The Secretary, after consultation with the Cane River Heritage Area Commission 2 established pursuant to section 410ccc–22 of this title, is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with owners of properties within the heritage area and owners of properties within the historical park that provide important educational and interpretive opportunities relating to the heritage of the Cane River region. The Secretary may also enter into cooperative agreements for the purpose of facilitating the preservation of important historic sites and structures identified in the historical park’s general management plan or other heritage elements related to the heritage of the Cane River region. Such cooperative agreements shall specify that the National Park Service shall have reasonable rights of access for operational and visitor use needs and that preservation treatments will meet the Secretary’s standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings.

The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the City of Natchitoches, the State of Louisiana, and other public or private organizations for the development of the interpretive center, educational programs, and other materials that will facilitate public use of the historical park and heritage area.