Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2003, to enable the Secretary of the Interior to carry out his functions and responsibilities under this subchapter, including data collection, research, planning, and conservation and rehabilitation programs on public lands. Such funds shall be in addition to those authorized for wildlife, range, soil, and water management pursuant to section 1748 of title 43, or other provisions of law. There are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2003, to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out his functions and responsibilities under this subchapter. Such funds shall be in addition to those provided under other provisions of law. In requesting funds under this subsection the Secretary shall take into account fish and wildlife program needs, including those for projects, identified in the State comprehensive plans as contained in the program developed pursuant to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1601–1610). The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture may each use any authority available to him under other laws relating to fish, wildlife, or plant conservation or rehabilitation for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture may each make purchases and contracts for property and services from, or provide assistance to, the State agencies concerned, if such property, services or assistance is required to implement those projects and programs carried out on, or of benefit to, Federal lands and identified in the comprehensive plans or cooperative agreements developed under section 670h of this title, without regard to division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3901, 3905, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41. Contract authority provided in this section is effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.