DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

SEC. 1208. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. (a) Preparation of Study.—The Commission shall prepare a study of historically significant sites and structures in the United States associated with the Civil War, other than Shenandoah Valley Civil War sites. Such study shall identify the sites, determine the relative significance of such sites, assess short- and long-term threats to their integrity, and provide alternatives for the preservation and interpretation of such sites by Federal, State and local governments, or other public or private entities, as may be appropriate. The Commission shall research and propose innovative open space and land preservation techniques. Such alternatives may include but shall not be limited to designation as units of the National Park System or as affiliated areas. The study may include existing units of the National Park System. (b) Consultation.—During the preparation of the study referred to in subsection (a), the Commission shall consult with the Governors of affected States, affected units of local government, State and local historic preservation organizations, scholarly organizations, and such other interested parties as the Commission deems advisable. (c) Transmittal to the Secretary and Congress.—Not later than 2 years after the date that funds are made available for the study referred to in subsection (a), the Commission shall transmit such study to the Secretary and the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate. (d) Report.—Whenever the Commission submits a report of the study to the Secretary or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit copies of that report to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural resources of the United States Senate.