§ 10303.
(b)
Scope of research; other activities; cooperation and coordination
Each institute shall—
(1)
plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent applied and peer reviewed research that fosters—
(A)
improvements in water supply reliability;
(B)
the exploration of new ideas that—
(i)
address water problems; or
(ii)
expand understanding of water and water resources;
(C)
the entry of new research scientists, engineers, and technicians into water resources fields; and
(D)
the dissemination of research results to water managers and the public; and
(2)
cooperate closely with other colleges and universities in the State that have demonstrated capabilities for research, information dissemination, and graduate training in order to develop a statewide program designed to resolve State and regional water and related land problems.
Each institute shall also cooperate closely with other institutes and other organizations in the region to increase the effectiveness of the institutes and for the purpose of promoting regional coordination.
(e)
Evaluation of water resources research program
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall conduct a careful and detailed evaluation of each institute at least once every 5 years to determine—
(A)
the quality and relevance of the water resources research of the institute;
(B)
the effectiveness of the institute at producing measured results and applied water supply research; and
(C)
whether the effectiveness of the institute as an institution for planning, conducting, and arranging for research warrants continued support under this section.
(2)
Prohibition on further support
(f)
Authorization of appropriations in general
(1)
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, to remain available until expended, $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025.
(2)
Any sums appropriated under this subsection but which fail to be obligated by the close of the fiscal year for which they were appropriated shall be transferred by the Secretary and available for obligation during the succeeding fiscal year under the terms of subsection (g) of this section.
(g)
Additional appropriations where research focused on water problems of interstate nature
(1)
There is further authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior the sum of $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025 only for reimbursement of the direct cost expenses of additional research or synthesis of the results of research by institutes which focuses on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which relate to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary and the institutes. Such funds when appropriated shall be matched on a not less than dollar-for-dollar basis by funds made available to institutes or groups of institutes, by States or other non-Federal sources. Funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
(2)
Research funds made available under this subsection shall be made on a competitive basis subject to the merit of the proposal, the need for the information to be produced, and the opportunity such funds will provide for training of water resources scientists or professionals.
(h)
Coordination
(1)
In general
To carry out this chapter, the Secretary—
(A)
shall encourage other Federal departments, agencies (including agencies within the Department of the Interior), and instrumentalities to use and take advantage of the expertise and capabilities that are available through the institutes established by this section, on a cooperative or other basis;
(B)
shall encourage cooperation and coordination with other Federal programs concerned with water resources problems and issues;
(C)
may enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transactions without regard to
section 6101 of title 41;
(D)
may accept funds from other Federal departments, agencies (including agencies within the Department of the Interior), and instrumentalities to pay for and add to grants made, and contracts entered into, by the Secretary;
(E)
may promulgate such regulations as the Secretary considers appropriate; and
(F)
may support a program of internships for qualified individuals at the undergraduate and graduate levels to carry out the educational and training objectives of this chapter.
(2)
Reports
The Secretary shall report to Congress annually on coordination efforts with other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities under paragraph (1). As part of the annual budget submission to Congress, the Secretary shall also provide a crosscut budget detailing the expenditures on activities listed under subsection (a)(1) and a report which details the level of applied research and the results of the activities authorized by this chapter, including potential and actual—
(A)
increases in annual water supplies;
(B)
increases in annual water yields;
(C)
advances in water infrastructure and water quality improvements; and
(D)
methods for identifying, and determining the effectiveness of, treatment technologies and efficiencies.
(3)
Relationship to State rights
([Pub. L. 98–242, title I, § 104], Mar. 22, 1984, [98 Stat. 98]; [Pub. L. 101–397, § 1(b)]–(h), (m), Sept. 28, 1990, [104 Stat. 852], 853; [Pub. L. 104–147], §§ 3–6, May 24, 1996, [110 Stat. 1376]; [Pub. L. 106–374], Oct. 27, 2000, [114 Stat. 1434]; [Pub. L. 109–471, § 2(a)]–(e), Jan. 11, 2007, [120 Stat. 3552], 3553; [Pub. L. 117–58, div. E, title II, § 50221], Nov. 15, 2021, [135 Stat. 1180].)