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 25, 2003
National Heritage Areas Policy Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to recommend to Congress that an area or corridor be designated as a national heritage area (area) only if, within five years of the authorization to conduct a feasibility study, the Secretary has: (1) determined that the area contains resources of national importance and is suitable for such designation; (2) approved a management plan that includes a business plan; and (3) provided for the consideration of local property owners within the boundaries of the proposed area.Outlines process and content requirements applicable to feasibility studies concerning the designation of an area.Requires the local coordinating entity for the proposed area to prepare a management plan containing specified requirements. Provides for approval or disapproval of such plan by the Secretary.Authorizes the Secretary to make: (1) five-year grants for proposed areas; and (2) ten-year grants to support designated areas.Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance on a non-reimbursable basis to any interested party or local coordinating entity for any activity for which the Secretary is authorized to provide a grant.Directs the Secretary to provide written notice to a local coordinating entity of the termination of designation of an area.Provides: (1) private property protections; (2) savings provisions; and (3) funding for grants, technical assistance, and feasibility studies authorized under this Act. Requires grant recipients to provide matching funds.
People & committees
Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5] · R–CO
Legislative record
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Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands.
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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