Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1288
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T12:33:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 1288: Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act
Purpose
This bill aims to recognize and preserve the cultural, historical, natural, and recreational resources of the Finger Lakes region in New York by designating it as a new component of the National Heritage Area System. A National Heritage Area is a designated region where federal support helps communities protect significant shared heritage without the federal government owning the land.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Area: Establishes the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area, covering 14 counties in New York: Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates.
- Local Coordinating Entity: Names the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance as the organization responsible for coordinating local efforts, such as planning and partnerships.
- Management Plan Requirement: The local entity must submit a proposed management plan to the Secretary of the Interior for approval within 3 years of the bill's enactment. This plan would outline strategies for preserving and promoting the area's resources.
- Federal Assistance Timeline: The Secretary of the Interior can provide technical and financial assistance for up to 15 years after enactment, after which federal support ends.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill amends Section 6001 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (a 2019 law that sets up the National Heritage Area System) by adding the Finger Lakes area as the 14th designated heritage area. This expands the system without altering its core framework, which emphasizes local leadership and temporary federal involvement.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior will oversee plan approval and provide limited assistance (e.g., funding for planning or education), but involvement is temporary and non-regulatory, avoiding long-term federal costs or control.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Residents in the 14 counties could benefit from enhanced preservation of historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational opportunities, potentially boosting tourism, local economies, and community pride. No direct mandates or costs are imposed on individuals.
- International Relations: No impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic conservation in New York.
Main Stakeholders
- Local Entities: Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (leads coordination) and communities in the 14 specified counties (benefit from preservation and economic opportunities).
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and Department of the Interior (provide short-term support and oversight).
- Broader Groups: Tourists, historians, environmentalists, and businesses in the region (gain from promoted heritage and recreation).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with existing federal heritage programs, emphasizing voluntary local management over federal ownership, which respects property rights and avoids eminent domain issues.
- Constitutional: No significant concerns, as it operates under Congress's authority to manage public lands and promote general welfare without infringing on state or individual rights.
- Political: Represents a low-cost, collaborative approach to regional development, likely appealing across party lines by supporting conservation and tourism without expanding federal bureaucracy. The 15-year sunset clause ensures temporary involvement, reducing long-term fiscal commitments.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025-04-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act — issued 2025-04-03 — PDF (3 pages)