To amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 109-378.
Official Summary
Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete the remaining criteria and submit to Congress a study regarding the feasibility and suitability of designating as additional components of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail the following routes and land components by which the Cherokee Nation was removed to Oklahoma: (1) the Benge and Belle routes; (2) the land components of the designated water routes in Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee; (3) the routes from the collection forts in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to the emigration depots; and (4) related campgrounds located along such routes and in such land components. Prohibits any additional funds from being authorized to be appropriated to carry out such amendment. Permits the Secretary to accept donations for the Trail from private, nonprofit, or tribal organizations.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This bill amends the National Trails System Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to complete and submit to Congress a study on the feasibility and suitability of adding new segments, land components, and campgrounds to the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. These additions include specific routes used during the Cherokee Nation removal to Oklahoma, such as the Benge and Belle routes, designated water routes in several states, routes from collection forts to emigration depots, and related campgrounds. The bill prohibits the authorization of additional federal funding for these amendments but allows the Secretary to accept donations from private, nonprofit, or tribal organizations to support the trail.
The bill updates the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail by expanding its study and potential components without authorizing new federal funding, while permitting private and tribal donations.
- Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete and submit a study on expanding the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
- Includes new trail routes, land components, and campgrounds associated with the Cherokee Nation removal.
- Prohibits additional federal appropriations for carrying out the amendments but allows acceptance of donations.
['The Department of the Interior, specifically the National Park Service', 'Cherokee Nation and other tribal organizations', 'Private and nonprofit organizations involved in historic preservation', 'Visitors and communities along the Trail of Tears routes']
['No additional federal funding authorized may limit the resources available for study completion and trail development.', 'Reliance on donations could affect the timeline and scope of trail enhancements.', 'Oversight mechanisms for the acceptance and use of private and tribal donations are not detailed.']
The bill was introduced and passed during the 109th Congress and was signed into law on December 1, 2006. It reflects ongoing efforts to recognize and preserve historic trails related to Native American history under the National Trails System Act. The legislation builds on prior studies and designations related to the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential increased engagement and partnership opportunities with tribal and nonprofit organizations through donation acceptance.', 'Possible limitations on trail development or maintenance pace due to lack of new federal funding.', 'Enhanced public awareness and educational opportunities related to the Trail of Tears through expanded trail components.']
The bill restricts new federal funding while allowing private and tribal donations, which may affect transparency and oversight of financial resources used for the trail. Monitoring how donations are solicited, accepted, and utilized will be important to ensure accountability. The absence of detailed implementation guidelines in the text may require further administrative rules or congressional oversight.
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