((a)) ** Programs and projects; conditions of employment; regulations; use of facilities by educational institutions** In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall—

((1)) determine the areas under their administrative jurisdictions which are appropriate for carrying out the programs using employees of the Corps;

((2)) determine with other Federal agencies the areas under the administrative jurisdiction of these agencies which are appropriate for carrying out programs using members of the Corps, and determine and select appropriate work and education programs and projects for participation by members of the Corps;

((3)) determine the rates of pay, hours, and other conditions of employment in the Corps, except that all members of the Corps shall not be deemed to be Federal employees other than for the purpose of chapter 171 of title 28, and chapter 81 of title 5.

((4)) provide for such transportation, lodging, subsistence, and other services and equipment as they may deem necessary or appropriate for the needs of members of the Corps in their duties;

((5)) promulgate regulation  to insure the safety, health, and welfare of the Corps members; and

((6)) provide to the extent possible, that permanent or semipermanent facilities used as Corps camps be made available to local schools, school districts, State junior colleges and universities, and other education institutions for use as environmental/ecological education camps during periods of nonuse by the Corps program.

((b)) ** Use of unoccupied Federal facilities and equipment** Existing but unoccupied Federal facilities and surplus or unused equipment (or both), of all types including military facilities and equipment, shall be utilized for the purposes of the Corps, where appropriate and with the approval of the Federal agency involved. To minimize transportation costs, Corps members shall be employed on conservation projects as near to their places of residence as is feasible.

((c)) ** Contracts for the operation of projects** The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture may contract with any public agency or organization or any private nonprofit agency or organization which has been in existence for at least five years for the operation of any Youth Conservation Corps project.