National Heritage Area Act
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6158
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6158
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Summary
Establishes a formal process for naming and managing National Heritage Areas to protect important natural, historic, and cultural sites across the country.
What problem does this solve?
Before this law, there was no single set of rules for creating or managing special places called National Heritage Areas. This law creates one clear system for how these areas are studied, chosen, and supported by the government.
What does this law do?
Establishes a National Heritage Area System
Creates a formal system to recognize areas that tell nationally significant stories and provides them with technical and financial help from the government.
Sets rules for creating new heritage areas
Outlines a standard process for studying if a new area is suitable to become a National Heritage Area, which must then be approved by Congress.
Extends funding for dozens of existing areas
Continues federal support for 45 existing National Heritage Areas across the country by extending their authorization until September 30, 2037.
Designates seven new National Heritage Areas
Establishes new heritage areas in Alabama, Illinois, Maine, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, North and South Carolina, and Maryland.
Protects private property rights
States that the law does not take away any rights from private property owners, force them to allow public access, or change any local land use rules.
Authorizes studies for three new areas
Directs the government to study the possibility of creating new National Heritage Areas at Kaena Point in Hawaii, the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina, and on the island of Guam.
Who does this affect?
- Local communities in or near heritage areas
- Tourism and historic preservation groups
- Private landowners
What is the real world impact?
•
Protects nationally significant places
Creates a formal system to help local communities protect and share important historical, cultural, and natural sites, ensuring these stories are not lost.
•
Boosts local economies through tourism
Designating these areas can attract tourists, which brings money and jobs to local communities through hotels, restaurants, and shops.
•
Standardizes federal involvement
Establishes a single, consistent process for how the federal government studies, approves, and provides funding for heritage areas, replacing a patchwork of different laws.
When does this start?
This law became effective on January 5, 2023, and sets several deadlines for future actions, including extending funding for many areas until 2037.
Management plans for new areas
The seven newly created National Heritage Areas must submit their management plans for approval within 5 years of this law's enactment.
Funding for new areas
The authority for the government to provide financial help to the seven new heritage areas will end 15 years after this law was passed.