Los Caminos del Rio National Heritage Area Act of 1996

Los Caminos del Rio National Heritage Area Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Los Caminos del Rio National Heritage Area in Texas.

Sets forth provisions regarding criteria for designation as a heritage area under this Act.

Directs the Secretary to participate in an administrative entity to be known as the heritage partnership. Directs the partnership to unite the State task force for the Los Caminos del Rio Heritage Project appointed by the Governor of Texas, participating Federal agencies, Los Caminos del Rio of Texas, Incorporated, and other heritage partners in a single organization to provide coordination and leadership for the heritage area.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the establishment of the heritage area; (2) coordination and the mission of the heritage partnership; (3) development of a compact and a prohibition on land use restrictions; (4) public meetings; (5) a prohibition of acquisition of real property; and (6) the duration of eligibility for assistance.

Requires the heritage partnership, in conjunction with private landowners within the heritage area, local governments, Federal and State agencies, and the public to develop a management plan to ensure proper management of significant cultural and heritage resources within the heritage area.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the withdrawal of the heritage area designation; (2) the duties of the Secretary (regarding technical and financial assistance, and coordination with Mexico) and of other Federal entities; (3) land use regulation; (4) fishing and hunting; (5) private property protection; (6) the effect of environmental and other standards; (7) multiple use of the land; and (8) reporting requirements.

Authorizes appropriations. Limits assistance for a management plan to 75 percent of the cost for such plan.