Hudson River Valley Special Resource Study Act

Sponsor: MAURICE HINCHEY (D-NY)

Hudson River Valley Special Resource Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a special resource study of the Hudson River Valley in the state of New York to evaluate: (1) the national significance of the part of the Hudson River that flows from Rodgers Island at Fort Edward to the southern-most boundary of Westchester County, New York, including any relevant sites and landscapes within counties in New York that abut that part of the River (the study area); and (2) the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System (NPS). Instructs the Secretary, in conducting the study, to: (1) determine the effect of designation of the study area as a unit of the System on specified existing commercial and recreational activities and the effect on the authority of state and local governments to manage these activities; (2) identify any authorities that will compel or permit the Secretary to influence local land use decisions or place restrictions on non-federal land if the study area is designated as a System unit; and (3) closely examine park unit models that encompass large areas of non-federal lands within their designated boundaries, foster public and private collaborative arrangements for achieving NPS objectives, and protect and respect private landowners' rights. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of such study.

Public Lands and Natural Resources Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.