§1904 Marine Mineral Research Centers

Summary

The Secretary must name three centers for marine mineral research no later than 90 days after October 19, 1996. One center must focus on the U.S. continental shelf, one on deep seabed and near-shore island areas, and one on arctic and cold-water regions. When picking them, the Secretary should favor a U.S. university that runs a federally funded marine minerals center, offers advanced degrees in related fields, has strong programs and facilities, works with industry and agencies and other schools, has engineering or design experience in at least two of seabed exploration, marine mining, or mineral processing, and is a State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute. Each center must give technical help and advice to the Secretary (including on international matters), do research, training, and education transfer about marine minerals, and promote efficient, environmentally sound identification, assessment, exploration, and management. The Secretary should, when possible, split money equally among the three centers. No more than 5 percent of the program money in any fiscal year may pay administrative costs, and none of the funds may be used to build, buy, expand, remodel, or alter buildings (including site work and architect fees).