((a)) ** In general** For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated $18,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1992 through 1996.

((b)) ** Allocation**

((1)) Of funds appropriated in any fiscal year, not more than $500,000 shall be reserved for administration of this chapter by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

((2)) Funds appropriated in a fiscal year which are available after allocation pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be used to support the administrative costs of Boards established pursuant to , provided that such funding does not exceed $300,000 for each research Board in each fiscal year.

((3)) Seventy-five percent of funds appropriated in a fiscal year available after allocation pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be allocated equally among Boards located in regions submitting research project grant applications pursuant to .

((4)) Twenty-five percent of funds appropriated in a fiscal year available after allocation pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be allocated among Boards located in regions submitting research project grant applications pursuant to which, in the judgment of the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, propose the most needed and highest quality research.