PUBLIC LAW 106-319—OCT. 19, 2000 114 STAT. 1281 to merit the involvement of the Federal Government in developing programs and projects, in cooperation with the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and other local and governmental bodies, to adequately conserve, protect, and interpret this heritage for future generations while providing opportunities for education, revitalization, and economic development. (5) The city of Yuma, the Arizona State Parks Board, agencies of the Federal Government, corporate entities, and citizens have completed a study and master plan for the Yuma Crossing to determine the extent of its historic resources, preserve and interpret these historic resources, and assess the opportunities available to enhance the cultural experience for region's visitors and residents. (6) The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Board of Directors would be an appropriate management entity for a heritage area established in the region. (b) PURPOSE.— The objectives of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area are as follows: (1) To recognize the role of the Yuma Crossing in the development of the United States, with particular emphasis on the roll of the crossing as an important landmark in the westward expansion during the mid-19th century. (2) To promote, interpret, and develop the physical and recreational resources of the communities surrounding the Yuma Crossing, which has almost 500 years of recorded history and outstanding cultural, historic, and architectural assets, for the education and benefit of present and future generations. (3) To foster a close working relationship with all levels of government, the private sector, and the local communities in the Yuma community and empower the community to conserve its heritage while continuing to pursue economic opportunities. (4) To provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Yuma Crossing and preserve natural resources within the Heritage Area. (5) To improve the Yuma region's ability to serve visitors and enhance the local economy through the completion of the major projects identified within the Heritage Area. SEC. 3. YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (a) ESTABLISHMENT. —T here is hereby established the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. (b) BOUNDARIES. —The Heritage Area shall be comprised of those portions of the Yuma region totaling approximately 21 square miles, encompassing over 150 identified historic, geologic, and cultural resources, and bounded— (1) on the west, by the Colorado River (including the crossing point of the Army of the West); (2) on the east, by Avenue 7E; (3) on the north, by the Colorado River; and (4) on the south, by the 12th Street alignment. (c) MANAGEMENT ENTITY. —The management entity for the Heritage Area shall be the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Board of Directors which shall include representatives from a broad cross-section of the individuals, agencies, organizations, and governments that were involved in the planning and development of the Heritage Area before the date of the enactment of this Act.
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