Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 6.djvu/351

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PUBLIC LAW 104-333—NOV. 12, 1996 110 STAT. 4173 (B) determine the relative significance of the sites; (C) assess short- and long-term threats to the integrity of the sites; (D) provide alternatives for the preservation and interpretation of the sites by Federal, State, and local governments, or other public or private entities, including designation of the sites as units of the National Park System; and (E) research and propose land preservation techniques. (3) CONSULTATION. —During the preparation of the study under paragraph (1), the Director shall consult with— (A) the Governor of each affected State; (B) each affected unit of local government; (C) State and local historic preservation organizations; (D) scholarly organizations; and (E) such other interested parties as the Secretary considers advisable. (4) TRANSMITTAL TO CONGRESS. —Not later than 2 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out the study under paragraph (1), the Director shall transmit a report describing the results of the study to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (5) REPORT.— If the Director submits a report on the study to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary shall concurrently transmit copies of the report to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. —There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $750,000, to remain available until expended. SEC. 604. AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM. American (a) SHORT TITLE. —Th is section may be cited as the "American protection Act of Battlefield Protection Act of 1996". 1996. (b) PURPOSE. — The purpose of this section is to assist citizens, 16 USC 469k. public and private institutions, and governments at all levels in planning, interpreting, and protecting sites where historic battles were fought on American soil during the armed conflicts that shaped the growth and development of the United States, in order that present and future generations may learn and gain inspiration from the ground where Americans made their ultimate sacrifice. (c) PRESERVATION ASSISTANCE.— (1) IN GENERAL. —Using the established national historic preservation program to the extent practicable, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the American Battlefield Protection Program, shall encourage, support, assist, recognize, and work in partnership with citizens. Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations in identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, and protecting historic battlefields and associated sites on a National, State, and local level. (2) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. —TO carry out paragraph (1), the Secretary may use a cooperative agreement, grant.