§1904 Marine mineral research centers

Summary

Within 90 days after October 19, 1996, the Secretary must pick three marine mineral research centers. One center will focus on the U.S. continental shelf, one on deep seabed and near‑shore island areas, and one on arctic and cold‑water regions. Preference goes to a U.S. university that already runs a federally funded marine minerals center, offers advanced degrees in related sciences, has programs and facilities focused on marine minerals, works with industry and government and other schools, has engineering experience in at least two of these areas (seabed exploration systems, marine mining systems, marine mineral processing systems), and is named a State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute. Each center must give technical help to the Secretary, advise on international marine mineral matters, do research and training and share knowledge, and help identify, assess, explore, and manage marine minerals in an environmentally sound way. Funds should be split as equally as possible among the three centers. No more than 5 percent of the yearly money may pay program administration. No funds may be used to build new buildings or to buy, expand, remodel, or alter buildings, including site grading, improvements, or architect fees.