16 U.S.C. § 410ccc — Findings and purposes

Page 382 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION § 410bbb–6 (g) Per diem expenses Members of the Commission shall serve with- out compensation. Members shall be entitled to travel expenses under section 5703, title 5, when engaged in Commission business, including per diem in lieu of subsistence in the same manner as persons employed intermittently. (h) Administrative support The Secretary shall provide the Commission with assistance in obtaining such personnel, equipment, and facilities as may be needed by the Commission to carry out its duties. (i) Annual report The Commission shall submit an annual re- port to the Secretary identifying its expenses and income and the entities to which any grants or technical assistance were made during the year for which the report is made. (Pub. L. 103–433, title XII, § 1207, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4522.) § 410bbb–6. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this sub- chapter. (Pub. L. 103–433, title XII, § 1208, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4525.) SUBCHAPTER LIX–AA—CANE RIVER CRE- OLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA PART A—CANE RIVER CREOLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK § 410ccc. Findings and purposes (a) Findings The Congress finds that— (1) the Natchitoches area along Cane River, established in 1714, is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase terri- tory; (2) the Cane River area is the locale of the development of Creole culture, from French- Spanish interactions of the early 18th century of today’s living communities; (3) the Cane River, historically a segment of the Red River, provided the focal point for early settlement, serving as a transportation route upon which commerce and communica- tion reached all parts of the colony; (4) although a number of Creole structures, sites, and landscapes exist in Louisiana and elsewhere, unlike the Cane River area, most are isolated examples, and lack original out- building complexes or integrity; (5) the Cane River area includes a great vari- ety of historical features with original ele- ments in both rural and urban settings and a cultural landscape that represents various as- pects of Creole culture, providing the base for a holistic approach to understanding the broad continuum of history within the region; (6) the Cane River region includes the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, composed of approximately 300 pub- licly and privately owned properties, four other national historic landmarks, and other structures and sites that may meet criteria for landmark significance following further study; (7) historic preservation within the Cane River area has greatly benefitted from individ- uals and organizations that have strived to protect their heritage and educate others about their rich history; and (8) because of the complexity and magnitude of preservation needs in the Cane River area, and the vital need for a culturally sensitive approach, a partnership approach is desirable for addressing the many preservation and edu- cational needs. (b) Purposes The purposes of this subchapter are to— (1) recognize the importance of the Cane River Creole culture as a nationally signifi- cant element of the cultural heritage of the United States; (2) establish a Cane River Creole National Historical Park to serve as the focus of inter- pretive and educational programs on the his- tory of the Cane River area and to assist in the preservation of certain historic sites along the river; and (3) establish a Cane River National Heritage Area and Commission to be undertaken in partnership with the State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, local communities and settlements of the Cane River area, preserva- tion organizations, and private landowners, with full recognition that programs must fully involve the local communities and land- owners. (Pub. L. 103–449, title III, § 302, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4757.) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries SHORT TITLE Pub. L. 103–449, title III, § 301, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4757, provided that: ‘‘Titles III and IV of this Act [en- acting this subchapter] may be cited as the ‘Cane River Creole National Historical Park and National Heritage Area Act’.’’ § 410ccc–1. Establishment (a) In general In order to assist in the preservation and in- terpretation of, and education concerning, the Creole culture and diverse history of the Natchitoches region, and to provide technical assistance to a broad range of public and private landowners and preservation organizations, there is hereby established the Cane River Cre- ole National Historical Park in the State of Louisiana (hereinafter in this subchapter re- ferred to as the ‘‘historical park’’). (b) Area included The historical park shall consist of lands and interests therein as follows: (1) Lands and structures associated with the Oakland Plantation as depicted on map CARI, 80,002, dated January 1994. (2) Lands and structures owned or acquired by Museum Contents, Inc. as depicted on map CARI, 80,001A, dated May 1994. (3) Sites that may be the subject of coopera- tive agreements with the National Park Serv-