Missouri tourism officials would manage a U.S. Grant heritage area

The Division of Tourism would manage the U.S. Grant Heritage Area, and state grants could cover only a limited share of its total funding. Tier one includes Audrain, Bollinger, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Cole, Franklin, Gasconade, Iron, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Perry, Pike, Ralls, Scott, Shelby, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Warren, and Washington counties. Tier two includes St. Charles and St. Louis counties and the city of St. Louis. State grants could make up no more than 50 percent of all funding for tier one counties and 25 percent for tier two counties. The same limit would apply to every county in a tier.

The Missouri Humanities Council and the National U.S. Grant Trail Association’s Missouri chapter would prepare and submit a management plan. The plan would cover the heritage area and consider existing state, county, and local plans. Plan work would depend on an appropriation of funds. The plan would address how to share the region’s story, protect its resources, coordinate work, and fund and carry out the plan. They would submit the proposed plan within two years after funds are appropriated to develop it.

The Director of Tourism would decide whether to approve the management plan. The review would apply to the proposed management plan for the U.S. Grant Heritage Area. The director would consider public and government involvement, financial ability, local support, partnerships, and plans to protect the area’s resources. If the director rejects a plan, the director must explain the reasons in writing and may suggest revisions. After receiving a revised plan, the director would have 180 days to approve or reject it.