Pennsylvania counties gain federal heritage preservation funding and planning support

What it does

This bill designates the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania (covering Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties, plus other identified portions) as an official component of the National Heritage Area System. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc., becomes the local coordinating entity responsible for developing a management plan within 3 years. Federal assistance for the area terminates after 15 years.

Why we flagged it

The bill's sole operative function is to designate a specific geographic region as a National Heritage Area and establish the administrative framework for federal heritage preservation support. It is a straightforward conservation and regional development measure.

What the text implies

• The bill does not specify funding amounts or appropriations; federal assistance depends on separate appropriations decisions and the Secretary's discretion under the parent statute.
• The 15-year sunset is automatic; if Congress wishes to extend assistance beyond 2041, it must pass new legislation.
• The feasibility study referenced is not attached to the bill; the Secretary's boundary determination will be based on that external document, which is not subject to legislative amendment here.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Residents of the designated counties gain access to federal heritage preservation funding, coordinated conservation planning, and potential economic development through heritage tourism without any apparent cost or restriction on their rights. The 15-year sunset ensures federal commitment is time-limited and reviewable.

Who stands to gain

• Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. (local coordinating entity — eligible for federal grants and
• Heritage tourism operators and local businesses in the designated counties (indirect benefit through

Named in the bill

Endless Mountains National Heritage Area, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc., Secretary of the Interior, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, National Heritage Area System

Where it stands

1 cosponsor: 1 Democrats.

• Mar 26, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Mar 26, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources”
• Jul 21, 2026 — Hearing held · Congress.gov: “Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held”
• Jul 29, 2026 — Reported out of committee · Congress.gov: “Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.