The Commission shall terminate on the day occurring 10 years after the first official meeting of the Commission.

The Commission may petition to be extended for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the day referred to in subsection (a), provided the Commission determines a critical need to fulfill the purposes of this subchapter; and the Commission obtains approval from the Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of Louisiana.

The national heritage area status for the Cane River region shall continue following the termination of the Commission. The management plan, and partnerships and agreements subject to the plan shall guide the future management of the heritage area. The Commission, prior to its termination, shall recommend to the Governor of the State of Louisiana and the Secretary, appropriate entities, including the potential for a nonprofit corporation, to assume the responsibilities of the Commission.

(Pub. L. 103–449, title IV, § 404, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4764.)