88 STAT. ]
PUBLIC LAW 93-498-OCT. 29, 1974
1539
mental effects, the possibility of using a surplus Government facility, and such other factors as are deemed important and relevant. The Secretary shall make a final site selection not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (h) CONSTRUCTION COSTS.—Of the sums authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of implementing the programs of the Administration, not more than $9,000,000 shall be available for the construction of facilities of the Academy on the site selected under subsection (g) of this section. Such sums for such construction shall remain available until expended. (i) EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.—The Adminis-
trator is authorized to— (1) provide stipends to students attending Academy courses and programs, in amounts up to 75 per centum of the expense of attendance, as established by the Superintendent; (2) provide stipends to students attending courses and nondegree training programs approved by the Superintendent at universities, colleges, and junior colleges, in amounts up to 50 per centum of the cost of tuition; (3) make or enter into contracts to make payments to institutions of higher education for loans, not to exceed $2,500 per academic year for any individual who is enrolled on a full-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate program of fire research or engineering which is certified by the Superintendent. Loans under this paragraph shall be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Superintendent and each institution involved may jointly determine; and (4) establish and maintain a placement and promotion opportunities center in cooperation with the fire services, for firefighters who wish to learn and take advantage of different or better career opportunities. Such center shall not limit such assistance to students and graduates of the xVcademy, but shall undertake to assist all fire service personnel. (j) BOARD OF VISITORS.—Upon establishment of the Academy, the
Secretary shall establish a procedure for the selection of professionals in the field of fire safety, fire prevention, fire control, research and development in fire protection, treatment and rehabilitation of fire victims, or local government services management to serve as members of a Board of Visitors for the Academy. Pursuant to such procedure, the Secretary shall select eight such persons to serve as members of such Board of Visitors to serve such terms as the Secretary may prescribe. The function of such Board shall be to review annually the program of the Academy and to make comments and recommendations to the Secretary regarding the operation of the Academy and any improvements therein which such Board deems appropriate. Each member of such Board shall be reimbursed for any expenses actually incurred by him in the performance of his duties as a member of such Board. Committee (k) ACCREDITATION.—The Superintendent is authorized to establish Fire Trainingon and a Committee on Fire Training and Education which shall inquire into Education. and make recommendations regarding the desirability of establishing Establishment. a mechanism for accreditation of fire training and education programs and courses, and the role which the Academy should play if such a mechanism is recommended. The Committee shall consist of the Superintendent as Chairman and eighteen other members appointed by the Administrator from among individuals and organizations possessing special knowledge and experience in the field of fire training and edu- Report to Adcation or related fields. The Committee shall submit to the Adminis- ministrator. trator within two years after its appointment, a full and complete
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