118 STAT. 3374 PUBLIC LAW 108–447—DEC. 8, 2004 TITLE VII—MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ‘‘Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Act’’. SEC. 702. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. Congress finds that— (1) the 6 county area in southern Mississippi located on the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mississippi Coastal Plain has a unique identity that is shaped by— (A) the coastal and riverine environment; and (B) the diverse cultures that have settled in the area; (2) the area is rich with diverse cultural and historical significance, including— (A) early Native American settlements; and (B) Spanish, French, and English settlements origi nating in the 1600s; (3) the area includes spectacular natural, scenic, and rec reational resources; (4) there is broad support from local governments and other interested individuals for the establishment of the Mis sissippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area to coordinate and assist in the preservation and interpretation of those resources; (5) the Comprehensive Resource Management Plan, coordi nated by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources— (A) is a collaborative effort of the Federal Government and State and local governments in the area; and (B) is a natural foundation on which to establish the Heritage Area; and (6) establishment of the Heritage Area would assist local communities and residents in preserving the unique cultural, historical, and natural resources of the area. SEC. 703. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) HERITAGE AREA.—The term ‘‘Heritage Area’’ means the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area established by section 4(a). (2) COORDINATING ENTITY.—The term ‘‘coordinating entity’’ means the coordinating entity for the Heritage Area designated by section 4(c). (3) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘management plan’’ means the management plan for the Heritage Area developed under section 5. (4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the State of Mis sissippi. SEC. 704. MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the State the Mis sissippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. (b) BOUNDARIES.—The Heritage Area shall consist of the coun ties of Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson in the State. (c) COORDINATING ENTITY.— 16 USC 461 note. 16 USC 461 note. 16 USC 461 note. Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Act. 16 USC 461 note.
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