Section 1604-J - Heritage area program.(a)Establishment.--The heritage area program is established within the department to identify, protect, develop, enhance and promote the historic, recreational, natural, cultural and scenic resources of this commonwealth and to stimulate community revitalization and economic development through regional heritage conservation, recreation, tourism and partnerships.(b) Administration.-- (1) The department shall adopt program guidelines and policies for the implementation and administration of the program.(2) The department shall consult with the heritage areas on an annual basis to discuss program goals, guidelines and policies.(c)Funding.--The department shall, under subsection (f), allocate funds appropriated to the department to the program for the following purposes: (1) Management, administration, operation and marketing of heritage areas.(2) Planning, implementation, technical assistance and educational projects and programs related to heritage areas.(3) Development, construction, rehabilitation, repair, acquisition, preservation and enhancement of lands, buildings and other structures related to heritage areas.(4) Protection, documentation, interpretation and promotion of the cultural, natural, scenic, recreational and historic resources of heritage areas.(5) Establishment of partnerships and coalitions of governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations to assist heritage areas with the implementation of management action plans.(6) Any other activities deemed appropriate by the department.(d)Use.--A heritage area may use the funding allocated by the department for the program to provide a grant to another entity and organization, including a county, municipality, authority, nonprofit organization, other authorized organization, private sector firm or business, if the purpose of the grant meets the requirements of subsection (c).(e)Eligibility.--In addition to any other funding provided to a heritage area, a heritage area shall be eligible to apply for a grant and loan program administered by the department or other federal or state agency or entity.(f)Amount.-- (1) The department shall distribute funds to the program based on established program goals, guidelines and policies.(2) The department shall allocate all funds appropriated annually for the program and each state-designated heritage area shall receive a minimum amount established by the program goals, guidelines and policies.(g) Administrative use.--The department may use no more than 5% of the funding appropriated annually for the program for administrative expenses, including the development of a strategic plan or other appropriate initiative related to the administration of the program.Added by P.L. TBD 2016 No. 85, § 9.3, eff. 7/13/2016.