Title 16ConservationRelease 119-73

§777c Division of annual appropriations

Title 16 › Chapter CHAPTER 10B— - FISH RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS › § 777c

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Divides each year’s available money (through fiscal year 2026) among programs, the Interior Department, the Coast Guard, and the states. First, after paying administrative costs and certain other set-asides, the law sends exactly 18.673% to the Interior for coastal wetlands work, 17.315% to the Coast Guard’s department for State recreational boating safety programs, 4% to the Interior for certain vessel pump-out and related projects (no more than 75% of that 4% can go to either type of those projects), and 2.0% to the Interior for a national outreach and communications program. Money set aside for the outreach program stays available for 3 fiscal years; any unused part after 3 years can be used under the general state distribution rules. It limits how much can be used for administration and explains how the rest is shared with states. The Interior may use a yearly admin amount calculated from $12,786,434 adjusted by the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (for the fiscal year that includes November 15, 2021 multiply $12,786,434 by the CPI change; for later years add the prior year’s amount plus that amount times the CPI change). The Coast Guard’s department may use $12,786,434 for fiscal year 2022, then increase that amount each year by the CPI change. These admin amounts are not part of the percentages above, remain available until the end of the next fiscal year, and any leftover must be shared with states within 60 days after the fiscal year ends. After these deductions, 58.012% of the remaining funds go to states: 40% based on coastal/Great Lakes area and 60% based on the number of paid sport fishing license holders from two years earlier. No state gets less than 1% or more than 5%; very small shares may be raised to $4,500 if the state adds at least $1,500 of its own funds. The law also caps certain Interior admin spending at $1,300,000 per year and says unused amounts for the vessel and outreach items after 3 years move to the Coast Guard for State boating safety programs. Fiscal year runs October 1 to September 30.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §777c

Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)For each fiscal year through fiscal year 2026, the balance of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title remaining after the distributions for administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) and for activities under section 777m(e) of this title shall be distributed as follows:
(1)An amount equal to 18.673 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for distribution as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection,11 So in original. The comma probably should not appear. and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3951 et seq.).
(2)An amount equal to 17.315 percent to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for State recreational boating safety programs under section 13107 of title 46.
(3)(A)An amount equal to 4 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for qualified projects under section 5604(c) of the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (33 U.S.C. 1322 note) and section 777g–1(d) of this title.
(B)Not more than 75 percent of the amount under subparagraph (A) shall be available for projects under either of the sections referred to in subparagraph (A).
(4)An amount equal to 2.0 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for the National Outreach and Communications Program under section 777g(d) of this title. Such amounts shall remain available for 3 fiscal years, after which any portion thereof that is unobligated by the Secretary for that program may be expended by the Secretary under subsection (c) of this section.
(b)(1)(A)From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Interior may use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h of this title. The amount specified in subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year may not be included in the amount of the annual appropriation distributed under subsection (a) for the fiscal year.
(B)The available amount referred to in subparagraph (A) is—
(i)for the fiscal year that includes November 15, 2021, the product obtained by multiplying—
(I)$12,786,434; and
(II)the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor; and
(ii)for each fiscal year thereafter, the sum obtained by adding—
(I)the available amount specified in this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year; and
(II)the product obtained by multiplying—
(aa)the available amount specified in this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year; and
(bb)the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.
(2)(A)From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for the purposes set forth in section 13107(c) of title 46. The amount specified in subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year may not be included in the amount of the annual appropriation distributed under subsection (a) for the fiscal year.
(B)The available amount referred to in subparagraph (A) is—
(i)for fiscal year 2022, $12,786,434; and
(ii)for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, the sum obtained by adding—
(I)the available amount specified in this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year; and
(II)the product obtained by multiplying—
(aa)the available amount specified in this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year; and
(bb)the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.
(3)(A)For each fiscal year, the available amount under paragraph (1) shall remain available for obligation for use under that paragraph until the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
(B)Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior shall apportion among the States any of the available amount under paragraph (1) that remains unobligated at the end of the fiscal year, on the same basis and in the same manner as other amounts made available under this chapter are apportioned among the States under subsection (c) for the fiscal year.
(c)(1)The Secretary, after the distribution, transfer, use and deduction under subsection (b), and after deducting amounts used for activities under section 777m(e) of this title, shall apportion 58.012 percent of the balance of each such annual appropriation among the several States in the following manner: 40 percent in the ratio which the area of each State including coastal and Great Lakes waters (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) bears to the total area of all the States, and 60 percent in the ratio which the number of persons holding paid licenses to fish for sport or recreation in the State in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which such apportionment is made, as certified to said Secretary by the State fish and game departments, bears to the number of such persons in all the States. Such apportionments shall be adjusted equitably so that no State shall receive less than 1 percent nor more than 5 percent of the total amount apportioned. Where the apportionment to any State under this section is less than $4,500 annually, the Secretary of the Interior may allocate not more than $4,500 of said appropriation to said State to carry out the purposes of this chapter when said State certifies to the Secretary of the Interior that it has set aside not less than $1,500 from its fish-and-game funds or has made, through its legislature, an appropriation in this amount of said purposes.
(2)The Secretary shall deduct from the amount to be apportioned under paragraph (1) the amounts used for grants under section 777m(a) of this title.
(d)So much of any sum not allocated under the provisions of this section for any fiscal year is hereby authorized to be made available for expenditure to carry out the purposes of this chapter until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. The term fiscal year as used in this section shall be a period of twelve consecutive months from October 1 through the succeeding September 30, except that the period for enumeration of persons holding licenses to fish shall be a State’s fiscal or license year.
(e)(1)For each fiscal year, of the amounts appropriated under section 777b of this title, the Secretary of the Interior shall use only funds authorized for use under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a) to pay the expenses for administration incurred in carrying out the provisions of law referred to in those paragraphs, respectively.
(2)For each fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than $1,300,000 in accordance with paragraph (1).
(f)Amounts available under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) that are unobligated by the Secretary of the Interior after 3 fiscal years shall be transferred to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and shall be expended for State recreational boating safety programs under section 13107(a) of title 46.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is title III of Pub. L. 101–646, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4778, which enacted chapter 59A (§ 3951 et seq.) of this title and amended this section. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 3951 of this title and Tables. section 5604(c) of the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is section 5604(c) of Pub. L. 102–587, which is set out as a note under section 1322 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–263 amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: “for the fiscal year that includes
November 15, 2021, the sum obtained by adding— “(I) the available amount specified in this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year; and “(II) $979,500; and”. 2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(A), substituted “fiscal year 2026” for “fiscal year 2021” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(B)(i)(I), substituted “fiscal year 2026” for “fiscal year 2021”. Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(B)(i)(II), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which related to available amounts for fiscal years 2001 to 2004 and thereafter. Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(B)(ii)(I), substituted “2022 through 2026” for “2016 through 2021”. Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(B)(ii)(II), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which related to available amounts for fiscal years 2016, 2017, and thereafter. Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 117–58, § 28001(a)(1)(C), substituted “$1,300,000” for “$900,000”. 2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(1)(A), substituted “For each fiscal year through fiscal year 2021, the balance” for “For each fiscal year through 2015 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
October 29, 2015, the balance” and “activities under section 777m(e) of this title” for “multistate conservation grants under section 777m of this title” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 114–87, § 1103(1), which directed substitution of “
December 4, 2015” for “
November 20, 2015” in introductory provisions, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and

Effective Date

of 2015 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 114–73, § 1103(1), which directed substitution of “
November 20, 2015” for “
October 29, 2015” in introductory provisions, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and

Effective Date

of 2015 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 114–41, § 1103(1), substituted “each fiscal year through 2015 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
October 29, 2015” for “each fiscal year through 2014 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2014, and ending on
July 31, 2015” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 114–21, § 1103(1), substituted “
July 31, 2015” for “
May 31, 2015” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(1)(B), substituted “18.673 percent” for “18.5 percent”. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(1)(C), substituted “17.315 percent” for “18.5 percent”. Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(1)(D)–(F), added par. (3), redesignated par. (5) as (4), and struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which related to Clean Vessel Act and boating infrastructure, respectively. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(2)(A), substituted “for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2021, the Secretary” for “for each fiscal year ending before
October 1, 2015, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
October 29, 2015, the Secretary”. Pub. L. 114–87, § 1103(2), which directed substitution of “
December 4, 2015,” for “
November 20, 2015,”, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and

Effective Date

of 2015 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 114–73, § 1103(2), which directed substitution of “
November 20, 2015,” for “
October 29, 2015,”, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and

Effective Date

of 2015 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 114–41, § 1103(2), substituted “for each fiscal year ending before
October 1, 2015, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
October 29, 2015,” for “for each fiscal year ending before
October 1, 2014, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2014, and ending on
July 31, 2015,”. Pub. L. 114–21, § 1103(2), substituted “
July 31, 2015,” for “
May 31, 2015,”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(2)(C), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3). Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(2)(B), redesignated par. (2) as (3). Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(2)(D)(i), substituted “until the end of the subsequent fiscal year.” for “until the end of the fiscal year.” Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(2)(D)(ii), substituted “under subsection (c)” for “under subsection (e)”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(3), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted comma after “The Secretary”, substituted “activities under section 777m(e) of this title” for “grants under section 777m of this title” and “58.012 percent” for “57 percent”, and added par. (2). Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, § 10001(b)(4), substituted “those paragraphs,” for “those subsections,”. 2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–159, § 1103(1), inserted “and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2014, and ending on
May 31, 2015” after “2014” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–159, § 1103(2), substituted “for each fiscal year ending before
October 1, 2014, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2014, and ending on
May 31, 2015,” for “for each fiscal year through 2014,”. 2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–141, § 34002(1), substituted “fiscal year through 2014,” for “of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
June 30, 2012,” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 112–140, §§ 1(c), 203(b)(1), temporarily substituted “ending on
July 6, 2012,” for “ending on
June 30, 2012,” in introductory provisions. See Termination Date of 2012 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 112–102, § 203(b)(1), substituted “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
June 30, 2012,” for “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–141, § 34002(2), which directed substitution of “fiscal year through 2014,” for “of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,”, was executed by making the substitution for “of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
June 30, 2012,” to reflect the probable intent of Congress and amendment by Pub. L. 112–102, § 203(b)(2). See below. Pub. L. 112–140, §§ 1(c), 203(b)(2), temporarily substituted “ending on
July 6, 2012,” for “ending on
June 30, 2012,”. See Termination Date of 2012 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 112–102, § 203(b)(2), substituted “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
June 30, 2012,” for “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,”. 2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–30, § 123(b)(1), substituted “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,” for “2011,” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 112–5, § 203(b)(1), substituted “through 2011,” for “through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
March 4, 2011,” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–30, § 123(b)(2), substituted “2011 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,” for “2011,”. Pub. L. 112–5, § 203(b)(2), substituted “through 2011,” for “through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
March 4, 2011,”. 2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–322, § 2203(b), substituted “For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
March 4, 2011, the balance of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title remaining after the distributions for administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) and for multistate conservation grants under section 777m of this title shall be distributed as follows:” for introductory provisions which read as follows: “For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
December 31, 2010, and the period from
October 1, 2009, through the date specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into law, the balance of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title remaining after the distributions for administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) of this section and for multistate conservation grants under section 777m of this title shall be distributed as follows:”. Pub. L. 111–147, § 423(b)(1), which directed substitution of “2010 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
December 31, 2010,” for “2009,” in introductory provisions, was executed by making the substitution for “2009,” the first place it appeared. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–322, § 2203(b)(2), substituted “From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
March 4, 2011, the Secretary of the Interior may use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h of this title.” for “From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 and the period from
October 1, 2009, through the date specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into law,, the Secretary of the Interior may use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h of this title.” Pub. L. 111–147, § 423(b)(2), which directed substitution of “and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on
December 31, 2010,” for “2010,”, could not be executed because “2010,” did not appear. 2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–68, § 160(1), inserted “and the period from
October 1, 2009, through the date specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into law,” after “2009,” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–68, § 160(2), inserted “and the period from
October 1, 2009, through the date specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into law,” after “2009”. 2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “13107” for “13106”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–241 struck out “, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009,” after “The Secretary”. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “13107(a)” for “13106(a)”. 2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), (2), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: “The Secretary of the Interior shall distribute 18 per centum of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (title III, Public Law 101–646). Notwithstanding the provisions of section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out such Act through fiscal year 2019.” Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to use of the balance of each annual appropriation remaining after making the distribution under subsec. (a) in fiscal years 1998 through 2005. Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(3), added subpar. (A) and struck out heading and text of former subpar. (A). Text read as follows: “For fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter, of the balance of each such annual appropriation remaining after the distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c) and section 777m of this title, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than the available amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this subsection and section 777h of this title.” Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–74, § 202, substituted “Fiscal” for “First 303 days of fiscal” in heading, “
September 30, 2005” for “
July 30, 2005” and “$82,000,000” for “$68,071,233” in introductory provisions, “$10,000,000” for “$8,301,370” in subpar. (A), and “$8,000,000” for “$6,641,096” in subpar. (B). Pub. L. 109–40, § 8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 303 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 300 days of fiscal year 2005. Pub. L. 109–37, § 8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 300 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 42 weeks of fiscal year 2005. Pub. L. 109–35, § 8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 42 weeks of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 292 days of fiscal year 2005. Pub. L. 109–20, § 8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 292 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 9 months of fiscal year 2005. Pub. L. 109–14, § 8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 9 months of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for fiscal year 2004. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(4), (5), substituted “Secretary, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009, after the distribution, transfer, use and deduction under subsection (b), and after deducting amounts used for grants under section 777m of this title, shall apportion 57 percent of the balance” for “Secretary of the Interior, after the distribution, transfer, use, and deduction under subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d), respectively, and after deducting amounts used for grants under section 777m of this title, shall apportion the remainder” and “percent” for “per centum” after “40”, “60”, “1”, and “5”. Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which obligated amounts for the National Outreach and Communications Program for fiscal years 1999 through 2005. Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 109–74, § 201, amended par. (7) generally, substituting “$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;” for “$8,301,370 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
July 30, 2005;”. Pub. L. 109–40, § 8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: “$8,219,180 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
July 27, 2005;”. Pub. L. 109–37, § 8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: “$8,099,997 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
July 21, 2005;”. Pub. L. 109–35, § 8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: “$8,000,000 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
July 19, 2005;”. Pub. L. 109–20, § 8(a), substituted “(7) $8,000,000 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
July 19, 2005;” for “(6) $7,499,997 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
June 30, 2005;”. Pub. L. 109–14, § 8(a), directed amendment of par. (7) generally by substituting “(6) $7,499,997 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
June 30, 2005;” for “(7) $6,666,664 for the period of
October 1, 2004, through
May 31, 2005;”. See above. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (b). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (c). Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(6), substituted “paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a)” for “subsections (a), (b)(3)(A), (b)(3)(B), and (c)”. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(7), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (d). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–59, § 10113(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e). 2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–447 substituted “2019” for “2009”. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–310, § 9(b)(1), inserted heading and struck out former heading which read “First 10 months of fiscal year 2004”. Pub. L. 108–280, § 6(b), substituted “fiscal year 2004” for “the period of
October 1, 2003, through
July 31, 2004” and “$82,000,000” for “$68,333,332” in introductory provisions, “$10,000,000” for “$8,333,332” in subpar. (A), and “$8,000,000” for “$6,666,668” in subpar. (B) and directed amendment of heading by striking “First 9 months of”, which could not be executed. Pub. L. 108–263, § 6(b), substituted “10 months” for “9 months” in heading, “July 31” for “April 30” and “$68,333,332” for “$61,499,999” in introductory provisions, “$8,333,332” for “$7,499,999” in subpar. (A), and “$6,666,668” for “$6,000,001” in subpar. (B). Pub. L. 108–224, § 6(b), substituted “9 months” for “7 months” in heading, “$61,499,999” for “$47,833,333” in introductory provisions, “$7,499,999” for “$5,833,333” in subpar. (A), and “$6,000,001” for “$4,666,667” in subpar. (B). Pub. L. 108–202, § 7(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds for first 7 months of fiscal year 2004 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 5 months of fiscal year 2004. Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 108–310, § 9(b)(2), (3), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6). Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–280, § 6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$8,333,332 for the period of
October 1, 2003, through
July 31, 2004;”. Pub. L. 108–263, § 6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$7,499,999 for the period of
October 1, 2003, through
June 30, 2004;”. Pub. L. 108–224, § 6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$5,833,333 for the period of
October 1, 2003, through
April 30, 2004;”. Pub. L. 108–202, § 7(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$4,166,667 for the period of
October 1, 2003, through
February 29, 2004;”. Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 108–310, § 9(a), added par. (7). 2003—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 108–88, § 9(b), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5). Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–88, § 9(a), added par. (6). 2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–377 and Pub. L. 106–408, § 123, amended subsec. (a) identically, substituting “fiscal year 2009” for “fiscal year 2000”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–408, § 121(a), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: “Of the balance of each such annual appropriation remaining after the distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively, so much, not to exceed 6 per centum of such balance, as the Secretary of the Interior may estimate to be necessary for his or her expenses in the conduct of necessary investigations, administration, and the execution of this chapter, for an outreach and communications program and for aiding in the formulation, adoption, or administration of any compact between two or more States for the conservation and management of migratory fishes in marine or freshwaters, shall be deducted for that purpose, and such sum is authorized to be made available until the expiration of the next succeeding fiscal year. Of the sum available to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection for any fiscal year, up to $2,500,000 may be used for the National Outreach and Communications Program under section 777g(d) of this title in addition to the amount available for that program under subsection (c). No funds available to the Secretary under this subsection may be used to replace funding traditionally provided through general appropriations, nor for any purposes except those purposes authorized by this chapter. The Secretary shall publish a detailed accounting of the projects, programs, and activities funded under this subsection annually in the Federal Register.” Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–408, § 122(b), inserted “and after deducting amounts used for grants under section 777m of this title,” after “respectively,” in first sentence. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–408, § 124, struck out before period at end of first sentence “, and if unexpended or unobligated at the end of such year, such sum is hereby authorized to be made available for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior in carrying on the research program of the Fish and Wildlife Service in respect to fish of material value for sport or recreation”. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–408, § 121(c), added subsec. (g). 1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–74 substituted “fiscal year 2000” for “fiscal year 1999” in second sentence. 1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7403(a), as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, § 9012(b)(1), inserted heading and amended text generally, substituting provisions relating to fiscal years 1998 to 2003 for provisions relating to fiscal years 1993 to 1998. Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7403(b), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, § 9012(b)(2), made a technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 777g–1(d) of this title. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(1), (2), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d). Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(3)–(5), substituted “subsections (a), (b), and (c),” for “subsections (a) and (b),”, inserted “, for an outreach and communications program” after “chapter”, and inserted at end “Of the sum available to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection for any fiscal year, up to $2,500,000 may be used for the National Outreach and Communications Program under section 777g(d) of this title in addition to the amount available for that program under subsection (c). No funds available to the Secretary under this subsection may be used to replace funding traditionally provided through general appropriations, nor for any purposes except those purposes authorized by this chapter. The Secretary shall publish a detailed accounting of the projects, programs, and activities funded under this subsection annually in the Federal Register.” Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(6), substituted “subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d)” for “subsections (a), (b), and (c)”. Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, § 7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f). 1992—Pub. L. 102–587 added subsecs. (a) to (c), inserted subsec. (d) designation and substituted “The Secretary of the Interior, after the distribution, transfer, use, and deduction under subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively, shall apportion the remainder of each such annual appropriation among the several States” for “So much, not to exceed 6 per centum, of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as the Secretary of the Interior may estimate to be necessary for his expenses in the conduct of necessary investigations, administration, and the execution of this chapter and for aiding in the formulation, adoption, or administration of any compact between two or more States for the conservation and management of migratory fishes in marine or freshwaters shall be deducted for that purpose, and such sum is authorized to be made available therefor until the expiration of the next succeeding fiscal year. The Secretary shall distribute 18 per centum of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act: Provided, That, notwithstanding the provisions of section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out such Act through fiscal year 1999. The Secretary of the Interior, after making the aforesaid deduction, shall apportion the remainder of the appropriation for each fiscal year among the several States”, and inserted subsec. (e) designation. 1990—Pub. L. 101–646 inserted after first sentence “The Secretary shall distribute 18 per centum of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act: Provided, That, notwithstanding the provisions of section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out such Act through fiscal year 1999.” 1984—Pub. L. 98–369 revised deductible amount from not to exceed 8 per centum to not to exceed 6 per centum. 1976—Pub. L. 94–273 substituted “September” for “June”, and “October” for “July”. 1970—Pub. L. 91–503 changed method of apportionment of funds by striking out reference to “to all the States” and inserted definition of “fiscal year”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

of 2015 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Termination Date of 2012 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 112–140 to cease to be effective on
July 6, 2012, with text as amended by Pub. L. 112–140 to revert back to read as it did on the day before
June 29, 2012, and

Amendments

by Pub. L. 112–141 to be executed as if Pub. L. 112–140 had not been enacted, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.

Effective Date

of 2005

Amendments

From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, section considered to read as immediately before enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, except as provided by the

Amendments

by section 201 and 202 of Pub. L. 109–74, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note under section 777b of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a note under section 777b of this title.

Effective Date

of 1998 AmendmentTitle IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section 9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.

Effective Date

of 1984 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 777c

Title 16Conservation

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73