NORTHERN NECK, VIRGINIA.

SEC. 8102. NORTHERN NECK, VIRGINIA.(a) Definitions.—In this section:(1) Proposed heritage area.—The term “proposed Heritage Area” means the proposed Northern Neck National Heritage Area.(2) State.—The term “State” means the State of Virginia.(3) Study area.—The term “study area” means the area that is comprised of—(A) the area of land located between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers of the eastern coastal region of the State;(B) Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, King George, and Lancaster Counties of the State; and(C) any other area that—(i) has heritage aspects that are similar to the heritage aspects of the areas described in subparagraph (A) or (B); and(ii) is located adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, those areas.123 STAT. 1290(b) Study.—(1) In general.—In accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate State historic preservation officers, State historical societies, and other appropriate organizations, shall conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as the Northern Neck National Heritage Area.(2) Requirements.—The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study area—(A) has an assemblage of natural, historical, cultural, educational, scenic, or recreational resources that together are nationally important to the heritage of the United States;(B) represents distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use;(C) is best managed as such an assemblage through partnerships among public and private entities at the local or regional level;(D) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the heritage of the United States;(E) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historical, cultural, or scenic features;(F) provides outstanding recreational or educational opportunities;(G) contains resources and has traditional uses that have national importance;(H) includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and appropriate Federal agencies and State and local governments that are involved in the planning of, and have demonstrated significant support for, the designation and management of the proposed Heritage Area;(I) has a proposed local coordinating entity that is responsible for preparing and implementing the management plan developed for the proposed Heritage Area;(J) with respect to the designation of the study area, has the support of the proposed local coordinating entity and appropriate Federal agencies and State and local governments, each of which has documented the commitment of the entity to work in partnership with each other entity to protect, enhance, interpret, fund, manage, and develop the resources located in the study area;(K) through the proposed local coordinating entity, has developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants (including the Federal Government) in the management of the proposed Heritage Area;(L) has a proposal that is consistent with continued economic activity within the area; and(M) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public and appropriate Federal agencies.(3) Additional consultation requirement.—In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—(A) consult with the managers of any Federal land located within the study area; and123 STAT. 1291(B) before making any determination with respect to the designation of the study area, secure the concurrence of each manager with respect to each finding of the study.(c) Determination.—(1) In general.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of the State, shall review, comment on, and determine if the study area meets each requirement described in subsection (b)(2) for designation as a national heritage area.(2) Report.—(A) In general.—Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study to—(i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.(B) Requirements.—(i) In general.—The report shall contain—(I) any comments that the Secretary has received from the Governor of the State relating to the designation of the study area as a national heritage area; and(II) a finding as to whether the study area meets each requirement described in subsection (b)(2) for designation as a national heritage area.(ii) Disapproval.—If the Secretary determines that the study area does not meet any requirement described in subsection (b)(2) for designation as a national heritage area, the Secretary shall include in the report a description of each reason for the determination.