Bill > HR5989

This bill establishes the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in Alabama, consisting of land in 19 specified counties. The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall be the local coordinating entity responsible for preparing and submitting a management plan for the heritage area. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to provide financial and technical assistance to the local coordinating entity to implement the management plan, which must address resource protection, interpretation, and economic viability. The bill also includes provisions related to private property rights, federal agency coordination, and a requirement for the Secretary to evaluate the heritage area and report to Congress prior to the termination of federal funding authority after 15 years.