DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE SECRETARY.

SEC. 277. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE SECRETARY.(a) Technical and Financial Assistance.—The Secretary may, upon the request of the management entity, provide technical assistance on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis and financial assistance to the Heritage Area to develop and implement the approved management plan. The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the management entity and other public or private entities for this purpose. In assisting the Heritage Area, the Secretary shall give priority to actions that in general assist in—(1) conserving the significant natural, historical, cultural, and scenic resources of the Heritage Area; and(2) providing educational, interpretive, and recreational opportunities consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area.(b) Approval and Disapproval of Management Plan.—(1) In general.—The Secretary shall approve or disapprove the management plan not later than 90 days after receiving the management plan.(2) Criteria for approval.—In determining the approval of the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether—(A) the management entity is representative of the diverse interests of the Heritage Area, including governments, natural and historic resource protection organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and recreational organizations;(B) the management entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation of the management plan;(C) the resource protection and interpretation strategies contained in the management plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; and120 STAT. 1818(D) the management plan is supported by the appropriate State and local officials whose cooperation is needed to ensure the effective implementation of the State and local aspects of the management plan.(3) Action following disapproval.—If the Secretary disapproves the management plan, the Secretary shall advise the management entity in writing of the reasons therefore and shall make recommendations for revisions to the management plan. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed revision within 60 days after the date it is submitted.(4) Approval of amendments.—Substantial amendments to the management plan shall be reviewed by the Secretary and approved in the same manner as provided for the original management plan. The management entity shall not use Federal funds authorized by this subtitle to implement any amendments until the Secretary has approved the amendments.