S.1288 - Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act designates the Finger Lakes region in New York as a National Heritage Area. This bill amends the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to include this designation. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is identified as the local coordinating entity.
Expected Effects
The designation will likely lead to increased tourism and federal support for preservation and promotion of the Finger Lakes region's cultural and natural resources. A management plan must be submitted to the Secretary of the Interior within three years. The authority of the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance will terminate 15 years after enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Increased tourism revenue for the Finger Lakes region.
- Preservation and promotion of the region's cultural and natural resources.
- Potential for federal funding for conservation and development projects.
- Enhanced community pride and identity.
- Improved coordination of heritage tourism efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulation and oversight by the federal government.
- Possible conflicts between local interests and federal management objectives.
- Limited duration of federal assistance (15 years).
- Bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining and managing federal funds.
- Risk of over-commercialization and loss of authenticity.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The designation of a National Heritage Area falls under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. This designation can be argued to promote interstate tourism and economic activity. Additionally, the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) gives Congress the power to manage federal lands and properties, which could be relevant if federal lands are involved in the heritage area.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).