[107th Congress Public Law 337]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[DOCID: f:publ337.107]
[[Page 116 STAT. 2883]]
Public Law 107-337
107th Congress
An Act
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and
feasibility of establishing the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in
west Houston, Texas. <<NOTE: Dec. 16, 2002 - [H.R. 1776]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress <<NOTE: Buffalo Bayou National
Heritage Area Study Act.>> assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area
Study Act''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE STUDY REGARDING BUFFALO BAYOU, TEXAS.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) The area beginning at Shepherd Drive in west Houston,
Texas, and extending to the Turning Basin, commonly referred to
as the ``Buffalo Bayou'', made a unique contribution to the
cultural, political, and industrial development of the United
States.
(2) The Buffalo Bayou is distinctive as the first spine of
modern industrial development in Texas and one of the first
along the Gulf of Mexico coast.
(3) The Buffalo Bayou played a significant role in the
struggle for Texas independence.
(4) The Buffalo Bayou developed a prosperous and productive
shipping industry that survives today.
(5) The Buffalo Bayou led in the development of Texas'
petrochemical industry that made Houston the center of the early
oil boom in America.
(6) The Buffalo Bayou developed a sophisticated shipping
system, leading to the formation of the modern day Houston Ship
Channel.
(7) The Buffalo Bayou developed a significant industrial
base, and served as the focal point for the new city of Houston.
(8) There is a longstanding commitment by the Buffalo Bayou
Partnership, Inc., to complete the Buffalo Bayou Trail along the
12-mile segment of the Buffalo Bayou.
(9) There is a need for assistance for the preservation and
promotion of the significance of the Buffalo Bayou as a system
for transportation, industry, commerce, and immigration.
(10) The Department of the Interior is responsible for
protecting the Nation's cultural and historical resources. There
are significant examples of such resources within the Buffalo
[[Page 116 STAT. 2884]]
Bayou region to merit the involvement of the Federal Government
in the development of programs and projects, in cooperation with
the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Inc., the State of Texas, and
other local and governmental entities, to adequately conserve,
protect, and interpret this heritage for future generations,
while providing opportunities for education and revitalization.
(b) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with
the State of Texas, the City of Houston, and other appropriate
organizations, carry out a study regarding the suitability and
feasibility of establishing the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage
Area in Houston, Texas.
(2) Contents.--The study shall include analysis and
documentation regarding whether the Study Area--
(A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and
cultural resources that together represent distinctive
aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition,
conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and
are best managed through partnerships among public and
private entities and by combining diverse and sometimes
noncontiguous resources and active communities;
(B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and
folklife that are a valuable part of the national story;
(C) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve
natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features;
(D) provides outstanding recreational and
educational opportunities;
(E) contains resources important to the identified
theme or themes of the Study Area that retain a degree
of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;
(F) includes residents, business interests,
nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments
that are involved in the planning, have developed a
conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles for
all participants, including the Federal Government, and
have demonstrated support for the concept of a national
heritage area;
(G) has a potential management entity to work in
partnership with residents, business interests,
nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments
to develop a national heritage area consistent with
continued local and State economic activity; and
(H) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported
by the public.
(c) Boundaries of the Study Area.--The Study Area shall be comprised
of sites in Houston, Texas, in an area roughly bounded by Shepherd Drive
and extending to the Turning Basin, commonly referred to as the
``Buffalo Bayou''.
(d) <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports.>> Submission of Study Results.--Not
later than 3 years after funds are first made available for this
section, the Secretary
[[Page 116 STAT. 2885]]
shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate a report describing the results of the study.
Approved December 16, 2002.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 1776:
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HOUSE REPORTS: No. 107-256 (Comm. on Resources).
SENATE REPORTS: No. 107-262 (Comm. on Energy and Natural Resources).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
Vol. 147 (2001):
Oct. 30, considered and passed
House.
Vol. 148 (2002):
Nov. 19, considered and passed
Senate.
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