SUBCHAPTER LIX–M—NATCHEZ NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

§410oo. Purposes

The purposes of this subchapter are to—

(1) preserve and interpret the history of Natchez, Mississippi, as a significant city in the history of the American South;

(2) preserve and interpret the sites and structures associated with all the peoples of Natchez and its surrounding area from earliest inhabitants to the modern era, and including blacks both slave and free;

(3) preserve and interpret the region's social, political, and economic development, with particular emphasis on the pre- and post-Civil War eras; and

(4) preserve and interpret the region's commercial and agricultural history, especially in relation to the Mississippi River and cotton.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §1, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2324.)

§410oo–1. Establishment

(a) In general

In order to provide for the benefit, inspiration, and education of the American people, there is hereby established the Natchez National Historical Park (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "park") in the State of Mississippi.

(b) Area included

The park shall consist of the historic districts established under this subchapter and the following properties:

(1) The lands and structures known as Melrose, together with all personal property located on such lands.

(2) The lands and improvements thereon known as, or associated with, Fort Rosalie.

(3) The lands and structures known as the William Johnson House, together with all personal property located on such lands, and the building adjacent thereto which bears a common wall.

The property referred to in paragraph (2) shall be included within the park only if the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Secretary") determines that the historic resources of Fort Rosalie are of sufficient national significance and integrity to warrant inclusion in the National Park System. The Secretary shall make such determination after receiving from the Governor of the State of Mississippi and the mayor of the city of Natchez, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, a recommendation based on scholarly research as to the national significance and integrity of such historic resources.

(c) Boundaries; map

The Secretary shall prepare a map of the lands included within the park. Such map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the National Park Service at the park and at the Department of the Interior in the District of Columbia. The Secretary may from time to time make minor revisions in the boundary of the park in accordance with section 100506(c) of title 54.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §2, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2324; Pub. L. 101–399, §1(a), Sept. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 860.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (c), "section 100506(c) of title 54" substituted for "section 7(c) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 4601–4 [sic] and following)" on authority of Pub. L. 113–287, §6(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3272, which Act enacted Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–399 added par. (3).

§410oo–2. Acquisition of property

(a) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary may acquire, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange, land or interests in land, together with structures and other improvements thereon and personal property, which is included within the park. In addition the Secretary may acquire by any such means such personal property associated with the park as he deems appropriate for interpretation of the park and such additional lands and properties as may be necessary for purposes of an administrative headquarters and administrative site. Any land, interests in land, structures, improvements, or personal property owned by the State of Mississippi or any political subdivision thereof, may be acquired only by donation. The Secretary may not acquire fee title to any property other than the property he deems necessary for an administrative site and headquarters and the property referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 410oo–1 of this title, and the Secretary may not acquire the property referred to in paragraph (1) of section 410oo–1 of this title unless at least 25 per centum of the fair market value of such property (as determined by the Secretary) is donated to the United States in connection with such acquisition. The Secretary may not acquire the property referred to in paragraph (3) of section 410oo–1(b) of this title except by donation.

(b) Building for joint use by the Secretary and the City of Natchez

(1) Contribution toward construction

The Secretary may enter into an agreement with the City of Natchez under which the Secretary agrees to pay not to exceed $3,000,000 toward the planning and construction by the City of Natchez of a structure to be partially used by the Secretary as an administrative headquarters, administrative site, and visitor center for Natchez National Historical Park.

(2) Use for satisfaction of matching requirements

The amount of payment under paragraph (1) may be available for matching Federal grants authorized under other law notwithstanding any limitations in any such law.

(3) Agreement

Prior to the execution of an agreement under paragraph (1), and subject to the appropriation of necessary funds in advance, the Secretary may enter into a contract, lease, cooperative agreement, or other appropriate form of agreement with the City of Natchez providing for the use and occupancy of a portion of the structure constructed under paragraph (1) (including appropriate use of the land on which it is situated), at no cost to the Secretary (except maintenance, utility, and other operational costs), for a period of 50 years, with an option for renewal by the Secretary for an additional 50 years.

(4) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 to carry out this subsection.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §3, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2325; Pub. L. 101–399, §1(b), Sept. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 860; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1030, Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4238; Pub. L. 106–176, title I, §127, Mar. 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 30.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Pub. L. 106–176, §127(b), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 104–333. See 1996 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–176, §127(a), substituted "and visitor center" for "and visitors' center".

1996—Pub. L. 104–333, as amended by Pub. L. 106–176, §127(b), which directed amendment of section 3 of Act of October 8, 1988, by designating existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserting heading, and adding subsec. (b), was executed by making the amendment to this section to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1990—Pub. L. 101–399 substituted "referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3)" for "referred to in paragraph (1) or (2)" and inserted at end "The Secretary may not acquire the property referred to in paragraph (3) of section 410oo–1(b) of this title except by donation."

§410oo–3. Administration

(a) In general

The Secretary shall administer the park in accordance with this subchapter and with the provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including the Act entitled "An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes", approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1–4) ¹ and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461–467).¹ Properties acquired under this subchapter for purposes of inclusion in the park shall be available for visitor inspection and enjoyment as promptly as practicable after the date of acquisition notwithstanding the absence of a park management plan.

(b) Donations

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may accept and expend donations of funds, property, or services from individuals, foundations, corporations, or public entities for the purpose of providing services and facilities which he deems consistent with the purposes of this subchapter.

(c) Historic districts

(1) Study of historic properties

The Secretary shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate a study of the properties in the city of Natchez and its immediate environs that preserve and interpret the history contained in the purposes of this subchapter. Such report shall consider which properties best exemplify such purposes and appropriate means for providing technical assistance to, and interpretation of, such properties. The study and report shall include consideration of Natchez-Under-the-Hill and the Briars.

(2) Establishment of districts

Following completion of the study under paragraph (1), but not later than one year after October 7, 1988, the Secretary shall establish historic districts in the city of Natchez and its immediate environs for the preservation and interpretation of the resources that contribute to the understanding of the purposes of this subchapter.

(3) Cooperative agreements with owners

In furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter, and after consultation with the Advisory Commission established by this subchapter, the Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the owners of properties of historical or cultural significance (as determined by the Secretary) within any historic district established under this subsection. Such agreements shall permit the Secretary to mark, interpret, improve, restore, and provide technical assistance with respect to the preservation and interpretation of such properties. Such agreements shall contain, but need not be limited to, provisions that the Secretary shall have the right of access at reasonable times to public portions of any property covered by such agreement for purposes of conducting visitors through such properties and interpreting them to the public, and that no changes or alterations shall be made in the property except by mutual agreement between the Secretary and other parties to the agreement.

(d) General management plan

Within three complete fiscal years after October 7, 1988, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate a general management plan for the park. The plan shall be prepared in accordance with section 100502 of title 54. Such plan shall identify appropriate facilities for proper interpretation of the site for visitors.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §4, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2325.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Act entitled "An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes", approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1–4), referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 25, 1916, ch. 408, 39 Stat. 535, known as the National Park Service Organic Act, which enacted sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 100101 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs. Sections 1 to 4 of the Act were repealed and restated as section 1865(a) of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of Title 54 by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 4(a)(1), 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3260, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of this title, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

The Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461–467), referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 21, 1935, ch. 593, 49 Stat. 666, known as the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and also as the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act, which enacted sections 461 to 467 of this title. The Act was repealed and restated as section 1866(a) of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 102303 and 102304 and chapter 3201 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 4(a)(1), 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3260, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of this title, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

Codification

In subsec. (d), "section 100502 of title 54" substituted for "section 12(b) of the Act of August 18, 1970 (84 Stat. 825; 16 U.S.C. 1a–1 through 1a–7)" on authority of Pub. L. 113–287, §6(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3272, which Act enacted Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 1993, by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Third Congress.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§410oo–4. Natchez Trace study

The Secretary shall prepare, in consultation with the city of Natchez, a study of the feasibility of extending the Natchez Trace within the city of Natchez, including the acceptance of donations of rights-of-way. The Secretary shall transmit the study to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate within one year after October 7, 1988.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §5, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2326.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 1993, by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Third Congress.

§410oo–5. Advisory Commission

(a) Establishment

There is hereby established the Natchez National Historical Park Advisory Commission (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Advisory Commission"). The Advisory Commission shall be composed of six members appointed by the Secretary. Two of such members shall be appointed from among individuals nominated by the mayor of Natchez and one from among individuals nominated by the Governor of Mississippi. Two of the members shall have expertise in historic preservation and one shall have expertise in architectural history. Any member of the Advisory Commission appointed for a definite term may serve after the expiration of his term until his successor is appointed. The Advisory Commission shall designate one of its members as Chairperson.

(b) Management and development issues

The Secretary, or his designee, shall from time to time, but at least semiannually, meet and consult with the Advisory Commission on matters relating to the management and development of the park.

(c) Meetings

The Advisory Commission shall meet on a regular basis. Notice of meetings and agenda shall be published in local newspapers which have a distribution which generally covers the area affected by the park. Advisory Commission meetings shall be held at locations and in such a manner as to ensure adequate public involvement.

(d) Expenses

Members of the Advisory Commission shall serve without compensation as such, but the Secretary may pay expenses reasonably incurred in carrying out their responsibilities under this subchapter on vouchers signed by the Chairman.

(e) Charter

The provisions of section 1013(b) of title 5 are hereby waived with respect to this Advisory Commission.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §6, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2326; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(80), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4314.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "section 1013(b) of title 5" for "section 14(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Act of October 6, 1972; 86 Stat. 776),".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Commissions

Advisory commissions established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a commission established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such commission is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a commission established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§410oo–6. Authorization of appropriations

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $12,000,000 to carry out land acquisition and development as authorized in this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 100–479, §7, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2327; Pub. L. 115–31, div. G, title I, §119, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 462.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–31 inserted "land acquisition and development as authorized in" after "carry out".