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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 5401. Findings
The Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) The United States is a nation with a rich maritime history,
and it is desirable to foster in the American public a greater
awareness and appreciation of the role of maritime endeavors in
our Nation's history and culture.
(2) The maritime historical and cultural foundations of the
Nation should be preserved as a part of our community life and
development.
(3) National, State, and local groups have been working
independently to preserve the maritime heritage of the United
States.
(4) Historic resources significant to the Nation's maritime
heritage are being lost or substantially altered, often
inadvertently, with increasing frequency.
(5) The preservation of this irreplaceable maritime heritage is
in the public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural,
educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic benefits will
be maintained and enriched for future generations of Americans.
(6) The current governmental and nongovernmental historic
preservation programs and activities are inadequate to ensure
future generations a genuine opportunity to appreciate and enjoy
the rich maritime heritage of our Nation.
(7) A coordinated national program is needed immediately to
redress the adverse consequences of a period of indifference
during which the maritime heritage of the United States has
become endangered and to ensure the future preservation of the
Nation's maritime heritage.
(8) A national maritime heritage policy would greatly increase
public awareness of, and participation in, the preservation of
the Nation's maritime heritage.
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