16 USC 777 Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act

16 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2017 Edition
Title 16 - CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 10B - FISH RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

CHAPTER 10B—FISH RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
Sec.

777.
777a.
777b.
777c.
777d.
777e.
777e–1.
777f.
777g.
777g–1.
777h.
777i.
777j.
777k.
777l.
777m.
777n.

Federal-State relationships.
Definitions.
Authorization of appropriations.
Division of annual appropriations.
Certification of funds deducted for expenses and amounts apportioned to States.
Submission and approval of plans and projects.
New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act of 1990.
Payments by United States.
Maintenance of projects.
Boating infrastructure.
Requirements and restrictions concerning use of amounts for expenses for
administration.
Rules and regulations.
Repealed.
Payments of funds to and cooperation with Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia,
Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and
Virgin Islands.
State use of contributions.
Multistate conservation grant program.
Repealed.

§777. Federal-State relationships
(a) Cooperation between Federal Government and State fish and game departments;
expenditure of funds
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to cooperate with the States through their
respective State fish and game departments in fish restoration and management projects as
hereinafter set forth: No money apportioned under this chapter to any State, except as hereinafter
provided, shall be expended therein until its legislature, or other State agency authorized by the State
constitution to make laws governing the conservation of fish, shall have assented to the provisions of
this chapter and shall have passed laws for the conservation of fish, which shall include a prohibition
against the diversion of license fees paid by fishermen for any other purpose than the administration
of said State fish and game department, except that, until the final adjournment of the first regular
session of the legislature held after passage of this chapter, the assent of the governor of the State
shall be sufficient. The Secretary of the Interior and the State fish and game department of each State
accepting the benefits of this chapter shall agree upon the fish restoration and management projects
to be aided in such State under the terms of this chapter, and all projects shall conform to the
standards fixed by the Secretary of the Interior.

(b) Allocation of amounts by coastal States between marine fish projects and freshwater fish
projects
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), each coastal State, to the extent practicable, shall equitably allocate
amounts apportioned to such State under this chapter between marine fish projects and freshwater
fish projects in the same proportion as the estimated number of resident marine anglers and the
estimated number of resident freshwater anglers, respectively, bear to the estimated number of all
resident anglers in that State.
(2) Preservation of freshwater project allocation at 1988 level
(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the amount allocated by a State pursuant to this subsection to
freshwater fish projects for each fiscal year shall not be less than the amount allocated by such
State to such projects for fiscal year 1988.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a State with respect to any fiscal year for which the
amount apportioned to the State under this chapter is less than the amount apportioned to the State
under this chapter for fiscal year 1988.
(3) "Coastal State" defined
As used in this subsection, the term "coastal State" means any one of the States of Alabama,
Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon,
Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The term also includes the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §1, 64 Stat. 430; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(1), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1015; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–448, §6(c)(1), Sept.
28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1840.)
A
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–448 substituted "Allocation of amounts by coastal States between marine
fish projects and freshwater fish projects" for "Allocation of funds by coastal States; formula; 'coastal State'
defined" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each coastal State,
to the extent practicable, shall equitably allocate the following sums between marine fish projects and
freshwater fish projects in the same proportion as the estimated number of resident marine anglers and the
estimated number of resident freshwater anglers, respectively, bear to the estimated number of all resident
anglers in that State:
"(1) The additional sums apportioned to such State under this chapter as a result of the taxes imposed
by the amendments made by section 1015 of the Tax Reform Act of 1984 on items not taxed under section
4161(a) of title 26 before October 1, 1984.
"(2) The sums apportioned to such State under this chapter that are not attributable to any tax imposed
by such section 4161(a).
As used in this subsection, the term 'coastal State' means any one of the States of Alabama, Alaska, California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas,
Virginia, and Washington. The term also includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas."
1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue
Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.
1984—Pub. L. 98–369 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
E
D
1988 A
Pub. L. 100–448, §6(e), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1841, provided that: "This section [enacting section 777l
of this title, amending this section, sections 9503 and 9504 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and sections

13102 and 13106 of Title 46, Shipping, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 13101 of Title 46,
and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 13103 of Title 46] shall take effect October 1, 1988."
E
D
1984 A
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1016, provided that: "The amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 777b, 777c to 777e, 777g, and 777k of this title]
shall take effect on October 1, 1984, and shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning after September 30,
1984."
E
D
Act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §13, 64 Stat. 434, which provided that the effective date of this chapter was July
1, 1950, was repealed by Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §122(a)(1), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1772.
S
T
2012 A
Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title IV, §34001, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 841, provided that: "This title [amending
section 777c of this title] may be cited as the 'Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of
2012'."
S
T
2005 A
Pub. L. 109–74, §1, Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2030, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 777c and
777n of this title, section 9504 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and section 13106 of Title 46, Shipping,
enacting provisions set out as notes under section 777b of this title and section 9504 of Title 26, and repealing
provisions set out as a note under section 777b of this title] may be cited as the 'Sportfishing and Recreational
Boating Safety Amendments Act of 2005'."
Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10101, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1926, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A
(§§10101–10143) of title X of Pub. L. 109–59, enacting section 777n of this title, amending sections 777b,
777c, 777g, 777g–1, 777h, 777k, and 777m of this title and sections 13102, 13104, and 13106 of Title 46,
Shipping, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 777b of this title, and amending provisions set
out as a note under this section and section 1322 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters] may be cited
as the 'Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2005'."
S
T
1998 A
Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7401(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 482, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle D
(§§7401–7405) of title VII of Pub. L. 105–178, enacting section 777g–1 of this title and amending sections
777a, 777c, and 777g of this title and sections 13104 and 13106 of Title 46, Shipping] may be cited as the
'Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998'."
S
T
1970 A
Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §204, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1104, provided that: "This title [amending sections
777c, 777e to 777g, and 777k of this title] may be cited as the 'Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act
Amendments of 1970'."
S
T
Act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §15, formerly §16, formerly §15, as added by Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §101(c),
Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1763; renumbered §16, Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10119, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat.
1929; renumbered §15, Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(g)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1621, provided
that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act'."
Act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, as amended, is also popularly known as the "Federal Aid in Fish Restoration
Act" and the "Fish Restoration and Management Projects Act".
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior in view of: creation of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Department of Commerce and Office of Administrator
of such Administration; abolition of Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in Department of the Interior and Office
of Director of such Bureau; transfers of functions, including functions formerly vested by law in Secretary of
the Interior or Department of the Interior which were administered through Bureau of Commercial Fisheries

or were primarily related to such Bureau, exclusive of certain enumerated functions with respect to Great
Lakes fishery research, Missouri River Reservoir research, Gulf-Breeze Biological Laboratory, and TransAlaska pipeline investigations; and transfer of marine sport fish program of Bureau of Sport Fisheries and
Wildlife by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, set out in the Appendix
to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
F
R
I
M
Pub. L. 106–502, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2294, as amended by Pub. L. 111–11, title XIII, §13002, Mar. 30,
2009, 123 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 114–322, title III, §4010(b)(7), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1874, provided that:
"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
"This Act may be cited as the 'Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000'.
"SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
"In this Act:
"(1) P
.—The term 'Pacific Ocean drainage area' means the area
comprised of portions of the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and California from which
water drains into the Pacific Ocean.
"(2) P
.—The term 'Program' means the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation
Program established by section 3(a).
"(3) S
.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
"SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM.
"(a) E
.—There is established the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Program
within the Department of the Interior.
"(b) G
.—The goals of the Program are—
"(1) to decrease fish mortality associated with the withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes
without impairing the continued withdrawal of water for those purposes; and
"(2) to decrease the incidence of juvenile and adult fish entering water supply systems.
"(c) I
F
.—
"(1) I
.—Under the Program, the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other
appropriate agencies, shall develop and implement projects to mitigate impacts to fisheries resulting from
the construction and operation of water diversions by local governmental entities (including soil and water
conservation districts) in the Pacific Ocean drainage area.
"(2) T
.—Projects eligible under the Program may include—
"(A) the development, improvement, or installation of—
"(i) fish screens;
"(ii) fish passage devices; and
"(iii) other related features agreed to by non-Federal interests, relevant Federal and tribal
agencies, and affected States; and
"(B) inventories by the States on the need and priority for projects described in clauses (i) through
(iii).
"(3) P
.—The Secretary shall give priority to any project that has a total cost of less than
$2,500,000.
"SEC. 4. PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.
"(a) N -F
.—
"(1) I
.—Non-Federal participation in the Program shall be voluntary.
"(2) F
.—The Secretary shall take no action that would result in any non-Federal entity
being held financially responsible for any action under the Program, unless the entity applies to participate
in the Program.
"(b) F
.—Development and implementation of projects under the Program on land or facilities owned
by the United States shall be nonreimbursable Federal expenditures.
"SEC. 5. EVALUATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF PROJECTS.

"Evaluation and prioritization of projects for development under the Program shall be conducted on the
basis of—
"(1) benefits to fish species native to the project area, particularly to species that are listed as being, or
considered by Federal or State authorities to be, endangered, threatened, or sensitive;
"(2) the size and type of water diversion;
"(3) the availability of other funding sources;
"(4) cost effectiveness; and
"(5) additional opportunities for biological or water delivery system benefits.
"SEC. 6. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
"(a) I G
.—A project carried out under the Program shall not be eligible for funding unless—
"(1) the project meets the requirements of the Secretary, as applicable, and any applicable State
requirements; and
"(2) the project is agreed to by all Federal and non-Federal entities with authority and responsibility for
the project.
"(b) D
E
.—In determining the eligibility of a project under this Act, the
Secretary shall—
"(1) consult with other Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies; and
"(2) make maximum use of all available data.
"SEC. 7. COST SHARING.
"(a) N -F
S
.—The non-Federal share of the cost of development and implementation of any
project under the Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be 35 percent.
"(b) N -F
C
.—The non-Federal participants in any project under the Program on
land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall provide all land, easements, rights-of-way,
dredged material disposal areas, and relocations necessary for the project.
"(c) C
C
.—
"(1) I
.—The value of land, easements, rights-of-way, dredged material disposal areas, and
relocations provided under subsection (b) for a project shall be credited toward the non-Federal share of the
costs of the project.
"(2) B
P
A
.—
"(A) I
.—The Secretary may, without further appropriation and without fiscal year
limitation, accept any amounts provided to the Secretary by the Administrator of the Bonneville Power
Administration.
"(B) N .—Any amounts provided by the Bonneville Power Administration
directly or through a grant to another entity for a project carried under the Program shall be credited
toward the non-Federal share of the costs of the project.
"(d) A
C
.—
"(1) N .—The non-Federal participants in any project carried out under
the Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be responsible for all costs
associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing the project.
"(2) F
.—The Federal Government shall be responsible for costs referred to in
paragraph (1) for projects carried out on Federal land or at a Federal facility.
"SEC. 8. LIMITATION ON ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDING.
"A project that receives funds under this Act shall be ineligible to receive Federal funds from any other
source for the same purpose.
"SEC. 9. REPORT.
"On the expiration of the third fiscal year for which any amounts are made available to carry out this Act,
the Secretary shall, after partnering with local governmental entities and the States in the Pacific Ocean
drainage area, submit to Congress a report describing—
"(1) the projects that have been completed under this Act;
"(2) the projects that will be completed with amounts made available under this Act during the
remaining fiscal years for which amounts are authorized to be appropriated under section 10; and

"(3) recommended changes to the Program as a result of projects that have been carried out under this
Act.
"SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
"(a) I G
.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $15 million through 2021.
"(b) L
.—
"(1) S
.—
"(A) I
.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), not more than 25 percent of the total
amount of funds made available under this section may be used for one or more projects in any single
State.
"(B) W
.—On notification to Congress, the Secretary may waive the limitation under
subparagraph (A) if a State is unable to use the entire amount of funding made available to the State
under this Act.
"(2) A
.—
"(A) D
.—In this paragraph, the term 'administrative
expense' means, except as provided in subparagraph (B)(iii)(II), any expenditure relating to—
"(i) staffing and overhead, such as the rental of office space and the acquisition of office
equipment; and
"(ii) the review, processing, and provision of applications for funding under the Program.
"(B) L
.—
"(i) I
.—Not more than 6 percent of amounts made available to carry out this Act
for each fiscal year may be used for Federal and State administrative expenses of carrying out this Act.
"(ii) F
.—To the maximum extent practicable, of the amounts made
available for administrative expenses under clause (i)—
"(I) 50 percent shall be provided to the State agencies provided assistance under the Program; and
"(II) an amount equal to the cost of 1 full-time equivalent Federal employee, as determined by the
Secretary, shall be provided to the Federal agency carrying out the Program.
"(iii) S
.—Amounts made available to States for administrative expenses under
clause (i)—
"(I) shall be divided evenly among all States provided assistance under the Program; and
"(II) may be used by a State to provide technical assistance relating to the program, including any staffing
expenditures (including staff travel expenses) associated with—
"(aa) arranging meetings to promote the Program to potential applicants;
"(bb) assisting applicants with the preparation of applications for funding under the Program;
and
"(cc) visiting construction sites to provide technical assistance, if requested by the
applicant."
[Pub. L. 114–322, title III, §4010(b)(7)(A), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1874, which directed the amendment of
section 10(a) of Pub. L. 106–502, set out above, by substituting "$15 million through 2021" for "$25 million
for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2015", was executed by making the substitution for "$25,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2009 through 2015" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

§777a. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter—
(1) the term "fish restoration and management projects" shall be construed to mean projects
designed for the restoration and management of all species of fish which have material value in
connection with sport or recreation in the marine and/or fresh waters of the United States and
include—
(A) such research into problems of fish management and culture as may be necessary to
efficient administration affecting fish resources;
(B) the acquisition of such facts as are necessary to guide and direct the regulation of fishing
by law, including the extent of the fish population, the drain on the fish supply from fishing

and/or natural causes, the necessity of legal regulation of fishing, and the effects of any
measures of regulation that are applied;
(C) the formulation and adoption of plans of restocking waters with food and game fishes
according to natural areas or districts to which such plans are applicable, together with the
acquisition of such facts as are necessary to the formulation, execution, and testing the efficacy
of such plans;
(D) the selection, restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of areas of water or land
adaptable as hatching, feeding, resting, or breeding places for fish, including acquisition by
purchase, condemnation, lease, or gift of such areas or estates or interests therein as are suitable
or capable of being made suitable therefor, and the construction thereon or therein of such
works as may be necessary to make them available for such purposes, and such preliminary or
incidental costs and expenses as may be incurred in and about such works; the term "State fish
and game department" shall be construed to mean and include any department or division of
department of another name, or commission, or official or officials, of a State empowered under
its laws to exercise the functions ordinarily exercised by a State fish and game department;
(2) the term "outreach and communications program" means a program to improve
communications with anglers, boaters, and the general public regarding angling and boating
opportunities, to reduce barriers to participation in these activities, to advance adoption of sound
fishing and boating practices, to promote conservation and the responsible use of the Nation's
aquatic resources, and to further safety in fishing and boating; and
(3) the term "aquatic resource education program" means a program designed to enhance the
public's understanding of aquatic resources and sportfishing, and to promote the development of
responsible attitudes and ethics toward the aquatic environment.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §2, 64 Stat. 431; July 2, 1956, ch. 489, §3, 70 Stat. 473; Pub. L. 86–624, §12,
July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 413; Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7402(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 483.)
A
1998—Pub. L. 105–178 inserted introductory provisions "For purposes of this chapter—", designated
existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "the term" for "For the purpose of this chapter the term",
redesignated subsecs. (a) to (d) as subpars. (A) to (D), respectively, of par. (1), substituted "department;" for
"department." at end of subpar. (D), realigned margins, and added pars. (2) and (3).
1960—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–624 struck out provisions which defined "State" as including the several
States and the Territory of Hawaii.
1956—Act July 2, 1956, included definition of "State".
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D
1956 A
Amendment by act July 2, 1956, as applicable only with respect to fiscal years beginning after July 2, 1956,
see section 5 of act July 2, 1956, set out as a note under section 669a of this title.

§777b. Authorization of appropriations
To carry out the provisions of this chapter for fiscal years after September 30, 1984, there are
authorized to be appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund established by
section 9504(a) of title 26 the amounts paid, transferred, or otherwise credited to that Trust Fund,
except as provided in section 9504(c) of title 26. For purposes of the provision of the Act of August
31, 1951, which refers to this section, such amounts shall be treated as the amounts that are equal to
the revenues described in this section. The appropriation made under the provisions of this section
for each fiscal year shall continue available during succeeding fiscal years. So much of such
appropriation apportioned to any State for any fiscal year as remains unexpended at the close thereof
is authorized to be made available for expenditure in that State until the close of the succeeding fiscal

year. Any amount apportioned to any State under the provisions of this chapter which is unexpended
or unobligated at the end of the period during which it is available for expenditure on any project is
authorized to be made available for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior to supplement the
58.012 percent of the balance of each annual appropriation to be apportioned among the States, as
provided for in section 777c(c) of this title.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §3, 64 Stat. 431; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(2), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1015; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10112(a),
(b)(1), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1927; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(a), Dec. 4, 2015, 129
Stat. 1619.)
R
T
The provision of the Act of August 31, 1951, referred to in text, is set out as a note below.
A
2015—Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "58.012 percent" for "57 percent".
2005—Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund" for "Sport Fish
Restoration Account", "that Trust Fund, except as provided in section 9504(c) of title 26" for "that Account",
"during succeeding fiscal years" for "during the succeeding fiscal year", and "to supplement the 57 percent of
the balance of each annual appropriation to be apportioned among the States, as provided for in section
777c(c) of this title" for "in carrying on the research program of the Fish and Wildlife Service in respect to fish
of material value for sport and recreation".
1986—Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954",
which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.
1984—Pub. L. 98–369 substituted "To carry out the provisions of this chapter for fiscal years after
September 30, 1984, there are authorized to be appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration Account
established by section 9504(a) of title 26 the amounts paid, transferred, or otherwise credited to that Account.
For purposes of the provision of the Act of August 31, 1951, which refers to this section, such amounts shall
be treated as the amounts that are equal to the revenues described in this section" for "To carry out the
provisions of this chapter, there is hereby authorized to be appropriated an amount equal to the revenue
accruing from tax imposed by section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code, as heretofore of hereafter extended
and amended, on fishing rods, creels, reels, and artificial lures, baits, and flies during the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1951, and each fiscal year thereafter".
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
E
D
2005 A
Pub. L. 109–74, title I, §101(b), Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2030, provided that: "Except as provided by the
amendments made by title II of this Act [amending section 777c of this title and section 13106 of Title 46,
Shipping], during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Sportfishing and Recreational
Boating Safety Act of 2005 [Aug. 10, 2005], and ending upon the expiration of fiscal year 2005, the
provisions of law amended by the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2005 [see Short Title
of 2005 Amendments note set out under section 777 of this title] (as amended by this Act) shall be considered
to read as such laws read immediately before the enactment of that Act."
Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10102, as added by Pub. L. 109–74, title I, §101(a)(2), Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat.
2030, provided that: "The amendments made by this subtitle [subtitle A (§§10101–10143) of title X of Pub. L.
109–59, see Short Title of 2005 Amendments note set out under section 777 of this title] shall take effect
October 1, 2005."
Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10112(b)(2), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1927, which provided that the amendments
made by section 10112(b)(1) of Pub. L. 109–59 (amending this section) would take effect on Oct. 1, 2005,
was repealed by Pub. L. 109–74, title I, §101(a)(1), Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2030. See section 10102 of Pub.
L. 109–59, set out above.

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D
1984 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.
A
F
U
E
Act Aug. 31, 1951, ch. 375, title I, §101, 65 Stat. 262, provided that: "For carrying out the provisions of the
Act of August 9, 1950 (Public Law 681) [this chapter], amounts equal to the revenues described in section 3
of said Act [this section] and credited during the next preceding fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to
remain available until expended."

§777c. Division of annual appropriations
(a) In general
For each fiscal year through fiscal year 2021, the balance of each annual appropriation made in
accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title remaining after the distributions for
administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) and for activities under section
777m(e) of this title shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Coastal wetlands
An amount equal to 18.673 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for distribution as provided
in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection,1 and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3951 et seq.).
(2) Boating safety
An amount equal to 17.315 percent to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard
is operating for State recreational boating safety programs under section 13107 of title 46.
(3) Boating infrastructure improvement
(A) In general
An amount equal to 4 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for qualified projects under
section 5604(c) of the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (33 U.S.C. 1322 note) and section 777g–1(d) of
this title.
(B) Limitation
Not more than 75 percent of the amount under subparagraph (A) shall be available for
projects under either of the sections referred to in subparagraph (A).
(4) National outreach and communications
An amount equal to 2.0 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for the National Outreach and
Communications Program under section 777g(d) of this title. Such amounts shall remain available
for 3 fiscal years, after which any portion thereof that is unobligated by the Secretary for that
program may be expended by the Secretary under subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Set-aside for expenses for administration of this chapter
(1) In general
(A) Set-aside for administration
From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each
fiscal year through fiscal year 2021, the Secretary of the Interior may use no more than the
amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration

incurred in the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h
of this title. The amount specified in subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year may not be included in
the amount of the annual appropriation distributed under subsection (a) for the fiscal year.
(B) Available amounts
The available amount referred to in subparagraph (A) is—
(i) for each of fiscal years 2001 and 2002, $9,000,000;
(ii) for fiscal year 2003, $8,212,000; and
(iii) for fiscal year 2004 and each fiscal year thereafter, the sum of—
(I) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year; and
(II) the amount determined by multiplying—
(aa) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year; and
(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for
All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.
(2) Set-aside for Coast Guard administration
(A) In general
From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of
fiscal years 2016 through 2021, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating may use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for
the purposes set forth in section 13107(c) of title 46. The amount specified in subparagraph (B)
for a fiscal year may not be included in the amount of the annual appropriation distributed under
subsection (a) for the fiscal year.
(B) Available amounts
The available amount referred to in subparagraph (A) is—
(i) for fiscal year 2016, $7,700,000; and
(ii) for fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, the sum of—
(I) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year; and
(II) the amount determined by multiplying—
(aa) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year; and
(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for
All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.
(3) Period of availability; apportionment of unobligated amounts
(A) Period of availability
For each fiscal year, the available amount under paragraph (1) shall remain available for
obligation for use under that paragraph until the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
(B) Apportionment of unobligated amounts
Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior shall
apportion among the States any of the available amount under paragraph (1) that remains
unobligated at the end of the fiscal year, on the same basis and in the same manner as other
amounts made available under this chapter are apportioned among the States under subsection
(c) for the fiscal year.
(c) Apportionment among States
(1) The Secretary, after the distribution, transfer, use and deduction under subsection (b), and after
deducting amounts used for activities under section 777m(e) of this title, shall apportion 58.012
percent of the balance of each such annual appropriation among the several States in the following
manner: 40 percent in the ratio which the area of each State including coastal and Great Lakes waters
(as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) bears to the total area of all the States, and 60 percent
in the ratio which the number of persons holding paid licenses to fish for sport or recreation in the

State in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which such apportionment is made, as
certified to said Secretary by the State fish and game departments, bears to the number of such
persons in all the States. Such apportionments shall be adjusted equitably so that no State shall
receive less than 1 percent nor more than 5 percent of the total amount apportioned. Where the
apportionment to any State under this section is less than $4,500 annually, the Secretary of the
Interior may allocate not more than $4,500 of said appropriation to said State to carry out the
purposes of this chapter when said State certifies to the Secretary of the Interior that it has set aside
not less than $1,500 from its fish-and-game funds or has made, through its legislature, an
appropriation in this amount of said purposes.
(2) The Secretary shall deduct from the amount to be apportioned under paragraph (1) the amounts
used for grants under section 777m(a) of this title.
(d) Unallocated funds
So much of any sum not allocated under the provisions of this section for any fiscal year is hereby
authorized to be made available for expenditure to carry out the purposes of this chapter until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year. The term fiscal year as used in this section shall be a period of
twelve consecutive months from October 1 through the succeeding September 30, except that the
period for enumeration of persons holding licenses to fish shall be a State's fiscal or license year.
(e) Expenses for administration of certain programs
(1) In general
For each fiscal year, of the amounts appropriated under section 777b of this title, the Secretary
of the Interior shall use only funds authorized for use under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5) of
subsection (a) to pay the expenses for administration incurred in carrying out the provisions of law
referred to in those paragraphs, respectively.
(2) Maximum amount
For each fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than $900,000 in accordance
with paragraph (1).
(f) Transfer of certain funds
Amounts available under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) that are unobligated by the
Secretary of the Interior after 3 fiscal years shall be transferred to the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating and shall be expended for State recreational boating safety
programs under section 13107(a) of title 46.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §4, 64 Stat. 432; Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §201, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1101;
Pub. L. 94–273, §4(2), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(3), July
18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1015; Pub. L. 101–646, title III, §308, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4787; Pub. L. 102–
587, title V, §5604(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5087; Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §§7402(b), 7403,
June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 483, 485; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9012(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 864;
Pub. L. 106–74, title IV, §430, Oct. 20, 1999, 113 Stat. 1096; Pub. L. 106–377, §1(a)(2) [title VI,
§605], Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1441, 1441A–85; Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §§121(a), (c), 122(b)–124,
Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1769, 1772, 1774; Pub. L. 108–88, §9(a), (b), Sept. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 1126;
Pub. L. 108–202, §7(a), (b), Feb. 29, 2004, 118 Stat. 483; Pub. L. 108–224, §6(a), (b), Apr. 30, 2004,
118 Stat. 632; Pub. L. 108–263, §6(a), (b), June 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 703; Pub. L. 108–280, §6(a), (b),
July 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 881, 882; Pub. L. 108–310, §9(a), (b), Sept. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 1159; Pub. L.
108–447, div. C, title I, §114(b), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2944; Pub. L. 109–14, §8(a), (b), May 31,
2005, 119 Stat. 334; Pub. L. 109–20, §8(a), (b), July 1, 2005, 119 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 109–35, §8(a),
(b), July 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 389; Pub. L. 109–37, §8(a), (b), July 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 404, 405; Pub.
L. 109–40, §8(a), (b), July 28, 2005, 119 Stat. 421; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10113, Aug. 10, 2005,
119 Stat. 1927; Pub. L. 109–74, title II, §§201, 202, Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2031; Pub. L. 109–241,
title IX, §901(r)(1), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 109–304, §16(c)(1), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat.

1705; Pub. L. 111–68, div. B, §160, Oct. 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 2052; Pub. L. 111–147, title IV, §423(b),
Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 87; Pub. L. 111–322, title II, §2203(b), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3526; Pub.
L. 112–5, title II, §203(b), Mar. 4, 2011, 125 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 112–30, title I, §123(b), Sept. 16, 2011,
125 Stat. 349; Pub. L. 112–102, title II, §203(b), Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 275; Pub. L. 112–140, title
II, §203(b), June 29, 2012, 126 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title IV, §34002, July 6, 2012, 126
Stat. 842; Pub. L. 113–159, title I, §1103, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1845; Pub. L. 114–21, title I,
§1103, May 29, 2015, 129 Stat. 222; Pub. L. 114–41, title I, §1103, July 31, 2015, 129 Stat. 449;
Pub. L. 114–73, title I, §1103, Oct. 29, 2015, 129 Stat. 572; Pub. L. 114–87, title I, §1103, Nov. 20,
2015, 129 Stat. 681; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1619.)
R
T
The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is title III of
Pub. L. 101–646, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4778, which enacted chapter 59A (§3951 et seq.) of this title and
amended this section. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under
section 3951 of this title and Tables.
Section 5604(c) of the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is section 5604(c) of Pub.
L. 102–587, which is set out as a note under section 1322 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
A
2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(1)(A), substituted "For each fiscal year through fiscal year
2021, the balance" for "For each fiscal year through 2015 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015,
and ending on October 29, 2015, the balance" and "activities under section 777m(e) of this title" for
"multistate conservation grants under section 777m of this title" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 114–87, §1103(1), which directed substitution of "December 4, 2015" for "November 20, 2015" in
introductory provisions, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective
Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2015 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 114–73, §1103(1), which directed substitution of "November 20, 2015" for "October 29, 2015" in
introductory provisions, could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective
Oct. 1, 2015. See Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2015 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 114–41, §1103(1), substituted "each fiscal year through 2015 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015" for "each fiscal year through 2014 and for the period
beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 114–21, §1103(1), substituted "July 31, 2015" for "May 31, 2015" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(1)(B), substituted "18.673 percent" for "18.5 percent".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(1)(C), substituted "17.315 percent" for "18.5 percent".
Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(1)(D)–(F), added par. (3), redesignated par. (5) as (4), and
struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which related to Clean Vessel Act and boating infrastructure, respectively.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(2)(A), substituted "for each fiscal year through fiscal year
2021, the Secretary" for "for each fiscal year ending before October 1, 2015, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015, the Secretary".
Pub. L. 114–87, §1103(2), which directed substitution of "December 4, 2015," for "November 20, 2015,",
could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See
Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2015 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 114–73, §1103(2), which directed substitution of "November 20, 2015," for "October 29, 2015,",
could not be executed due to intervening amendment by Pub. L. 114–94, effective Oct. 1, 2015. See
Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2015 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 114–41, §1103(2), substituted "for each fiscal year ending before October 1, 2015, and for the
period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015," for "for each fiscal year ending before
October 1, 2014, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,".
Pub. L. 114–21, §1103(2), substituted "July 31, 2015," for "May 31, 2015,".
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(2)(C), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(2)(B), redesignated par. (2) as (3).
Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(2)(D)(i), substituted "until the end of the subsequent fiscal
year." for "until the end of the fiscal year."

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(2)(D)(ii), substituted "under subsection (c)" for "under
subsection (e)".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(3), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted comma after
"The Secretary", substituted "activities under section 777m(e) of this title" for "grants under section 777m of
this title" and "58.012 percent" for "57 percent", and added par. (2).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(b)(4), substituted "those paragraphs," for "those subsections,".
2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–159, §1103(1), inserted "and for the period beginning on October 1, 2014,
and ending on May 31, 2015" after "2014" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–159, §1103(2), substituted "for each fiscal year ending before October 1,
2014, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on May 31, 2015," for "for each fiscal year
through 2014,".
2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–141, §34002(1), substituted "fiscal year through 2014," for "of fiscal years
2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012," in
introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 112–140, §§1(c), 203(b)(1), temporarily substituted "ending on July 6, 2012," for "ending on June
30, 2012," in introductory provisions. See Termination Date of 2012 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 112–102, §203(b)(1), substituted "2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and
ending on June 30, 2012," for "2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–141, §34002(2), which directed substitution of "fiscal year through 2014,"
for "of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012,", was executed by making the substitution for "of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012," to reflect the probable intent of Congress and
amendment by Pub. L. 112–102, §203(b)(2). See below.
Pub. L. 112–140, §§1(c), 203(b)(2), temporarily substituted "ending on July 6, 2012," for "ending on June
30, 2012,". See Termination Date of 2012 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 112–102, §203(b)(2), substituted "2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and
ending on June 30, 2012," for "2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012,".
2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–30, §123(b)(1), substituted "2011 and for the period beginning on October
1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012," for "2011," in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 112–5, §203(b)(1), substituted "through 2011," for "through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on March 4, 2011," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–30, §123(b)(2), substituted "2011 and for the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012," for "2011,".
Pub. L. 112–5, §203(b)(2), substituted "through 2011," for "through 2010, and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on March 4, 2011,".
2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–322, §2203(b), substituted "For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, and
for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 4, 2011, the balance of each annual
appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title remaining after the
distributions for administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) and for multistate
conservation grants under section 777m of this title shall be distributed as follows:" for introductory
provisions which read as follows: "For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010 and for the period beginning on
October 1, 2010, and ending on December 31, 2010, and the period from October 1, 2009, through the date
specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into
law, the balance of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this
title remaining after the distributions for administrative expenses and other purposes under subsection (b) of
this section and for multistate conservation grants under section 777m of this title shall be distributed as
follows:".
Pub. L. 111–147, §423(b)(1), which directed substitution of "2010 and for the period beginning on October
1, 2010, and ending on December 31, 2010," for "2009," in introductory provisions, was executed by making
the substitution for "2009," the first place it appeared.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–322, §2203(b)(2), substituted "From the annual appropriation made in
accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, and for the period

beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 4, 2011, the Secretary of the Interior may use no more
than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in
the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h of this title." for "From
the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 777b of this title, for each of fiscal years 2006
through 2009 and the period from October 1, 2009, through the date specified in section 106(3) of the first
Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into law,, the Secretary of the Interior may
use no more than the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration
incurred in the implementation of this chapter, in accordance with this section and section 777h of this title."
Pub. L. 111–147, §423(b)(2), which directed substitution of "and for the period beginning on October 1,
2010, and ending on December 31, 2010," for "2010,", could not be executed because "2010," did not appear.
2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–68, §160(1), inserted "and the period from October 1, 2009, through the
date specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted
into law," after "2009," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–68, §160(2), inserted "and the period from October 1, 2009, through the date
specified in section 106(3) of the first Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 enacted into
law," after "2009".
2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted "13107" for "13106".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–241 struck out ", for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009," after "The
Secretary".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted "13107(a)" for "13106(a)".
2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), (2), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a)
which read as follows: "The Secretary of the Interior shall distribute 18 per centum of each annual
appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as provided in the Coastal
Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (title III, Public Law 101–646). Notwithstanding the
provisions of section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out such Act through fiscal
year 2019."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b)
which related to use of the balance of each annual appropriation remaining after making the distribution under
subsec. (a) in fiscal years 1998 through 2005.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(3), added subpar. (A) and struck out heading and text of former
subpar. (A). Text read as follows: "For fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter, of the balance of each
such annual appropriation remaining after the distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c) and
section 777m of this title, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than the available amount specified in
subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for expenses for administration incurred in implementation of this chapter,
in accordance with this subsection and section 777h of this title."
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–74, §202, substituted "Fiscal" for "First 303 days of fiscal" in heading,
"September 30, 2005" for "July 30, 2005" and "$82,000,000" for "$68,071,233" in introductory provisions,
"$10,000,000" for "$8,301,370" in subpar. (A), and "$8,000,000" for "$6,641,096" in subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 109–40, §8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 303 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 300
days of fiscal year 2005.
Pub. L. 109–37, §8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 300 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 42
weeks of fiscal year 2005.
Pub. L. 109–35, §8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 42 weeks of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 292
days of fiscal year 2005.
Pub. L. 109–20, §8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 292 days of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 9
months of fiscal year 2005.
Pub. L. 109–14, §8(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 9 months of fiscal year 2005 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for fiscal year
2004.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(4), (5), substituted "Secretary, for each of fiscal years 2006 through
2009, after the distribution, transfer, use and deduction under subsection (b), and after deducting amounts used
for grants under section 777m of this title, shall apportion 57 percent of the balance" for "Secretary of the
Interior, after the distribution, transfer, use, and deduction under subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d), respectively,
and after deducting amounts used for grants under section 777m of this title, shall apportion the remainder"
and "percent" for "per centum" after "40", "60", "1", and "5".
Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which
obligated amounts for the National Outreach and Communications Program for fiscal years 1999 through
2005.
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 109–74, §201, amended par. (7) generally, substituting "$10,000,000 for fiscal year
2005;" for "$8,301,370 for the period of October 1, 2004, through July 30, 2005;".
Pub. L. 109–40, §8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows:
"$8,219,180 for the period of October 1, 2004, through July 27, 2005;".
Pub. L. 109–37, §8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows:
"$8,099,997 for the period of October 1, 2004, through July 21, 2005;".
Pub. L. 109–35, §8(a), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows:
"$8,000,000 for the period of October 1, 2004, through July 19, 2005;".
Pub. L. 109–20, §8(a), substituted "(7) $8,000,000 for the period of October 1, 2004, through July 19,
2005;" for "(6) $7,499,997 for the period of October 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005;".
Pub. L. 109–14, §8(a), directed amendment of par. (7) generally by substituting "(6) $7,499,997 for the
period of October 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005;" for "(7) $6,666,664 for the period of October 1, 2004,
through May 31, 2005;". See above.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (b).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(6), substituted "paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a)"
for "subsections (a), (b)(3)(A), (b)(3)(B), and (c)".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(7), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–59, §10113(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).
2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–447 substituted "2019" for "2009".
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–310, §9(b)(1), inserted heading and struck out former heading which read "First
10 months of fiscal year 2004".
Pub. L. 108–280, §6(b), substituted "fiscal year 2004" for "the period of October 1, 2003, through July 31,
2004" and "$82,000,000" for "$68,333,332" in introductory provisions, "$10,000,000" for "$8,333,332" in
subpar. (A), and "$8,000,000" for "$6,666,668" in subpar. (B) and directed amendment of heading by striking
"First 9 months of", which could not be executed.
Pub. L. 108–263, §6(b), substituted "10 months" for "9 months" in heading, "July 31" for "April 30" and
"$68,333,332" for "$61,499,999" in introductory provisions, "$8,333,332" for "$7,499,999" in subpar. (A),
and "$6,666,668" for "$6,000,001" in subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 108–224, §6(b), substituted "9 months" for "7 months" in heading, "$61,499,999" for
"$47,833,333" in introductory provisions, "$7,499,999" for "$5,833,333" in subpar. (A), and "$6,000,001" for
"$4,666,667" in subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 108–202, §7(b), amended heading and text of par. (4) generally, substituting provisions relating to
use of funds for first 7 months of fiscal year 2004 for similar provisions relating to use of funds for first 5
months of fiscal year 2004.
Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 108–310, §9(b)(2), (3), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–280, §6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as
follows: "$8,333,332 for the period of October 1, 2003, through July 31, 2004;".
Pub. L. 108–263, §6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows:
"$7,499,999 for the period of October 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004;".
Pub. L. 108–224, §6(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows:
"$5,833,333 for the period of October 1, 2003, through April 30, 2004;".
Pub. L. 108–202, §7(a), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows:
"$4,166,667 for the period of October 1, 2003, through February 29, 2004;".
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 108–310, §9(a), added par. (7).

2003—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 108–88, §9(b), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–88, §9(a), added par. (6).
2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–377 and Pub. L. 106–408, §123, amended subsec. (a) identically,
substituting "fiscal year 2009" for "fiscal year 2000".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–408, §121(a), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as
follows: "Of the balance of each such annual appropriation remaining after the distribution and use under
subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively, so much, not to exceed 6 per centum of such balance, as the
Secretary of the Interior may estimate to be necessary for his or her expenses in the conduct of necessary
investigations, administration, and the execution of this chapter, for an outreach and communications program
and for aiding in the formulation, adoption, or administration of any compact between two or more States for
the conservation and management of migratory fishes in marine or freshwaters, shall be deducted for that
purpose, and such sum is authorized to be made available until the expiration of the next succeeding fiscal
year. Of the sum available to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection for any fiscal year, up to
$2,500,000 may be used for the National Outreach and Communications Program under section 777g(d) of
this title in addition to the amount available for that program under subsection (c). No funds available to the
Secretary under this subsection may be used to replace funding traditionally provided through general
appropriations, nor for any purposes except those purposes authorized by this chapter. The Secretary shall
publish a detailed accounting of the projects, programs, and activities funded under this subsection annually in
the Federal Register."
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–408, §122(b), inserted "and after deducting amounts used for grants under section
777m of this title," after "respectively," in first sentence.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–408, §124, struck out before period at end of first sentence ", and if unexpended or
unobligated at the end of such year, such sum is hereby authorized to be made available for expenditure by the
Secretary of the Interior in carrying on the research program of the Fish and Wildlife Service in respect to fish
of material value for sport or recreation".
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–408, §121(c), added subsec. (g).
1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–74 substituted "fiscal year 2000" for "fiscal year 1999" in second sentence.
1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §7403(a), as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, §9012(b)(1), inserted
heading and amended text generally, substituting provisions relating to fiscal years 1998 to 2003 for
provisions relating to fiscal years 1993 to 1998.
Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 105–178, §7403(b), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9012(b)(2), made a technical
amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 777g–1(d) of this title.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(1), (2), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(3)–(5), substituted "subsections (a), (b), and (c)," for "subsections
(a) and (b),", inserted ", for an outreach and communications program" after "chapter", and inserted at end "Of
the sum available to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection for any fiscal year, up to $2,500,000
may be used for the National Outreach and Communications Program under section 777g(d) of this title in
addition to the amount available for that program under subsection (c). No funds available to the Secretary
under this subsection may be used to replace funding traditionally provided through general appropriations,
nor for any purposes except those purposes authorized by this chapter. The Secretary shall publish a detailed
accounting of the projects, programs, and activities funded under this subsection annually in the Federal
Register."
Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(6), substituted "subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d)" for "subsections
(a), (b), and (c)".
Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f).
1992—Pub. L. 102–587 added subsecs. (a) to (c), inserted subsec. (d) designation and substituted "The
Secretary of the Interior, after the distribution, transfer, use, and deduction under subsections (a), (b), and (c),
respectively, shall apportion the remainder of each such annual appropriation among the several States" for
"So much, not to exceed 6 per centum, of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions
of section 777b of this title as the Secretary of the Interior may estimate to be necessary for his expenses in the
conduct of necessary investigations, administration, and the execution of this chapter and for aiding in the
formulation, adoption, or administration of any compact between two or more States for the conservation and

management of migratory fishes in marine or freshwaters shall be deducted for that purpose, and such sum is
authorized to be made available therefor until the expiration of the next succeeding fiscal year. The Secretary
shall distribute 18 per centum of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section
777b of this title as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act: Provided,
That, notwithstanding the provisions of section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out
such Act through fiscal year 1999. The Secretary of the Interior, after making the aforesaid deduction, shall
apportion the remainder of the appropriation for each fiscal year among the several States", and inserted
subsec. (e) designation.
1990—Pub. L. 101–646 inserted after first sentence "The Secretary shall distribute 18 per centum of each
annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title as provided in the
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act: Provided, That, notwithstanding the provisions of
section 777b of this title, such sums shall remain available to carry out such Act through fiscal year 1999."
1984—Pub. L. 98–369 revised deductible amount from not to exceed 8 per centum to not to exceed 6 per
centum.
1976—Pub. L. 94–273 substituted "September" for "June", and "October" for "July".
1970—Pub. L. 91–503 changed method of apportionment of funds by striking out reference to "to all the
States" and inserted definition of "fiscal year".
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
T
D
2012 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 to cease to be effective on July 6, 2012, with text as amended by Pub. L.
112–140 to revert back to read as it did on the day before June 29, 2012, and amendments by Pub. L. 112–141
to be executed as if Pub. L. 112–140 had not been enacted, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as an
Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
E
D
2005 A
From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, section considered to read as immediately before enactment
of Pub. L. 109–59, except as provided by the amendments by sections 201 and 202 of Pub. L. 109–74, see
section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.
E
D
1998 A
Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated
as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day
before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section
9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
E
D
1984 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.
1 So

in original. The comma probably should not appear.

§777d. Certification of funds deducted for expenses and amounts apportioned to
States

For each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1951, the Secretary of the
Interior shall certify, at the time at which a deduction or apportionment is made, to the Secretary of
the Treasury, and to each State fish and game department, the sum which he has estimated to be
deducted for administering this chapter and the sum which he has apportioned to each State for such
fiscal year.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §5, 64 Stat. 432; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(4), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1015; Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §125, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1775.)
A
2000—Pub. L. 106–408 inserted ", at the time at which a deduction or apportionment is made," after
"certify" and struck out "and executing" after "administering".
1984—Pub. L. 98–369 struck out provisions relating to notice by the State to the Secretary of intention to
accept, and use of funds where the State fails to accept.
E
D
1984 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

§777e. Submission and approval of plans and projects
(a) Apportionment of funds
Any State desiring to avail itself of the benefits of this chapter shall, by its State fish and game
department, submit programs or projects for fish restoration in either of the following two ways:
(1) The State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a comprehensive fish and
wildlife resource management plan which shall insure the perpetuation of these resources for the
economic, scientific, and recreational enrichment of the people. Such plan shall be for a period of not
less than five years and be based on projections of desires and needs of the people for a period of not
less than fifteen years. It shall include provisions for updating at intervals of not more than three
years and be provided in a format as may be required by the Secretary of the Interior. If the Secretary
of the Interior finds that such plans conform to standards established by him and approves such
plans, he may finance up to 75 per centum of the cost of implementing segments of those plans
meeting the purposes of this chapter from funds apportioned under this chapter upon his approval of
an annual agreement submitted to him.
(2) A State may elect to avail itself of the benefits of this chapter by its State fish and game
department submitting to the Secretary of the Interior full and detailed statements of any fish
restoration and management project proposed for that State. If the Secretary of the Interior finds that
such project meets with the standards set by him and approves said project, the State fish and game
department shall furnish to him such surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates therefor as he may
require. If the Secretary of the Interior approves the plans, specifications, and estimates for the
project, he shall notify the State fish and game department and immediately set aside so much of said
appropriation as represents the share of the United States payable under this chapter on account of
such project, which sum so set aside shall not exceed 75 per centum of the total estimated cost
thereof.
The Secretary of the Interior shall approve only such comprehensive plans or projects as may be
substantial in character and design and the expenditure of funds hereby authorized shall be applied
only to such approved comprehensive fishery plan or projects and if otherwise applied they shall be
replaced by the State before it may participate in any further apportionment under this chapter. No

payment of any money apportioned under this chapter shall be made on any comprehensive fishery
plan or project until an agreement to participate therein shall have been submitted to and approved by
the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) "Project" defined
If the State elects to avail itself of the benefits of this chapter by preparing a comprehensive fish
and wildlife plan under option (1) of subsection (a) of this section, then the term "project" may be
defined for the purpose of this chapter as a fishery program, all other definitions notwithstanding.
(c) Costs
Administrative costs in the form of overhead or indirect costs for services provided by State
central service activities outside of the State fish and game department charged against programs or
projects supported by funds made available under this chapter shall not exceed in any one fiscal year
3 per centum of the annual apportionment to the State.
(d) Agreements to finance initial costs of acquisition of lands and construction of structures
The Secretary of the Interior may enter into agreements to finance up to 75 per centum of the
initial costs of the acquisition of lands or interests therein and the construction of structures or
facilities from appropriations currently available for the purposes of this chapter; and to agree to
finance up to 75 per centum of the remaining costs over such a period of time as the Secretary may
consider necessary. The liability of the United States in any such agreement is contingent upon the
continued availability of funds for the purposes of this chapter.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §6, 64 Stat. 432; Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §202, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1102;
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(5), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1016; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A,
title X, §10001(c), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1621.)
A
2015—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "from appropriations" for "for appropriations".
1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–369 added subsec. (d).
1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–503 added an alternative method of application for funds by submission of a
comprehensive fish and wildlife resource management plan for a period of five years based on projections for
fifteen years, to be updated every three years, laid down a maximum limit of assistance of 75 percent of the
estimated cost of the implementation of plan, and in existing method of application struck out reference to
Secretary of the Treasury and requirement that State pay 10 percent of costs.
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 91–503 added subsecs. (b) and (c).
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
E
D
1984 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

§777e–1. New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act of 1990
(a) Short title
This section may be cited as the "New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act of 1990".
(b) Purposes

The purposes of this section are to—
(1) ensure timely and effective implementation of restoration plans and programs for Atlantic
salmon and other fishery resources of selected river systems in New England;
(2) complete a study of fish passage impediments and requirements on small streams and rivers
in New England; and
(3) develop an inventory of important fish and wildlife habitat and other natural areas of river
basins in New England.
(c) Implementation of fishery resource restoration plans
The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, hereinafter referred to as the Director,
in consultation with the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall formulate, establish and implement programs to restore and
maintain nationally significant, interjurisdictional fishery resources originating in New England river
systems, including the Connecticut, Thames, Pawcatuck, Merrimack, Saco, Androscoggin,
Kennebec, Sheepscot, Duck Trap, St. George, Penobscot, Union, Narraguagus, Pleasant, Machias,
Dennys, St. Croix, Meduxnekeag and Aroostock and their tributaries. These programs shall be in
accordance with the schedule and responsibilities established in comprehensive basin-wide
restoration plans prepared by the Director in cooperation with State, local, and other entities involved
and interested in the conservation and management of the affected fishery resources. Preparation and
periodic revision of restoration plans, and their implementation, shall be based on a Memorandum of
Agreement for each restoration program which shall be entered into by the Director and cooperating
entities. The Director shall prepare and submit to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and
Fisheries and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works an annual report
documenting activities undertaken and accomplishments achieved in fulfillment of this section,
including an assessment of the prognosis for restoration of each of the stocks and species involved.
(d) Fish passage study
The Director shall conduct a study to identify impediments to upstream and downstream passage
of fish in rivers and streams in the New England States due to dams that are not licensed by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other human-caused obstructions. In addition, the study
shall identify actions needed to alleviate those impediments where desirable and feasible. The study
shall include, but not be limited to, identifying—
(1) all dams not licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other humancaused obstructions on New England rivers and streams where construction of upstream or
downstream fish passage facilities or their removal would benefit fishery resources, including an
estimate of the degree of benefits expected; and
(2) the proposed nature and size and estimated cost of appropriate fish passage facilities or other
actions determined to be necessary and feasible or each dam or other obstruction identified in
response to paragraph (1).
The Director shall provide notice to the public of the extent and nature of the study by publication
of such information in major newspapers in the region and by other appropriate means. Within three
years of November 16, 1990, the Director shall submit a report containing the findings, conclusions
and recommendations of the study to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and
the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
(e) New England rivers fish and wildlife inventory
The Director shall inventory the natural values of river basins in New England, including the
Connecticut, Pawcatuck, Acushnet, North and South (in Plymouth County, Massachusetts), Charles,
Merrimack, Saco, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Penobscot, Union, St. Croix, and Aroostock Rivers and
their tributaries, and identify fish and wildlife habitat in most need of protection or where public
access to the rivers should be provided. In addition, the Director shall, in cooperation with

appropriate State agencies and local governments and after providing notice and opportunity for
public comment, identify appropriate public or private measures for providing the necessary
protection or access for each area included in the inventory. Within two years of November 16, 1990,
the Director shall submit a report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the
inventory and assessment to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Senate
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director—
(1) $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 to implement fishery
resource restoration plans and programs, except for activities related to the design and construction
of fish passage facilities, as directed by subsection (c);
(2) $500,000 per year for fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993 to conduct the study required under
subsection (d); and
(3) $500,000 to conduct the inventory and assessment required under section 1 (e).
(Pub. L. 101–593, title I, §111, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2960.)
R
T
This section, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", which probably was intended as a
reference to New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act of 1990, section 111 of Pub. L. 101–593, title I,
Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2960, which is classified generally to this section.
C
Section was enacted as the New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act of 1990, and not as part of the
Fish Restoration and Management Projects Act which comprises this chapter.
A
H
C
M
M
F
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction
transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Resources of House of
Representatives in case of provisions relating to fisheries, wildlife, international fishing agreements, marine
affairs (including coastal zone management) except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of
navigable waters, or oceanography by section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21
of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on
Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress,
Jan. 5, 2007.
1 So

in original. Probably should be "subsection".

§777f. Payments by United States
(a) Payments and advances to States
When the Secretary of the Interior shall find that any project approved by him has been completed
or, if involving research relating to fish, is being conducted, in compliance with said plans and
specifications, he shall cause to be paid to the proper authority of said State the amount set aside for
said project. The Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion, from time to time, make payments
on said project as the same progresses; but these payments, including previous payments, if any, shall
not be more than the United States' pro rata share of the project in conformity with said plans and
specifications. If a State has elected to avail itself of the benefits of this chapter by preparing a
comprehensive fish and wildlife plan as provided for under option (1) of subsection (a) of section
777e of this title, and this plan has been approved by the Secretary of the Interior, then the Secretary

may, in his discretion, and under such rules and regulations, as he may prescribe, advance funds to
the State for financing the United States' pro rata share agreed upon between the State fish and game
department and the Secretary.
(b) Construction work; joint payments
Any construction work and labor in each State shall be performed in accordance with its laws and
under the direct supervision of the State fish and game department, subject to the inspection and
approval of the Secretary of the Interior and in accordance with the rules and regulations made
pursuant to this chapter. The Secretary of the Interior and the State fish and game department of each
State may jointly determine at what times and in what amounts payments shall be made under this
chapter. Such payments shall be made against the said appropriation to such official or officials, or
depository, as may be designated by the State fish and game department and authorized under the
laws of the State to receive public funds of the State.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §7, 64 Stat. 433; Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §202, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1103.)
A
1970—Pub. L. 91–503 divided existing provisions into subsecs. (a) and (b) and authorized advance
payments by the Secretary to the States for financing the United States' pro rata share of the comprehensive
fish and wildlife plan.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

§777g. Maintenance of projects
(a) Duty of States; status of projects; title to property
To maintain fish-restoration and management projects established under the provisions of this
chapter shall be the duty of the States according to their respective laws. Beginning July 1, 1953,
maintenance of projects heretofore completed under the provisions of this chapter may be considered
as projects under this chapter. Title to any real or personal property acquired by any State, and to
improvements placed on State-owned lands through the use of funds paid to the State under the
provisions of this chapter, shall be vested in such State.
(b) Funding requirements
(1) Each State shall allocate 15 percent of the funds apportioned to it for each fiscal year under
section 777c of this title for the payment of up to 75 per centum of the costs of the acquisition,
development, renovation, or improvement of facilities (and auxiliary facilities necessary to insure the
safe use of such facilities) that create, or add to, public access to the waters of the United States to
improve the suitability of such waters for recreational boating purposes. Notwithstanding this
provision, States within a United States Fish and Wildlife Service Administrative Region may
allocate more or less than 15 percent in a fiscal year, provided that the total regional allocation
averages 15 percent over a 5 year period.
(2) So much of the funds that are allocated by a State under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year that
remained unexpended or unobligated at the close of such year are authorized to be made available for
the purposes described in paragraph (1) during the succeeding four fiscal years, but any portion of
such funds that remain unexpended or unobligated at the close of such period are authorized to be
made available for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior to supplement the 58.012 percent of
the balance of each annual appropriation to be apportioned among the States under section 777c(c) of
this title.
(c) Aquatic resource education program; funding, etc.

Each State may use not to exceed 15 percent of the funds apportioned to it under section 777c of
this title to pay up to 75 per centum of the costs of an aquatic resource education and outreach and
communications program for the purpose of increasing public understanding of the Nation's water
resources and associated aquatic life forms. The non-Federal share of such costs may not be derived
from other Federal grant programs. The Secretary shall issue not later than the one hundred and
twentieth day after the effective date of this subsection such regulations as he deems advisable
regarding the criteria for such programs.
(d) National Outreach and Communications Program
(1) Implementation
Within 1 year after June 9, 1998, the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and implement, in
cooperation and consultation with the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, a national
plan for outreach and communications.
(2) Content
The plan shall provide—
(A) guidance, including guidance on the development of an administrative process and
funding priorities, for outreach and communications programs; and
(B) for the establishment of a national program.
(3) Secretary may match or fund programs
Under the plan, the Secretary may obligate amounts available under subsection (a)(5) or
subsection (b) of section 777c of this title—
(A) to make grants to any State or private entity to pay all or any portion of the cost of
carrying out any outreach and communications program under the plan; or
(B) to fund contracts with States or private entities to carry out such a program.
(4) Review
The plan shall be reviewed periodically, but not less frequently than once every 3 years.
(e) State outreach and communications program
Within 12 months after the completion of the national plan under subsection (d)(1), a State shall
develop a plan for an outreach and communications program and submit it to the Secretary. In
developing the plan, a State shall—
(1) review the national plan developed under subsection (d);
(2) consult with anglers, boaters, the sportfishing and boating industries, and the general public;
and
(3) establish priorities for the State outreach and communications program proposed for
implementation.
(f) Pumpout stations and waste reception facilities
Amounts apportioned to States under section 777c of this title may be used to pay not more than
75 percent of the costs of constructing, renovating, operating, or maintaining pumpout stations and
waste reception facilities (as those terms are defined in the Clean Vessel Act of 1992).
(g) Surveys
(1) National framework
Within 6 months after June 9, 1998, the Secretary, in consultation with the States, shall adopt a
national framework for a public boat access needs assessment which may be used by States to
conduct surveys to determine the adequacy, number, location, and quality of facilities providing
access to recreational waters for all sizes of recreational boats.
(2) State surveys

Within 18 months after June 9, 1998, each State that agrees to conduct a public boat access
needs survey following the recommended national framework shall report its findings to the
Secretary for use in the development of a comprehensive national assessment of recreational boat
access needs and facilities.
(3) Exception
Paragraph (2) does not apply to a State if, within 18 months after June 9, 1998, the Secretary
certifies that the State has developed and is implementing a plan that ensures there are and will be
public boat access adequate to meet the needs of recreational boaters on its waters.
(4) Funding
A State that conducts a public boat access needs survey under paragraph (2) may fund the costs
of conducting that assessment out of amounts allocated to it as funding dedicated to motorboat
access to recreational waters under subsection (b)(1) of this section.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §8, 64 Stat. 433; Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §202, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1103;
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(6), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1016; Pub. L. 102–587, title V,
§5604(b), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5088; Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §§7402(c), 7404(b), June 9, 1998,
112 Stat. 484, 486; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9012(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 864; Pub. L. 109–59,
title X, §10114, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1928; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(d), Dec. 4,
2015, 129 Stat. 1621.)
R
T
For effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (c), see Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note
below.
The Clean Vessel Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (f), is subtitle F of title V of Pub. L. 102–587, Nov. 4,
1992, 106 Stat. 5086, which amended this section and section 777c of this title and enacted provisions set out
as a note under section 1322 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1322 of Title 33 and Tables.
A
2015—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "58.012 percent" for "57 percent".
2005—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, §10114(1), substituted "to supplement the 57 percent of the balance
of each annual appropriation to be apportioned among the States under section 777c(c) of this title" for "in
carrying out the research program of the Fish and Wildlife Service in respect to fish of material value for sport
or recreation".
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 109–59, §10114(2), substituted "subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b)" for "subsection
(c) or (d)" in introductory provisions.
1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(c)(1), which directed the substitution of "15 percent" for
"12½ percentum" wherever appearing, was executed by making the substitution for "12½ per centum" to
reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(c)(3), inserted "and communications" after "outreach".
Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(c)(2), which directed the substitution of "15 percent" for "10 percentum", was
executed by making the substitution for "10 per centum" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §7402(c)(4), added subsecs. (d) and (e) and redesignated former
subsec. (d) as (f).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–178, §7404(b), as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, §9012(c), added subsec. (g).
1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–587, §5604(b)(1), substituted "12½ per centum" for "10 per centum"
after "allocate" and inserted at end "Notwithstanding this provision, States within a United States Fish and
Wildlife Service Administrative Region may allocate more or less than 12½ per centum in a fiscal year,
provided that the total regional allocation averages 12½ per centum over a 5 year period."
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–587, §5604(b)(2), substituted "four fiscal years" for "fiscal year" after first
reference to "succeeding" and "period" for second reference to "succeeding fiscal year".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–587, §5604(b)(3), inserted "and outreach" after "education".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–587, §5604(b)(4), added subsec. (d).

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) and (c).
1970—Pub. L. 91–503 struck out restriction that not more than 25 percent of the Federal funds be set aside
for maintenance projects.
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
E
D
2005 A
From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, subsecs. (b)(2) and (d)(3) of this section considered to read
as immediately before enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note
under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.
E
D
1998 A
Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated
as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day
before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section
9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
E
D
1984 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.

§777g–1. Boating infrastructure
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide funds to States for the development and maintenance of
facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels.
(b) Omitted
(c) Plan
Within 6 months after submitting a survey to the Secretary under section 777g(g) of this title, a
State may develop and submit to the Secretary a plan for the construction, renovation, and
maintenance of facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels, and access to those
facilities, to meet the needs of nontrailerable recreational vessels operating on navigable waters in the
State.
(d) Grant program
(1) Matching grants
The Secretary of the Interior shall obligate amounts made available under section 777c(a)(4) 1
of this title to make grants to any State to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost to a State of
constructing, renovating, or maintaining facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels.
(2) Priorities
In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—
(A) consist of the construction, renovation, or maintenance of facilities for transient
nontrailerable recreational vessels in accordance with a plan submitted by a State under
subsection (c);
(B) provide for public/private partnership efforts to develop, maintain, and operate facilities
for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels; and

(C) propose innovative ways to increase the availability of facilities for transient
nontrailerable recreational vessels.
(e) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term—
(1) "nontrailerable recreational vessel" means a recreational vessel 26 feet in length or longer—
(A) operated primarily for pleasure; or
(B) leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure;
(2) "facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels" includes mooring buoys, daydocks, navigational aids, seasonal slips, safe harbors, or similar structures located on navigable
waters, that are available to the general public (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) and
designed for temporary use by nontrailerable recreational vessels; and
(3) "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7404, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 486; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9012(c),
July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 864; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10115, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1928.)
R
T
Paragraph (4) of section 777c(a), referred to in subsec. (d)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title
X, §10001(b)(1)(D), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1620. See section 777c(a)(3)(A) of this title.
C
Section is comprised of section 7404 of Pub. L. 105–178. Subsec. (b) of section 7404 of Pub. L. 105–178,
as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, §9012(c), amended section 777g of this title.
Section was enacted as part of the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998, and also as part of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, and not as part of the Fish Restoration and Management
Projects Act which comprises this chapter.
A
2005—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "section 777c(a)(4) of this title" for "section 777c(b)(3)
(B) of this title".
1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–206, §9012(c), made a technical amendment to directory language of Pub.
L. 105–178, §7404(b). See Codification note above.
E
D
2005 A
From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, subsec. (d)(1) of this section considered to read as
immediately before enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note
under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.
E
D
1998 A
Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated
as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day
before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section
9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
1 See

References in Text note below.

§777h. Requirements and restrictions concerning use of amounts for expenses for
administration
(a) Authorized expenses for administration
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior may use available amounts
under section 777c(b) of this title only for expenses for administration that directly support the
implementation of this chapter that consist of—
(1) personnel costs of employees who directly administer this chapter on a full-time basis;
(2) personnel costs of employees who directly administer this chapter on a part-time basis for at
least 20 hours each week, not to exceed the portion of those costs incurred with respect to the
work hours of the employee during which the employee directly administers this chapter, as those
hours are certified by the supervisor of the employee;
(3) support costs directly associated with personnel costs authorized under paragraphs (1) and
(2), excluding costs associated with staffing and operation of regional offices of the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior other than for the purposes of this
chapter;
(4) costs of determining under section 777e(a) of this title whether State comprehensive plans
and projects are substantial in character and design;
(5) overhead costs, including the costs of general administrative services, that are directly
attributable to administration of this chapter and are based on—
(A) actual costs, as determined by a direct cost allocation methodology approved by the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget for use by Federal agencies; and
(B) in the case of costs that are not determinable under subparagraph (A), an amount per fulltime equivalent employee authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2) that does not exceed the
amount charged or assessed for costs per full-time equivalent employee for any other division or
program of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
(6) costs incurred in auditing, every 5 years, the wildlife and sport fish activities of each State
fish and game department and the use of funds under section 777e of this title by each State fish
and game department;
(7) costs of audits under subsection (d);
(8) costs of necessary training of Federal and State full-time personnel who administer this
chapter to improve administration of this chapter;
(9) costs of travel to States, territories, and Canada by personnel who—
(A) administer this chapter on a full-time basis for purposes directly related to administration
of State programs or projects; or
(B) administer grants under section 777e or 777m of this title;
(10) costs of travel outside the United States (except travel to Canada), by personnel who
administer this chapter on a full-time basis, for purposes that directly relate to administration of
this chapter and that are approved directly by the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks;
(11) relocation expenses for personnel who, after relocation, will administer this chapter on a
full-time basis for at least 1 year, as certified by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service at the time at which the relocation expenses are incurred; and
(12) costs to audit, evaluate, approve, disapprove, and advise concerning grants under sections
777e and 777m of this title.
(b) Reporting of other uses
(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), if the Secretary of the Interior determines that available amounts under
section 777c(b) of this title should be used for an expense for administration other than an expense
for administration described in subsection (a), the Secretary—
(A) shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the expense for
administration and stating the amount of the expense; and
(B) may use any such available amounts for the expense for administration only after the end
of the 30-day period beginning on the date of submission of the report under subparagraph (A).
(2) Maximum amount
For any fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior may use under paragraph (1) not more than
$25,000.
(c) Restriction on use to supplement general appropriations
The Secretary of the Interior shall not use available amounts under subsection (b) to supplement
the funding of any function for which general appropriations are made for the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service or any other entity of the Department of the Interior.
(d) Audit requirement
(1) In general
The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior shall procure the performance of
biennial audits, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, of expenditures and
obligations of amounts used by the Secretary of the Interior for expenses for administration
incurred in implementation of this chapter.
(2) Auditor
(A) In general
An audit under this subsection shall be performed under a contract that is awarded under
competitive procedures (as defined in section 132 of title 41) by a person or entity that is not
associated in any way with the Department of the Interior (except by way of a contract for the
performance of an audit or other review).
(B) Supervision of auditor
The auditor selected under subparagraph (A) shall report to, and be supervised by, the
Inspector General of the Department of the Interior, except that the auditor shall submit a copy
of the biennial audit findings to the Secretary of the Interior at the time at which the findings are
submitted to the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior.
(3) Report to Congress
The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior shall promptly submit to the Committee
on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate—
(A) a report on the results of each audit under this subsection; and
(B) a copy of each audit under this subsection.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §9, 64 Stat. 433; Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §121(b), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat.
1770; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10116, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1929.)
C
In subsec. (d)(2)(A), "section 132 of title 41" substituted for "section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act
enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.
A

2005—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "section 777c(b)" for "section 777c(d)(1)" in
introductory provisions.
2000—Pub. L. 106–408 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "Out of
the deductions set aside for administering and executing this chapter the Secretary of the Interior is authorized
to employ such assistants, clerks, and other persons in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, to be taken
from the eligible lists of the civil service; to rent or construct buildings outside of the District of Columbia; to
purchase such supplies, materials, equipment, office fixtures, and apparatus; and to incur such travel and other
expenses, including publication of technical and administrative reports, purchase, maintenance, and hire of
passenger-carrying motor vehicles, as he may deem necessary for carrying out the provisions of this chapter."
C
N
Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of
House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.
E
D
2005 A
From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, subsecs. (a) and (b)(1) of this section considered to read as
immediately before enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note
under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.

§777i. Rules and regulations
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to make rules and regulations for carrying out the
provisions of this chapter.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §10, 64 Stat. 434.)
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

§777j. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–348, §1(14), Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1311
Section, act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §11, 64 Stat. 434, required the Secretary of the Interior to make an
annual report to the Congress giving detailed information as to the projects established under this chapter and
expenditures therefor.

§777k. Payments of funds to and cooperation with Puerto Rico, the District of
Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, and Virgin Islands
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to cooperate with the Secretary of Agriculture of Puerto
Rico, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Governor of Guam, the Governor of American
Samoa, the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Governor of
the Virgin Islands, in the conduct of fish restoration and management projects, as defined in section
777a of this title, upon such terms and conditions as he shall deem fair, just, and equitable, and is
authorized to apportion to Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, out of money available for
apportionment under this chapter, such sums as he shall determine, not exceeding for Puerto Rico 1
per centum, for the District of Columbia one-third of 1 per centum, for Guam one-third of 1 per
centum, for American Samoa one-third of 1 per centum, for the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands one-third of 1 per centum, and for the Virgin Islands one-third of 1 per centum of the
total amount apportioned in any one year, but the Secretary shall in no event require any of said
cooperating agencies to pay an amount which will exceed 25 per centum of the cost of any project.
Any unexpended or unobligated balance of any apportionment made pursuant to this section shall be
made available for expenditure in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, as the case may be, in the succeeding year, on
any approved projects, and if unexpended or unobligated at the end of such year is authorized to be
made available for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior to supplement the 58.012 percent of
the balance of each annual appropriation to be apportioned among the States under section 777c(c) of
this title.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §12, 64 Stat. 434; July 2, 1956, ch. 489, §4, 70 Stat. 473; Aug. 1, 1956, ch.
852, §8, 70 Stat. 908; Pub. L. 86–70, §16, June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 143; Pub. L. 91–503, title II, §203,
Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1103; Pub. L. 96–597, title III, §302(a), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3477; Pub. L.
98–369, div. A, title X, §1014(a)(7), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1016; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10117,
Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(e), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat.
1621.)
A
2015—Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "58.012 percent" for "57 percent" and "under section 777c(c) of this
title" for "under section 777c(b) of this title".
2005—Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "to supplement the 57 percent of the balance of each annual
appropriation to be apportioned among the States under section 777c(b) of this title" for "in carrying on the
research program of the Fish and Wildlife Service in respect to fish of material value for sport or recreation"
before period at end.
1984—Pub. L. 98–369 inserted "the Mayor of the District of Columbia," after "the Secretary of Agriculture
of Puerto Rico,", "for the District of Columbia one-third of 1 per centum," after "for Puerto Rico 1 per
centum," and "the District of Columbia," after "Puerto Rico," in two places.
1980—Pub. L. 96–597 inserted references to the Governor and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
1970—Pub. L. 91–503 substituted "Secretary of Agriculture of Puerto Rico" for "Commissioner of
Agriculture and Commerce of Puerto Rico", added American Samoa to the list of recipients, and substituted
maximum limits of apportionment of one percent for Puerto Rico, one-third of one percent for Guam, onethird of one percent for American Samoa and one-third of one percent for Virgin Islands for maximum limit of
$10,000 for Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands together.
1959—Pub. L. 86–70 struck out provisions which authorized cooperation with the Alaska Game
Commission and permitted apportionment of not more than $75,000 in any one year to the Territory of Alaska.
1956—Act Aug. 1, 1956, inserted "the Governor of Guam" after "Commissioner of Agriculture and
Commerce of Puerto Rico," and "Guam" after "Puerto Rico" in three remaining places those words appear.
Act July 2, 1956, struck out provisions which authorized the Secretary to cooperate with the Division of
Game and Fish of the Board of Commissioners of Agriculture and Forestry of Hawaii, struck out limitation of
$25,000 on the amount of funds which could be apportioned to Hawaii in any one year, and substituted
"Territory of Alaska" for "Territories" in two places.
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
E
D
2005 A
From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, section considered to read as immediately before enactment
of Pub. L. 109–59, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a note under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.
E

D

1984 A

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to fiscal years beginning
after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1014(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 777 of this title.
E
D
1956 A
Amendment by act July 2, 1956, as applicable only with respect to fiscal years beginning after July 2, 1956,
see section 5 of act July 2, 1956, set out as a note under section 669a of this title.
T
F
Transfer of functions to Secretary of Commerce from Secretary of the Interior by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of
1970, eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, see note set out under section 777 of this title.

§777l. State use of contributions
A State may use contributions of funds, real property, materials, and services to carry out an
activity under this chapter in lieu of payment by the State of the State share of the cost of such
activity. Such a State share shall be considered to be paid in an amount equal to the fair market value
of any contribution so used.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §13, as added Pub. L. 100–448, §6(c)(2), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1841.)
C
Another section 13 of act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, which was classified as a note under section 777 of this
title, was repealed by Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §122(a)(1), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1772.
E
D
Section effective Oct. 1, 1988, see section 6(e) of Pub. L. 100–448, set out as an Effective Date of 1988
Amendment note under section 777 of this title.

§777m. Multistate conservation grant program
(a) In general
(1) Amount for grants
Not more than $3,000,000 shall be distributed to the Secretary of the Interior for making
multistate conservation project grants in accordance with this section.
(2) Period of availability; apportionment
(A) Period of availability
Amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall remain available for making grants only
for the first fiscal year for which the amount is made available and the following fiscal year.
(B) Apportionment
At the end of the period of availability under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior
shall apportion any amounts that remain available among the States in the manner specified in
section 777c(c) of this title for use by the States in the same manner as funds apportioned under
section 777c(c) of this title.
(b) Selection of projects
(1) States or entities to be benefited
A project shall not be eligible for a grant under this section unless the project will benefit—
(A) at least 26 States;
(B) a majority of the States in a region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; or
(C) a regional association of State fish and game departments.

(2) Use of submitted priority list of projects
The Secretary of the Interior may make grants under this section only for projects identified on
a priority list of sport fish restoration projects described in paragraph (3).
(3) Priority list of projects
A priority list referred to in paragraph (2) is a priority list of sport fish restoration projects that
the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—
(A) prepares through a committee comprised of the heads of State fish and game departments
(or their designees), in consultation with—
(i) nongovernmental organizations that represent conservation organizations;
(ii) sportsmen organizations; and
(iii) industries that fund the sport fish restoration programs under this chapter;
(B) approves by vote of a majority of the heads of State fish and game departments (or their
designees); and
(C) not later than October 1 of each fiscal year, submits to the Assistant Director for Wildlife
and Sport Fish Restoration Programs.
(4) Publication
The Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs shall publish in the
Federal Register each priority list submitted under paragraph (3)(C).
(c) Eligible grantees
(1) In general
The Secretary of the Interior may make a grant under this section only to—
(A) a State or group of States;
(B) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or a State or group of States, for the purpose
of carrying out the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation;
and
(C) subject to paragraph (2), a nongovernmental organization.
(2) Nongovernmental organizations
(A) In general
Any nongovernmental organization that applies for a grant under this section shall submit
with the application to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies a
certification that the organization—
(i) will not use the grant funds to fund, in whole or in part, any activity of the organization
that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated taking of fish; and
(ii) will use the grant funds in compliance with subsection (d).
(B) Penalties for certain activities
Any nongovernmental organization that is found to use grant funds in violation of
subparagraph (A) shall return all funds received under this section and be subject to any other
applicable penalties under law.
(d) Use of grants
A grant under this section shall not be used, in whole or in part, for an activity, project, or program
that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated taking of fish.
(e) Funding for other activities
Not more than $1,200,000 of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of
section 777b of this title shall be distributed to the Secretary of the Interior for use as follows:
(1) $200,000 shall be made available for each of—

(A) the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission;
(B) the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission;
(C) the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; and
(D) the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission.
(2) $400,000 shall be made available for the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council
established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(f) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to any activity carried out
under this section.
(Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §14, as added Pub. L. 106–408, title I, §122(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1772;
amended Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10118, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 109–241, title IX,
§901(r)(2), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, §903(a)(3), Oct. 15, 2010, 124
Stat. 3010; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(f), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1621.)
R
T
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat.
770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
A
2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(f)(1), struck out "of each annual appropriation made in
accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title" after "$3,000,000".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(f)(2)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "Not more than
$1,200,000 of each annual appropriation made in accordance with the provisions of section 777b of this title
shall be distributed to the Secretary of the Interior for use as follows:" for "Of amounts made available under
section 777c(b) of this title for each fiscal year—".
Subsec. (e)(1)(D). Pub. L. 114–94, §10001(f)(2)(B), substituted period at end for "; and".
2010—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–281 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 109–241,
§901(r)(2). See 2006 Amendment note below.
2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–241, §901(r)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 111–281, substituted "Not more
than" for "For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009, not more than".
2005—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §10118(1), reenacted subsec. (a) and par. (1) headings without
change and amended text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Of the balance of
each annual appropriation made under section 777b of this title remaining after the distribution and use under
subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 777c of this title in a fiscal year, not more than $3,000,000 shall be
available to the Secretary of the Interior for making multistate conservation project grants in accordance with
this section."
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, §10118(2), substituted "section 777c(c)" for "section 777c(e)" in two
places.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–59, §10118(3), added introductory provisions and struck out former introductory
provisions which read as follows: "Of the balance of each annual appropriation made under section 777b of
this title remaining after the distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 777c of this title
for each fiscal year and after deducting amounts used for grants under subsection (a) of this section—".
E
D
2015 A
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note
under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
E
D
2010 A
Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, §903(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3010, provided that the amendment by section
903(a)(3) is effective with enactment of Pub. L. 109–241.
E

D

2005 A

From Aug. 10, 2005, to end of fiscal year 2005, subsecs. (a)(1), (2)(B) and (e) of this section considered to
read as immediately before enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 109–74, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective Oct. 1, 2005, see section 10102 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a
note under section 777b of this title.

§777n. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title X, §10001(g)(1), Dec. 4, 2015, 129
Stat. 1621
Section, act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, §15, as added Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10119, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat.
1929; amended Pub. L. 109–74, title I, §103, Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2031, related to expenditure of
remaining balance in the Boat Safety Account.
A prior section 15 of act Aug. 9, 1950, was renumbered section 16 and is set out as a note under section 777
of this title.
E
D
R
Repeal by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as an Effective
Date of 2015 Amendment note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.