33 USC 1131 – Authorization of appropriations
(a) Authorization
(1) In general
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subchapter—
(A) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2021;
(B) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2022;
(C) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(D) $101,325,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
(E) $105,700,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(2) Priority activities for fiscal years 2021 through 2025
In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025 for competitive grants for the following:
(A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species.
(B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks.
(C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms.
(D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 1123(c)(1) of this title.
(E) University research and extension on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies.
(F) Fishery research and extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding.
(b) Limitations
(1) Administration
(A) In general
There may not be used for administration of programs under this subchapter in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of—
(i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this subchapter for the fiscal year; or
(ii) the amount appropriated under this subchapter for the fiscal year.
(B) Critical staffing requirements
(i) In general
The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, and under section 1129 of this title, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized under this subchapter.
(ii) Exception from cap
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this subchapter in a fiscal year.
(2) Use for other offices or programs
Sums appropriated under the authority of subsection (a)(2) shall not be available for administration of this subchapter by the National Sea Grant Office, for any other Administration or department program, or for any other administrative expenses.
(c) Availability of sums
Sums appropriated pursuant to this section shall remain available until expended.
(d) Reversion of unobligated amounts
Terms Used In 33 USC 1131
- Administration: means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. See 33 USC 1122
- Director: means the Director of the national sea grant college program, appointed pursuant to section 1123(b) 1 of this title. See 33 USC 1122
- Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
- person: means any individual. See 33 USC 1122
- Secretary: means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. See 33 USC 1122
The amount of any grant, or portion of a grant, made to a person under any section of this subchapter that is not obligated by that person during the first fiscal year for which it was authorized to be obligated or during the next fiscal year thereafter shall revert to the Secretary. The Secretary shall add that reverted amount to the funds available for grants under the section for which the reverted amount was originally made available.