118 STAT. 3631 PUBLIC LAW 108–456—DEC. 10, 2004 ‘‘(A) review techniques for prediction of the onset, course, and impacts of harmful algal blooms including evaluation of their accuracy and utility in protecting environmental and public health and provisions for their development; ‘‘(B) identify innovative research and development methods for the prevention, control, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms and provisions for their development; and ‘‘(C) include incentive-based partnership approaches regarding subparagraphs (A) and (B) where practicable. ‘‘(3) PUBLICATION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT.—At least 90 days before submitting the report to the Congress, the President shall cause a summary of the proposed plan to be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of not less than 60 days. ‘‘(4) FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Task Force and to the extent of funds available, shall provide for Federal cooperation with and assist- ance to the coastal States, Indian tribes, and local governments regarding the measures described in paragraph (2), as requested.’’. SEC. 104. LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENTS. Section 603 of such Act, as amended by section 103, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(e) LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENTS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Commerce, in coordina- tion with the Task Force and appropriate State, Indian tribe, and local governments, to the extent of funds available, shall provide for local and regional scientific assessments of hypoxia and harmful algal blooms, as requested by States, Indian tribes, and local governments, or for affected areas as identified by the Secretary. If the Secretary receives multiple requests, the Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that assess- ments under this subsection cover geographically and eco- logically diverse locations with significant ecological and eco- nomic impacts from hypoxia or harmful algal blooms. The Sec- retary shall establish a procedure for reviewing requests for local and regional assessments. The Secretary shall ensure, through consultation with Sea Grant Programs, that the findings of the assessments are communicated to the appro- priate State, Indian tribe, and local governments, and to the general public. ‘‘(2) PURPOSE.—Local and regional assessments shall examine— ‘‘(A) the causes and ecological consequences, and the economic cost, of hypoxia or harmful algal blooms in that area; ‘‘(B) potential methods to prevent, control, and mitigate hypoxia or harmful algal blooms in that area and the potential ecological and economic costs and benefits of such methods; and ‘‘(C) other topics the Task Force considers appropriate. ‘‘(f) SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT OF FRESHWATER HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.—(1) Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 Deadlines. 16 USC 1451 note. Deadline. President. Federal Register, publication. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 13:54 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.001 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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