S. 311 — Introduced in Senate

II 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 311 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2013 Ms. Landrieu introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating sites in the Lower Mississippi River Area in the State of Louisiana as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lower Mississippi River Area Study Act. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Study area The term study area includes Fort St. Philip, Fort Jackson, the Head of Passes, and any related and supporting historical, cultural, and recreational resources located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. 3. Study (a) In general Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the State of Louisiana and other interested organizations, shall complete a special resource study that evaluates— (1) the national significance of the study area; and (2) the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System. (b) Criteria In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use the criteria for the study of areas for potential inclusion in the National Park System in section 8(c) of National Park System General Authorities Act (16 U.S.C. 1a–5(c)). (c) Content The study described in subsection (a) shall— (1) include cost estimates for the potential acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of the study area; and (2) identify alternatives for the management, administration, and protection of the study area. 4. Donations The Secretary may accept the donation of funds to carry out this Act. 5. Authorization of appropriation There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.