National Heritage Areas are places where natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape arising from human activity shaped by geography. These patterns make National Heritage Areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in them. These regions are acknowledged by Congress for their capacity to tell nationally important stories about our nation. This Task Agreement focuses on planning, administration, public outreach, media, and demonstration projects that are identified in the management plan for the MPNHA and serve a public purpose under P.L. No. 109-338, 120 Stat. 1738. Substantial involvement on the part the National Park Service (NPS) is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. NPS staff will provide technical and financial assistance to the Alliance regarding the development and implementation of the management plan; review MPNHAâ₏™s list of applicants and recommended subgrants to ensure compliance with the heritage areaâ₏™s management plan and enabling legislation; and provide consultation and technical assistance and ensure all applicable State and Federal laws are adhered too including the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.