113 STAT. 286 PUBLIC LAW 106-53—AUG. 17, 1999 (2) in the first sentence of subsection (b), by striking "$12,000,000" and inserting "$15,000,000"; and (3) by adding at the end the following: "(c) SUPPORT. —In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary is encouraged to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants with colleges and universities and other non- Federal entities.". 33 USC 2331. SEC. 206. USE OF CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN PROJECTS. (a) IN GENERAL.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not implement a fully allocated funding policy with respect to a water resource project if initiation of construction has occurred but sufficient funds are not available to complete the project. (b) CONTINUING CONTRACTS.—The Secretary shall enter into a continuing contract for a project described in subsection (a). (c) INITIATION OF CONSTRUCTION CLARIFIED. —For the purposes of this section, initiation of construction for a project occxirs on the date of enactment of an Act that appropriates funds for the project from 1 of the following appropriation accounts: (1) Construction, General. (2) Operation and Maintenance, GrenergJ. (3) Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries. SEC. 207. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT STUDIES FOR THE PACIFIC REGION. Section 444 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3747) is eunended by striking "interest of navigation" and inserting "interests of water resources development including navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental restoration". SEC. 208. EVERGLADES AND SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORA- TION. (a) EXTENSION OF PROGRAM.— Section 528(b)(3) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) (110 Stat. 3769), by striking "1999" and inserting "2003"; and (2) in subparagraph (C)(i) (110 Stat. 3769), by striking "1999" and inserting "2003". (b) CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT OF PAST AND FUTURE ACTIVI- TIES.— Section 528(b)(3) of the Water Resoiu-ces Development Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3768) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(D) CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT OF PAST AND FUTURE ACTivrriES. — The Secretary may provide credit to or reimburse the non-Federal project sponsor (using funds authorized by subparagraph (C)) for the reasonable costs of any work that has been performed or will be performed in connection with a study or activity meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) if— "(i) the Secretary determines that— "(I) the work performed by the non-FedersQ project sponsor will substantially expedite completion of a critical restoration project; and "(II) the work is necessary for a critical restoration project; and
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