67
STAT.]
PUBLIC LAW 1 7 2 - J U L Y 31, 1953
269
on any one project or Missouri Basin unit when the work is unsuitable for contract or when excessive bids are received; and except in cases of emergencies local in character, so declared by the Commissioner. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH
For expenses necessary for the Geological Survey to perform surveys, investigations, and research covering topography, geology, and the mineral and water resources of the United States, its Territories and possessions; classify lands as to mineral character and water and power resources; give engineering supervision to power permits and Federal Power Commission licenses • enforce departmental regulations applicable to oil, gas, and other mining leases, permits, licenses, and operating contracts; and publish and disseminate data relative to the foregoing activities; $27,750,000, of which $3,700,000 shall be available only for cooperation with States or municipalities for water resources investigations: Provided, That the share of the Geological Survey in any topographic mapping or water resources investigations carried on in cooperation with any State or municipality shall not exceed 50 per centum of the cost thereof.
C ooperation with States, etc.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The amount appropriated for the Geological Survey shall be available for reimbursement of the General Services Administration for security guard service for protection of confidential files; contracting for the furnishing of topographic maps and for the making of geophysical or other specialized surveys when it is administratively determined that such procedures are in the public interest; construction and maintenance of necessary buildings and appurtenant facilities; acquisition of lands for gaging stations; and payment of compensation and expenses of persons on the rolls of the Geological Survey appointed, as authorized by law, to represent the United States in the negotiation and administration of interstate compacts, including not to exceed $10,000 for the person appointed by the President to participate as the representative of the United States in the administration of the compact consented to by the Act of May 31, 1949 (Public Law 8 2): Provided, That notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the President is authorized to appoint a retired officer as such representative, without prejudice to his status as a retired Army officer, and he shall receive such compensation and expenses in addition to his retired pay.
Arkansas R i v er compact.
63 Stat. 145. Appointment o f retired Army officer.
BUREAU OF M I N E S CONSERVATION A N D DEVELOPMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES
For expenses necessary for promoting the conservation, exploration, development, production, and utilization of mineral resources, including fuels, in the United States, its Territories, and possessions; developing synthetics and substitutes; producing and distributing helium; and controlling fires in inactive coal deposits on public lands, and on private lands, with the consent of the owner; $15,928,180: Provided, That the Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to make suitable arrangements with owners of private property or with a State or its subdivisions for payment of a sum equal to not less than one-half the amount of expenditure to be made for control or extinguishment of fires in inactive coal deposits from funds pro27000 O - 53 - 20
Fire control.
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