National Heritage Areas Act of 1996

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Heritage Areas Program Title II: Designation of National Heritage Areas Title III: Studies of Potential National Heritage Areas Title IV: Amendments to Existing Heritage Corridors National Heritage Areas Act of 1996 - Title I: National Heritage Areas Program - Prescribes eligibility criteria for designation as a National Heritage Area, including the presence of a cohesive assemblage of natural, historic, cultural, or recreational resources that represent distinctive aspects of American heritage worthy of conservation and that are best managed through public-private partnerships. (Sec. 102) Allows designation only by an Act of the Congress. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of an Area feasibility study and compact, signed by the Governor of each State in which the Area is located. (Sec. 103) Establishes within the Department of the Interior a National Heritage Areas Partnership Program to assist the Secretary in: (1) making grants and providing technical assistance to units of government and management entities; (2) evaluating areas nominated for designation; and (3) advising State and local governments, nonp…