108 STAT. 752 PUBLIC LAW 103-272—JULY 5, 1994 (3) a detailed appraisal of the accident investigation and accident prevention activities of other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government and State and local governmental authorities having responsibility for those activities under a law of the United States or a State; and (4) an evaluation conducted every 2 years of transportation safety and recommendations for legislative and administrative action and change. §1118. Authorization of appropriations (a) GENERAL.—Not more than $38,800,000 may be appropriated to the National Transportation Safety Board for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1993, to carry out this chapter. (b) EMERGENCY FUND. —The Board has an emergency fund of $1,000,000 available for necessary expenses of the Board, not otherwise provided for, for accident investigations. The following amounts may be appropriated to the fund: (1) $1,000,000 to establish the fund. (2) amounts equal to amounts expended annually out of the fund. (c) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS. — Amounts appropriated under this section remain available until expended. SUBCHAPTER III—AUTHORITY § 1131. General authority (a) GENERAL,—(1) The National Transportation Safety Board shall investigate or have investigated (in detail the Board prescribes) and establish the facts, circumstances, and cause or probable cause of— (A) an aircraft accident the Board has authority to investigate under section 1132 of this title; (B) a highway accident, including a railroad grade crossing accident, the Board selects in cooperation with a State; (C) a railroad accident in which there is a fatality or substantial property damage, or that involves a passenger train; (D) a pipeline accident in which there is a fatality, substantial property damage, or significant injury to the environment; (E) a major marine casualty (except a casualty involving only public vessels) occurring on the navigable waters or territorial sea of the United States, or involving a vessel of the United States, under regulations prescribed jointly by the Board and the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (F) any other accident related to the transportation of individuals or property when the Board decides— (i) the accident is catastrophic; (ii) the accident involves problems of a recurring character; or (iii) the investigation of the accident would carry out this chapter. (2) An investigation by the Board under paragraph (1)(A)- (D) or (F) of this subsection has priority over any investigation by another department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government. The Board shall provide for appropriate participation by other departments, agencies, or instrumentalities in the
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