Calumet National Heritage Area Act

This bill proposes to designate the Calumet National Heritage Area in parts of Indiana and Illinois as a new component of the National Heritage Area System. The designation aims to conserve, restore, promote, and interpret the region's unique cultural, natural, and historical resources, which include a blend of industrial urbanization and biodiverse natural landscapes at the southern end of Lake Michigan. The Calumet region is recognized for its exceptional educational opportunities, highlighting the impact of industrial progress, the importance of environmental conservation, and the diverse cultural practices of its inhabitants. Significant assets within the area include the steel industry, Pullman National Historical Park, and Indiana Dunes National Park, alongside numerous other historical and natural sites. The Calumet Heritage Partnership is identified as the local coordinating entity, responsible for submitting a comprehensive management plan to the Secretary of the Interior within three years. Federal assistance for the heritage area will be provided for 15 years, supporting local efforts to steward and interpret these nationally significant resources, building on existing public and private partnerships.