16 U.S.C. § 410yy–8 — Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission

(a) Establishment and duties: This section creates the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission. The Commission must: (1) advise the Secretary on preparing and carrying out the general management plan; (2) advise the Secretary on standards and priorities for giving financial and technical assistance to owners of non-federal properties in the park; (3) advise on rules for disbursing funds to develop non-federal properties; (4) advise on choosing sites for interpretation and preservation through cooperative agreements; (5) help develop policies and programs to conserve and protect the park's scenic, historical, cultural, natural, and technological values; (6) help coordinate with local governments and Michigan on carrying out the management plan; (7) may run historical, educational, or cultural programs that build appreciation for the park's and surrounding area's historic resources; and (8) may seek, accept, and use gifts, bequests, or donations of money, personal property, or services. (b) Acquisition of property: (1) The Commission may acquire real property or interests in it, to further this subchapter's purposes, by gift or devise, or by purchase from a willing seller using money given or bequeathed to the Commission for that purpose. (2) For federal tax-deduction purposes (section 170(c) of title 26), a gift to the Commission counts as a gift to the United States. (3) Any real property the Commission acquires must be transferred to the National Park Service, or another appropriate public agency, as soon as possible, at no cost, on the condition that it's used for public purposes. (4) The value of money or property the Commission gives to the National Park Service may, at the Commission's choice, count as a non-federal contribution. (c) Membership: (1) The Commission has seven members appointed by the Secretary: (A) two from nominees submitted by the Calumet Village Council and Calumet Township Board; (B) one from nominees submitted by the Quincy and Franklin Township Boards; (C) one from nominees submitted by the Houghton County Board of Commissioners; (D) one from nominees submitted by the Governor of Michigan; and (E) two chosen for their familiarity with national parks and historic preservation. (2) Members elect a chairperson for a 3-year term. (3) A vacancy is filled the same way as the original appointment. (4)(A) Each member serves a 3-year term and may be reappointed up to three more times. (B) Of the first members appointed, two served 1-year terms, two served 2-year terms, and three served 3-year terms. (5) A member may keep serving past the end of their term until a successor takes office. (6) The Commission must meet at least quarterly, called by the chairperson or a majority of members. (7) Five members make a quorum. (d) Compensation: Members serve without pay. Members who are full-time federal, Michigan, or local government employees get no extra pay for Commission work. (e) Travel expenses: While traveling away from home for Commission business, members are paid travel expenses, including a daily allowance, the same way the government pays people who work for it occasionally. (f) Mails: The Commission may use the U.S. mail the same way other federal agencies do. (g) Staff: The Commission may hire and set the pay for its own staff. The Secretary may give the Commission staff and technical help, on a reimbursed basis, as the Secretary decides is appropriate after consulting the Commission. Other federal agencies may, if the Secretary asks, give the Commission information, personnel, property, and services on a reimbursed basis. The Secretary may accept help from Michigan or local government staff and reimburse them for it. The Commission may also hire additional temporary help, paid from gifts it receives or funds the Secretary provides. (h) Hearings: To carry out this subchapter, the Commission may hold hearings, meet, take testimony, and gather evidence as it thinks appropriate — but it cannot issue subpoenas or use any subpoena power.