S. 3194: Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act

This bill, titled the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act, aims to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study regarding the potential designation of certain areas in California as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area.

Study Overview

The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to assess whether the areas specified in the bill are suitable and feasible for designation as a National Heritage Area. This study will involve consultations with various stakeholders, including:

• The State of California
• Local organizations and governmental agencies
• Tribal Governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership

Geographic Scope

The study will specifically examine the following areas:

• Monterey County
• San Mateo County
• Santa Cruz County
• San Luis Obispo County
• Other adjacent areas in California that share similar heritage aspects with those counties

Legal Compliance

The study will be conducted in accordance with specific legal guidelines set out in section 120103(a) of title 54 of the United States Code, which outlines the process for designating National Heritage Areas.

Purpose of Designation

The intended purpose of designating these areas as a National Heritage Area typically involves recognizing and preserving the unique cultural, natural, and historical resources found in the region, promoting community engagement and tourism, and potentially providing funding opportunities for local initiatives.

Next Steps

After the study is completed, it will inform any future decisions regarding the potential designation of the Monterey Bay area as a National Heritage Area, which can lead to various local and federal support initiatives aimed at heritage preservation and community development.

Relevant Companies

None found