Bill Summary
The "Endless Mountains National Heritage Area Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at designating the Endless Mountains region in Pennsylvania as a component of the National Heritage Area System. This area includes Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties, with potential inclusion of portions of other counties based on a feasibility study. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. is designated as the local coordinating entity responsible for overseeing the heritage area's management.
Key provisions include:
1. **Designation**: Establishes the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area within the National Heritage Area System.
2. **Management Plan**: Requires the local coordinating entity to submit a proposed management plan to the Secretary of the Interior within three years of the Act's enactment.
3. **Termination of Authority**: The Secretary's authority to provide assistance for this heritage area will end 15 years after the Act's enactment.
Overall, this legislation seeks to promote conservation, recreation, and heritage tourism in the Endless Mountains region, enhancing its cultural and historical significance.
Possible Impacts
The Endless Mountains National Heritage Area Act could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Cultural and Historical Preservation**: By designating the Endless Mountains as a National Heritage Area, the act aims to preserve the region's cultural, historical, and natural resources. This can enhance local identity and pride among residents, as well as provide opportunities for educational programs, festivals, and events that celebrate the area’s heritage. Communities may see an increase in tourism as people visit to learn about the local history and culture.
2. **Economic Opportunities**: The designation can lead to increased tourism and related economic benefits for local businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and shops may experience higher foot traffic as visitors come to explore the heritage area. Additionally, the act may provide funding or grants for local projects that promote sustainable tourism and economic development, which can create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
3. **Management and Conservation Initiatives**: The act requires the submission of a management plan by the local coordinating entity, which can lead to improved conservation efforts in the area. This might include initiatives to protect natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and recreational areas, benefiting local residents and visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, community engagement in the management of these resources could foster a sense of stewardship among residents, encouraging them to participate in conservation efforts.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4238 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4238
To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and
Recreation Act to designate as a component of the National Heritage
Area System the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area in the State
of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 26, 2026
Mr. McCormick (for himself and Mr. Fetterman) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and
Recreation Act to designate as a component of the National Heritage
Area System the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area in the State
of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Endless Mountains National Heritage
Area Act''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF ENDLESS MOUNTAINS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) Designation.--Section 6001(a) of the John D. Dingell, Jr.
Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133
Stat. 768; 136 Stat. 6163) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(14) Endless mountains national heritage area.--
``(A) In general.--There is established as a
component of the National Heritage Area System the
Endless Mountains National Heritage Area in the State
of Pennsylvania, to consist of Bradford, Sullivan,
Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties, Pennsylvania, and
any portions of other counties in the State of
Pennsylvania identified in the feasibility study for
the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area, the
specific boundaries of which shall be established by
the Secretary based on that feasibility study.
``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Endless
Mountains Heritage Region, Inc., shall be the local
coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area
designated by subparagraph (A).''.
(b) Management Plan.--For the purposes of section 6001(c) of the
John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
(Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 772; 136 Stat. 6173), the local
coordinating entity for the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area
designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall submit to
the Secretary of the Interior for approval a proposed management plan
for the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Termination of Authority.--For the purposes of subsection
(g)(4) of section 6001 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation,
Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 776), the
authority of the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance under
that section for the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area
designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall terminate
on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
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