CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.

SEC. 702. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. Congress finds that—(1) the 6-county area in southern Mississippi located on the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mississippi Coastal Plain has a unique identity that is shaped by—(A) the coastal and riverine environment; and (B) the diverse cultures that have settled in the area;(2) the area is rich with diverse cultural and historical significance, including—(A) early Native American settlements; and (B) Spanish, French, and English settlements originating in the 1600s;(3) the area includes spectacular natural, scenic, and recreational resources;(4) there is broad support from local governments and other interested individuals for the establishment of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area to coordinate and assist in the preservation and interpretation of those resources;(5) the Comprehensive Resource Management Plan, coordinated by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources—(A) is a collaborative effort of the Federal Government and State and local governments in the area; and(B) is a natural foundation on which to establish the Heritage Area; and(6) establishment of the Heritage Area would assist local communities and residents in preserving the unique cultural, historical, and natural resources of the area.