Federal Support of Community Efforts Along American Heritage Rivers
Designates American Heritage Rivers and Directs Federal Support for Communities
What it does
Agencies must coordinate federal programs, refocus assistance to nominated rivers, appoint a River Navigator for each designated river, and reduce procedural barriers.
Real-world impact
- Communities can nominate rivers and receive coordinated federal support and technical help.
- Agencies may refocus grants and programs toward river protection and local revitalization projects.
- The initiative creates no new federal regulatory authority and respects state, local, and tribal jurisdiction.
Topics
Summary
This order creates the American Heritage Rivers initiative to help protect and restore rivers and nearby communities. It sets three goals: protecting natural resources, encouraging economic revitalization, and preserving historic and cultural sites. Communities, working with state, local, or tribal governments, nominate rivers; the President will designate rivers and the first phase will include ten rivers.
Federal agencies must coordinate plans and refocus programs to support nominated rivers, appoint a local "River Navigator", reduce paperwork, and form partnerships; the federal role is supportive and creates no new regulatory authority.
Questions, answered
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