16 USC CHAPTER 1, SUBCHAPTER LIX-A: LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

From Title 16—CONSERVATIONCHAPTER 1—NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES

SUBCHAPTER LIX–A—LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Part A—Establishment of Park and Preservation District

§410cc. Congressional statement of findings and purpose

(a) The Congress finds that—

(1) certain sites and structures in Lowell, Massachusetts, historically and culturally the most significant planned industrial city in the United States, symbolize in physical form the Industrial Revolution;

(2) the cultural heritage of many of the ethnic groups that immigrated to the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is still preserved in Lowell's neighborhoods;

(3) a very large proportion of the buildings, other structures, and districts in Lowell date to the period of the Industrial Revolution and are nationally significant historical resources, including the five-and-six-tenths-mile power canal system, seven original mill complexes, and significant examples of early housing, commercial structures, transportation facilities, and buildings associated with labor and social institutions; and

(4) despite the expenditure of substantial amounts of money by the city of Lowell and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for historical and cultural preservation and interpretation in Lowell, the early buildings and other structures in Lowell may be lost without the assistance of the Federal Government.

(b) It is the purpose of this subchapter to preserve and interpret the nationally significant historical and cultural sites, structures, and districts in Lowell, Massachusetts, for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations by implementing to the extent practicable the recommendations in the report of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission.

(Pub. L. 95–290, §1, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 290.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–182, §1, Oct. 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 1420, provided that: "This Act [amending section 410cc–22 of this title] may be cited as the 'Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act of 2012'."

§410cc–1. Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1) the term "park" means the Lowell National Historical Park, established by section 410cc–11(a)(1) of this title;

(2) the term "preservation district" means the Lowell Historic Preservation District, established by section 410cc–11(a)(1) of this title;

(3) the term "Commission" means the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission established by section 410cc–31(a) of this title;

(4) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior; and

(5) the term "report of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission" means the report submitted to the Congress by the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission pursuant to an Act entitled "An Act to provide for a plan for the preservation, interpretation development and use of the historic, cultural, and architectural resources of the Lowell Historic Canal District in Lowell, Massachusetts, and for other purposes", approved January 4, 1975 (88 Stat. 2330).

(Pub. L. 95–290, §2, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 290.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

An Act entitled "An Act to provide for a plan for the preservation, interpretation development and use of the historic, cultural, and architectural resources of the Lowell Historic Canal District in Lowell, Massachusetts, and for other purposes", approved January 4, 1975 (88 Stat. 2330), referred to in par. (5), is Pub. L. 93–645, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2330.

§410cc–11. Establishment of Lowell National Historical Park

(a) Establishment and administration of Lowell Historic Preservation District

(1) To carry out the purpose of this subchapter, there is established as a unit of the National Park System in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Historical Park. There is further established in an area adjacent to the park the Lowell Historic Preservation District, which will be administered by the Secretary and by the Commission in accordance with this subchapter. The boundaries of the park and preservation district shall be the boundaries depicted on the map entitled "Lowell National Historical Park, Massachusetts", dated March 1978, and numbered "Lowe—80,008A". Such map shall be on file and available for inspection in the office of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and in the office of the city clerk, city of Lowell.

(2) The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, as soon as practicable after June 5, 1978, a detailed description and map of the boundaries established under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) The boundaries of the park are modified to include five parcels of land identified on the map entitled "Boundary Adjustment, Lowell National Historical Park," numbered 475/81,424B and dated September 2004, and as delineated in section 410cc–22(a)(2)(G) of this title.

(b) Boundary revisions; publication

The Secretary may make minor revisions of the park and preservation district boundaries established under subsection (a)(1) of this section, after consulting with the Commission and the city manager of Lowell, by publication of a revised drawing or other boundary description in the Federal Register; but no waters, lands, or other property outside of the park or preservation district boundaries established under such subsection may be added to the park or preservation district without the consent of the city manager of Lowell and the city council of Lowell. A boundary revision made under this subsection shall be effective only after timely notice in writing is given to the Congress.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title I, §101, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 110–229, title III, §312(1), May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 769.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110–229 added par. (3).

§410cc–12. Consultations, cooperation, and conduct of activities by Federal entities; issuance of licenses or permits by Federal entities

(a) Activities directly affecting park

Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly affecting the park or preservation district shall—

(1) consult with, cooperate with, and to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate its activities with the Secretary and with the Commission; and

(2) conduct or support such activities in a manner which (A) to the maximum extent practicable is consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title, and (B) will not have an adverse effect on the resources of the park or preservation district.

(b) Determination as to proposed activities

No Federal entity may issue any license or permit to any person to conduct an activity within the park or preservation district unless such entity determines that the proposed activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title and will not have an adverse effect on the resources of the park or preservation district.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title I, §102, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 291.)

§410cc–13. Authorization of appropriations

(a) General authority; maximum amounts

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subchapter, except that—

(1) ¹ the total of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out section 410cc–32(b)(2) of this title, for the payment of grants and loans under section 410cc–33 of this title, for the acquisition of property under section 410cc–34 of this title, and for carrying out any transportation program and any educational and cultural program described in section 410cc–32(c) of this title shall not exceed $33,600,000.

(b) Commencement date

No funds shall be authorized pursuant to this section prior to October 1, 1978.

(c) Availability of appropriations

Funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section shall remain available until expended.

(d) Aggregate amount of money expended; certifying statement to Congress as limiting availability of appropriated amounts

(1) Within 60 days after June 5, 1978, and on each subsequent October 1 and March 1, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a statement certifying the aggregate amount of money expended by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the city of Lowell, and by any nonprofit entity for activities in the city of Lowell consistent with the purpose of this subchapter during the period beginning on January 1, 1974, and ending on the date such statement is submitted.

(2) The aggregate amount of funds made available by the Secretary to the Commission from funds appropriated under subsection (a)(2) of this section may not exceed the amount certified by the Secretary in the most recent statement submitted to the Congress under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title I, §103, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 292; Pub. L. 100–134, §1(1), Oct. 16, 1987, 101 Stat. 810; Pub. L. 117–328, div. G, title I, §122, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4789.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–328 redesignated par. (2) as (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "the total of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of acquisition and development under the park management plan established pursuant to section 410cc–21(b) of this title and emergency assistance under section 410cc–25(a)(1) of this title shall not exceed $19,800,000; and".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–134 substituted "$19,800,000" for "$18,500,000" in par. (1), and "$33,600,000" for "$21,500,000" in par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–134, §2, Oct. 16, 1987, 101 Stat. 810, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by section 1 [amending sections 410cc–13 and 410cc–31 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1987].

"(b) Effective Date of Authorization of Appropriation.—The amendments made by section 1(1) [amending section 410cc–13 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1987."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which a report required under subsec. (d)(1) of this section is listed on page 108), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

¹ So in original. There is no par. (2).

§410cc–14. Funding limitations

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, no authority to enter into agreements or to make payments under this subchapter shall be effective except to the extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title I, §104, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 292.)

Part B—Powers and Duties of Secretary

§410cc–21. Park management plan

(a) Submission date and contents of preparatory statement to Congress

The Secretary shall submit a statement to the Congress, within two years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this subchapter, which—

(1) reports on the progress that the Secretary has made in acquiring the properties identified under section 410cc–22 of this title, and describes the way the Secretary intends to use these properties;

(2) identifies the properties within the park and preservation district respecting which the Secretary has entered into or intends to enter into agreements relating to interpretive exhibits or programs under section 410cc–23(a) of this title;

(3)(A) reports on the progress of the Secretary in leasing a portion of the Lowell Manufacturing Company, located on Market Street, for the purpose of establishing a visitors' center in close proximity to parking and other transportation facilities, and (B) identifies any other property within the park which the Secretary has leased or intends to lease for purposes of the park;

(4) reports any other activities which the Secretary has taken or intends to take to carry out the purpose of this subchapter; and

(5) contains a tentative budget for the park and preservation district for the subsequent five fiscal years.

(b) Establishment, submission date, contents, etc., of plan

(1) Not later than three years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this subchapter, the Secretary shall establish and submit to the Congress a park management plan containing the information described in subsection (a) of this section. Such plan shall, upon request, be available to the public.

(2) After consulting with the Commission, the city manager of Lowell, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Secretary may make revisions in the park management plan established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection by publication of such revisions in the Federal Register. A revision made under this paragraph shall be effective 90 days after written notice of the revision is submitted to the Congress.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title II, §201, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 292.)

§410cc–22. Acquisition of property

(a) Specified property; manner of acquisition

(1) The Secretary is authorized to acquire the properties designated in paragraph (2) of this subsection, or any interest therein, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, condemnation, or otherwise. Any property or interest therein owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any political subdivision thereof may be acquired only by donation. The Secretary may initiate condemnation proceedings under this paragraph only after making every reasonable effort to acquire property through negotiations and purchase, and consulting with the Commission (if established) and the city council of Lowell.

(2) The properties referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection are the following:

(A) The Linus Childs House, 63 Kirk Street.

(B) The H and H Paper Company (commonly referred to as Boott Mill Boarding House), 42 French Street.

(D) Merrimack Gatehouse, 269 Merrimack Street.

(E) The Wannalancit Textile Company, 562 Suffolk Street.

(F) The structures containing the Jade Pagoda and Solomon's Yard Goods, 210 and 200 Merrimack Street.

(G) The properties shown on the map identified in section 410cc–11(a)(3) ¹ of this title as follows:

(i) 91 Pevey Street.

(ii) The portion of 607 Middlesex Place.

(iii) Eagle Court.

(iv) The portion of 50 Payne Street.

(v) 726 Broadway.

(b) Other property; criteria for acquisition; manner of acquisition

Until the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting, the Secretary may acquire any property within the park or preservation district not designated in subsection (a)(2) of this section, or any interest therein, if such property—

(1) is identified in the report of the Lowell Historical Canal District Commission as a property which should be preserved, restored, managed, developed, or maintained in a manner consistent with the purpose of this subchapter;

(2) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as maintained by the Secretary pursuant to chapter 3021 and section 320102(c) of title 54; or

(3) is determined by the Secretary to be of national significance;

and would be subject to demolition or major alteration in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of this subchapter unless acquired by the Secretary. Such property may be acquired only as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(c) Easements; manner of acquisition

The Secretary may acquire easements within the park for the purpose of carrying out this subchapter. Such easements may be acquired only as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(d) Exchange of land or interest in land

(1) The Secretary may exchange any land or interest in land within the boundaries of the park for any land or interest in land owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the city of Lowell, or the University of Massachusetts Building Authority.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), an exchange under this subsection shall be subject to the laws, regulations, and policies applicable to exchanges of land administered by the National Park Service and any other terms and conditions that the Secretary determines to be necessary to protect the interests of the United States.

(3) Where facilities or infrastructure required for the management and operation of the Lowell National Historical Park exists on the Federal land to be exchanged, and the non-Federal land or interest in land to be exchanged is not of equal value, the values shall be equalized by the payment of cash to the Secretary. The Secretary shall not be required to equalize the values of any exchange conducted under this subsection if the land or interest in land received by the Federal Government exceeds the value of the Federal land or interest in land exchanged.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title II, §202, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 293; Pub. L. 110–229, title III, §312(2), May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 112–182, §2, Oct. 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 1420.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 410cc–11(a)(3) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(G), was in the original "subsection (101)(a)(3)" and was translated as meaning section 101(a)(3) of Pub. L. 95–290, which is classified to section 410cc–11(a)(3) of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Codification

In subsec. (b)(2), "chapter 3021 and section 320102(c) of title 54" substituted for "section 101(a) of the Act entitled 'An Act to establish a program for the preservation of additional historic properties throughout the Nation, and for other purposes', approved October 15, 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470a), and section 2(b) of the Act entitled 'An Act to provide for the preservation of historic American sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities of national significance, and for other purposes', approved August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 462)" 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

2012—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–182 added subsec. (d).

2008—Subsec. (a)(2)(G). Pub. L. 110–229 added subpar. (G).

¹ See References in Text note below.

§410cc–23. Agreements and technical assistance

(a) Interpretative exhibits or programs

The Secretary may enter into agreements with any owner of property with national historic or cultural significance within the park to provide for interpretive exhibits or programs. Such agreements shall provide, whenever appropriate, that—

(1) the public may have access to such property at specified, reasonable times for purposes of viewing such property or the exhibits or attending the programs established by the Secretary under this subsection; and

(2) the Secretary may make such minor improvements to such property as the Secretary deems necessary to enhance the public use and enjoyment of such property, exhibits, and programs.

(b) Request for assistance

(1) The Secretary shall provide, upon request, technical assistance to—

(A) the city of Lowell to assist the city in establishing regulations or laws consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title; and

(B) the Commission to assist the Commission in establishing the index and the standards and criteria required by section 410cc–32 of this title.

(2) The Secretary may provide to any owner of property within the park or preservation district, the Commission, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the city of Lowell, and any other Federal entity or any institution such technical assistance as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purpose of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title II, §203, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 294.)

§410cc–24. Withholding of funds; criteria

The Secretary may refuse to obligate or expend any money appropriated for the purposes described in section 410cc–13(a)(1) or section 410cc–13(a)(2) of this title if the Secretary determines that—

(a) the city of Lowell has failed to establish regulations or laws consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title within one year after the date such standards and criteria have been established, except that the Secretary may extend such one-year period for not more than six months if the Secretary determines that the city has made a good faith effort to establish such regulations or laws;

(b) the city of Lowell has failed to notify the Commission of (1) applications for building permits or zoning variances respecting any property which is included in the index established pursuant to section 410cc–32(d) of this title, or (2) any proposals of the city of Lowell to change the regulations or laws described in paragraph (c)(1) of this subsection;

(c)(1) during the period before the city of Lowell has established regulations or laws consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title, the city of Lowell has granted any building permit or zoning variance or has taken any other action respecting any property within the park or preservation district, which either the Secretary or the Commission consider to be inconsistent with such standards and criteria;

(2) after the city of Lowell has established the regulations or laws described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, the city of Lowell has granted any building permit or zoning variance or has taken any other action respecting any property within the park or preservation district, which either the Secretary or the Commission consider to be inconsistent with such regulations or laws; or

(d) the Commission has not made good faith efforts to (1) provide for the preservation, restoration, management, development, or maintenance of property within the park and preservation district or (2) carry out the park preservation plan approved under section 410cc–32 of this title.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title II, §204, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 294.)

§410cc–25. Administrative functions

(a) Implementation of park management plan; emergency assistance for protection of property owners; availability of funds for Commission

(1) The Secretary, acting through the National Park Service, shall take appropriate actions to implement to the extent practicable the park management plan established pursuant to section 410cc–21(b) of this title. In carrying out such plan, the Secretary shall administer the park in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the national park system. Before the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting, the Secretary may take any other action the Secretary deems necessary to provide owners of property with national historic or cultural significance within the park or preservation district with emergency assistance for the purpose of preserving and protecting their property in a manner consistent with the purpose of this subchapter.

(2) Subject to sections 410cc–24 and 410cc–32(b) of this title, the Secretary shall make available to the Commission any funds appropriated under section 410cc–13(a)(2) of this title for the purpose of carrying out part C of this subchapter.

(b) Acceptance of donations of funds, property, or services for implementation of park management plan

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Secretary may accept donations of funds, property, or services from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other private entities, and from public entities, for the purpose of implementing the park management plan.

(c) Sponsorship or coordination of educational or cultural programs

The Secretary may sponsor or coordinate within the park and preservation district such educational or cultural programs as the Secretary considers appropriate to encourage appreciation of the resources of the park and preservation district.

(d) Acquisition of leases

The Secretary may acquire such leases respecting property within the park as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title II, §205, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 295.)

Part C—Powers and Duties of Preservation Commission

§410cc–31. Lowell Historic Preservation Commission

(a) Establishment and administrative role; composition of membership

There is established within the Department of the Interior a commission to be known as the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission which shall administer the preservation district and provide certain services within the park in accordance with this part. The Commission shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the Secretary as follows:

(1) Three members who are members of the city council of Lowell, appointed from recommendations made by the mayor of Lowell.

(2) Three members appointed from recommendations made by the city manager of Lowell of persons who are representative of organized labor, the business community, local neighborhoods, and cultural institutions, and who are not elected officials.

(3) One member appointed from recommendations made by the president of the University of Lowell.

(4) Three members appointed from recommendations made by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(5) One member appointed from recommendations made by the Secretary of Commerce and who shall be an employee of the Department of Commerce.

(6) One member appointed from recommendations made by the Secretary of Transportation and who shall be an employee of the Department of Transportation.

(7) One member appointed from recommendations made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and who shall be an employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(8) Two members who are qualified to serve on the Commission because of their familiarity with programs of the Department of the Interior involving national parks and historic preservation and who shall be an employee of the Department of the Interior.

(b) Continuation of status as appointed member for member leaving government office or becoming elected official of government; duration

If any member of the Commission who was appointed to the Commission under paragraph (1) or (4) of subsection (a) of this section as a member of the city council of Lowell or any other government leaves that office, or if any member of the Commission who was appointed from persons who are not elected officials of any government becomes an elected official of a government, such person may continue as a member of the Commission for not longer than the thirty-day period beginning on the date such person leaves that office or becomes such an elected official, as the case may be.

(c) Terms of office and reappointment of members

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, members shall be appointed for terms of two years. A member may be reappointed only three times unless such member was originally appointed to fill a vacancy pursuant to subsection (e)(1) of this section, in which case such member may be reappointed four times.

(2) Of the members first appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the following shall be appointed for terms of three years:

(A) The members appointed pursuant to paragraphs (2), (3), and (8) of such subsection.

(B) One of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (4) of such subsection, as designated by the Secretary at the time of appointment upon recommendation of the Governor.

(d) Chairman; election by members; term of office

The chairman of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission. The term of the chairman shall be two years.

(e) Vacancies; appointment and term of office; service after expiration of term

(1) Any vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

(2) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term for which his predecessor was appointed. Any member may serve after the expiration of his term until his successor is appointed.

(f) Quorum and holding of hearings

Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

(g) Meetings

The Commission shall meet at least once each month, at the call of the chairman or a majority of its members.

(h) Compensation; travel expenses and per diem

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, members of the Commission shall each be entitled to receive $100 for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

(2) Members of the Commission who are full-time officers or employees of the United States, the city of Lowell, or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall receive no additional pay on account of their service on the Commission.

(3) While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5.

(i) Termination

The Commission established pursuant to this subchapter shall cease to exist seventeen years from June 5, 1978.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §301, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 295; Pub. L. 100–134, §1(2), (3), Oct. 16, 1987, 101 Stat. 810.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–134, §1(2), substituted "until his successor is appointed" for "for a period not longer than thirty days".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–134, §1(3), substituted "seventeen" for "ten".

§410cc–32. Park preservation plan and index

(a) Submission by Commission and approval or disapproval by Secretary of draft and final plans; procedures applicable; revisions in approved plan

(1) Within one year after the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary a draft park preservation plan meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this section. The Secretary shall review the draft park preservation plan and, within ninety days after the date on which such plan is submitted to the Secretary, suggest appropriate changes in such plan to the Commission.

(2) Within eighteen months after the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary a park preservation plan which meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section. The Secretary shall, within ninety days after the date on which such plan is submitted to the Secretary, approve or disapprove such plan. The Secretary may not approve such plan unless the Secretary determines that such plan would adequately carry out the purpose of this subchapter.

(3) If the Secretary disapproves a park preservation plan, the Secretary shall advise the Commission of the reasons for such disapproval together with the recommendations of the Secretary for revision of such plan. Within such period as the Secretary may designate, the Commission shall submit a revised park preservation plan to the Secretary. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove any revised park preservation plan in the same manner as required in paragraph (2) of this subsection for the approval or disapproval of the original park preservation plan.

(4) If the Secretary approves a park preservation plan, the Secretary shall publish notice of such approval in the Federal Register and shall forward copies of the approved plan to the Congress.

(5) Any park preservation plan or draft plan submitted to the Secretary under this subsection shall, upon request, be available to the public.

(6) No changes other than minor revisions may be made in the approved park preservation plan without the approval of the Secretary. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove any proposed change in the approved park preservation plan, except minor revisions in the same manner as required in paragraph (2) of this subsection for the approval or disapproval of the original park preservation plan.

(b) Funding availability and requirements for plan implementation, activities, etc.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall not make any funds available to the Commission to carry out section 410cc–33 or 410cc–34 of this title until a park preservation plan has been approved under subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Before a park preservation plan is approved under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may make available to the Commission such funds as the Commission may request to carry out any activity specified in paragraph (3) of this section. However, no funds shall be made available under this paragraph unless a proposal describing such activity is reviewed and approved by the Secretary.

(3) The Commission may request funds from the Secretary to—

(A) carry out activities to preserve, restore, manage, develop, or maintain any property identified in subsection (c)(1) of this section;

(B) take any action the Commission considers necessary to provide owners of property with national historical or cultural significance within the park or preservation district with emergency assistance for the purpose of preserving and protecting their property in a manner consistent with the purpose of this subchapter; or

(i) is identified in the report of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission as a property which should be preserved, restored, managed, developed, or maintained in a manner consistent with the purpose of this subchapter;

(ii) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as maintained by the Secretary pursuant to chapter 3021 and section 320102(c) of title 54; or

(iii) is determined by the Secretary to be of national significance;

and would be subject to demolition or major alteration in a manner inconsistent with the purpose of this subchapter unless acquired by the Commission.

(c) Requirements for plan

Any plan submitted to the Secretary under subsection (a) of this section shall—

(1) describe the manner in which the Commission, to the extent practicable in accordance with the recommendations in the report of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission, proposes to provide for the preservation, restoration, management, development, or maintenance of—

(A) the Welles Block, 169 Merrimack Street;

(B) the Jordan Marsh Company Building, 153 Merrimack Street and 15 Kirk Street;

(D) the Lowell Gas Light Company, 22 Shattuck Street;

(E) St. Anne's Church and Rectory, 237 Merrimack Street;

(F) Lowell Institution for Savings, 18 Shattuck Street;

(G) the Ahepa Building, 31 Kirk Street;

(H) Boott Mill, Foot of John Street;

(I) Lowell Manufacturing Company on Market Street; and

(J) the structure commonly referred to as the Early Residence, 45, 47, and 49 Kirk Street;

(2) identify the properties included in the index established pursuant to subsection (d) of this section;

(3) identify the properties which the Commission intends to acquire under section 410cc–34 of this title and specify how such properties shall be used;

(4) include the standards and criteria established pursuant to subsection (e) of this section;

(5) provide a detailed description of the manner in which the Commission intends to implement the grant and loan programs under section 410cc–33 of this title, including information relating to the estimated amount of such grants and the manner in which such grants shall be awarded by the Commission;

(6) provide for a transportation program by which the Commission shall provide, directly or by agreement with any person or any public or private entity, transportation services and facilities for park and preservation district visitors, including barge equipment, docking facilities, and local rail facilities;

(7) provide for educational and cultural programs to encourage appreciation of the resources of the park and preservation district; and

(8) include a tentative budget for the subsequent five fiscal years.

(d) Establishment and contents of index; modification of index

The Commission shall establish, within one year after the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting, an index which includes—

(1) any property in the park or preservation district (except for any property identified in section 410cc–21(a)(2) of this title) which should be preserved, restored, managed, developed, maintained, or acquired by the Commission because of its national historic or cultural significance; and

(2) any property which should be preserved, restored, managed, developed, or maintained in a manner compatible with the purpose of this subchapter because of its proximity to (A) any property referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, or (B) any property designated in section 410cc–21(a)(2) of this title.

The index may be modified only by a majority vote of the members of the Commission, taken when a quorum is present.

(e) Standards and criteria for construction, preservation, etc., of properties within preservation district and park; authorization; establishment; revisions; publication in Federal Register

(1) The Commission shall establish standards and criteria applicable to the construction, preservation, restoration, alteration, and use of all properties within the preservation district with the advice of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and of the Secretary, and the consent of the city manager of Lowell.

(2) The Commission shall establish the standards and criteria described in paragraph (1) of this subsection for any property within the park with the advice of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the city manager of Lowell and subject to the review and approval of the Secretary.

(3) The Commission shall establish standards and criteria under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection within one year after the date on which the Commission conducts its first meeting. Such standards and criteria may be revised in the same manner in which they were originally established.

(4) The Secretary shall publish the standards and criteria established under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, and any revisions thereof, in the Federal Register.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §302, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 297.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), "chapter 3021 and section 320102(c) of title 54" substituted for "section 101(a) of the Act entitled 'An Act to establish a program for the preservation of additional historic properties throughout the Nation, and for other purposes', approved October 15, 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470a), and section 2(b) of the Act entitled 'An Act to provide for the preservation of historic American sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities of national significance, and for other purposes', approved August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 462)" 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.

§410cc–33. Financial and technical assistance

(a) Loans to Lowell Development and Financial Corporation for loans for preservation, etc., of property; terms of loan agreement with corporation; determination of compliance by corporation with requirements for loans; repayment by corporation

The Commission may make loans to the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (established under chapter 844 of the Massachusetts General Laws and hereinafter referred to as the "corporation") to enable the corporation to provide low interest loans for the preservation, restoration, or development of any property described in section 410cc–32(d)(1) of this title. The Commission may make any such loan to the corporation only after entering into a loan agreement with the corporation which includes the following terms:

(1) The loan to the corporation shall have a maturity of thirty-five years. At the end of such period, the corporation shall repay to the Secretary of the Treasury (in a lump sum) for deposit in the general fund of the Treasury the full amount of the loan and any additional amounts accruing to the corporation pursuant to this subsection excepting those amounts expended by the corporation for reasonable administrative expenses.

(2) The money received from the Commission, and any interest earned on such money, may be obligated by the corporation only for low interest loans made under paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection, except that the corporation may use such money to the extent the Commission considers reasonable to satisfy the costs of the corporation in administering the loan or procuring loan guarantees or insurance.

(3) Within five years after receiving the loan from the Commission, the corporation shall make loans under paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection which, in the aggregate, obligate the full amount of money received from the Commission (minus any amount required to satisfy the costs described in paragraph (2) of this subsection).

(4) As loans made under paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection are repaid, the corporation shall make additional loans under such paragraphs with the money made available for obligation by such repayments.

(5) The corporation shall make available to the Commission and to the Secretary, upon request, all accounts, financial records, and other information related to loans made under paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection.

(6) Before the corporation approves any application for a low interest loan for which money has been made available to the corporation by the Commission, the corporation shall require the prospective borrower to furnish the corporation with a statement from the Commission stating that the Commission has reviewed the application and has determined that any loan received by the prospective borrower will be spent in a manner consistent with—

(A) the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title, and

(B) the goals of the park preservation plan approved under section 410cc–32(a) of this title.

(7) The corporation may approve any application for a low interest loan which meets the terms and conditions prescribed by the corporation with the approval of the Commission and for which money has been made available to the corporation by the Commission if—

(A) the prospective borrower furnishes the corporation with the statement described in paragraph (6) of this subsection;

(B) the corporation determines that such borrower has sufficient financial resources to repay the loan; and

In order to determine whether the corporation has complied with this subsection, the Commission, or such other appropriate person or entity as the Commission may designate, shall conduct an audit at least once every two years of all accounts, financial records, and other information related to loans made under paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection. If the Commission determines, after conducting a hearing on the record, that the corporation has substantially failed to comply with this subsection, the outstanding balance of any loan made to the corporation under this subsection shall become payable in full upon the demand of the Commission.

(b) Grants to property owners for preservation, etc., of property; grants to persons or public or private entities for educational and cultural programs or for necessary services; terms of grant agreements; recovery of amounts for inconsistent uses

(1) The Commission may make grants to owners of property described in section 410cc–32(d)(1) of this title for the preservation, restoration, management, development, or maintenance of such property in a manner consistent with the standards and criteria established pursuant to section 410cc–32(e) of this title.

(2) The Commission, with the approval of the Secretary, may make grants to any person or any public or private entity to provide for (i) educational and cultural programs which encourage appreciation of the resources of the park and preservation district, or (ii) any planning, transportation, maintenance, or other services the Commission considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

(3) Grants under this subsection shall be made under agreements which specify the amount of the grant, the installments (if any) by which the grant shall be paid to the grant recipient, the purpose for which the grant may be used, and any other condition the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission shall be entitled, under the terms of any grant agreement, to recover from the recipient any funds used in a manner inconsistent with such grant agreement.

(c) Technical assistance to property owners, etc.

The Commission with the advice of the Secretary may provide technical assistance to—

(1) owners of property within the park or preservation district to assist such owners in (A) making repairs to or improvements in any property included in the index established pursuant to section 410cc–32(d) of this title, or (B) applying for loans under subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) any other person or public or private entity to assist such person or entity in taking actions consistent with the purpose of this subchapter.

(d) Availability to Secretary of all accounts, financial records, and other information relating to loans and grants

The Commission shall make available to the Secretary, upon request, all accounts, financial records, and other information of the Commission relating to grants and loans made under this section.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §303, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 300.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Subsec. (e) of this section, which required the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress describing the loans, grants, and technical assistance provided under this section and under section 410cc–23 of this title, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 108 of House Document No. 103–7.

§410cc–34. Acquisition and disposition of property

(a) Acquisition of specified property; manner of acquisition

(1) The Commission may acquire any property designated in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any property described in section 410cc–32(d)(1) of this title, or any interest therein, by donation, by purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or by condemnation in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) Only properties within the park or property designated in paragraph (3) of this subsection may be acquired by the Commission by condemnation. The Commission may initiate condemnation proceedings only after making every reasonable effort to acquire any such property through negotiations and purchase and consulting with the city council of Lowell. No lands or interests therein may be acquired by the Commission by condemnation without the approval of the Secretary.

(3) The Commission may acquire in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection the following properties, or any interest therein:

(A) World Furniture Building, 125 Central Street; and

(B) The Martin Building, 102–122 Central Street.

(b) Sale or lease of specified property; conditions

The Commission, with the approval of the Secretary, may sell or lease any property which it acquires under subsection (a) of this section subject to such deed restrictions or other conditions as the Commission deems appropriate to carry out the purpose of this subchapter.

(c) Agreement for disposal of specified property to Commonwealth of Massachusetts; purposes of transfers

Pursuant to a written agreement between the Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Commission, with the approval of the Secretary, may sell, donate, lease, or in any other manner the Commission and the Secretary deem appropriate make available to the Commonwealth any property which the Commission has acquired under subsection (a) of this section in order to provide for the administration or maintenance of such property by the Commonwealth in a manner consistent with the purpose of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §304, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 302.)

§410cc–35. Powers of Commission

(a) Conduct of hearings, etc.

The Commission may for the purpose of carrying out this subchapter hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as the Commission may deem advisable. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it.

(b) Authorization of action by member or agent

When so authorized by the Commission, any member or agent of the Commission may take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section.

(c) Receipt of necessary information from other Federal departments or agencies; information furnished upon request by chairman

Subject to section 552a of title 5, the Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this subchapter. Upon request of the chairman of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.

(d) Authorization to seek and accept donations of funds, property, or services

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission may seek and accept donations of funds, property, or services from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other private entities, and from public entities, for the purpose of carrying out its duties.

(e) Use of funds for obtaining additional moneys

The Commission may use its funds to obtain money from any source under any program or law requiring the recipient of such money to make a contribution in order to receive such money.

(f) Use of mails

The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and upon the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

(g) Purchase, rental, donation, etc., of property, facilities, and services; manner of acquisition; transfers to Department of the Interior upon termination of Commission

The Commission may obtain by purchase, rental, donation, or otherwise, such property, facilities, and services as may be needed to carry out its duties. Any acquisition of property by the Commission shall be in accordance with section 410cc–34 of this title: Provided, however, That the Commission may not acquire lands or interests therein pursuant to this subsection by condemnation. Upon the termination of the Commission, all property, personal and real, and unexpended funds shall be transferred to the Department of the Interior.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §305, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 302.)

§410cc–36. Staff of Commission

(a) Appointment and compensation of Director

The Commission shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the Commission and who shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the rate of pay payable for grade GS–15 of the General Schedule.

(b) Appointment and compensation of additional personnel

The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such additional personnel as the Commission deems desirable.

(c) Applicability of civil service provisions to appointment and compensation of Director and staff

The Director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51, and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no individual so appointed may receive pay in excess of the annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–15 of the General Schedule.

(d) Temporary or intermittent services; procurement and compensation

Subject to such rules as may be adopted by the Commission, the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, but at rates determined by the Commission to be reasonable.

(e) Detail of personnel from other Federal agencies represented by members on Commission; reimbursement by Commission; administrative support services by Administrator of General Services Administration; reimbursement by Commission

(1) Upon request of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency represented by members on the Commission may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of such agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this subchapter.

(2) The Administrator of the General Services Administration shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Commission may request.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §306, June 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 303.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

GS–15 of the General Schedule, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§410cc–37. Use of funds; maintenance of financial records; audits

(a) Any revenues or other assets acquired by the Commission by donation, the lease or sale of property or fees for services shall be available to the Commission, without fiscal year limitation, to be used for any function of the Commission authorized under this subchapter. The Commission shall keep financial records fully disclosing the amount and source of revenues and other assets acquired by the Commission, and shall keep such other financial records as the Secretary may prescribe.

(b) The Secretary shall require audits of the financial records of the Commission to be conducted not less frequently than once each year in order to ensure that revenues and other assets of the Commission are being used in a manner authorized under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 95–290, title III, §307, as added Pub. L. 96–344, §10, Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1136.)