((a)) ** In general** No later than 90 days after , the Secretary shall designate 3 centers for marine mineral research and related activities.October 19, 19961996-10-19

((b)) ** Concentration** One center shall concentrate primarily on research in the continental shelf regions of the United States, 1 center shall concentrate primarily on research in deep seabed and near-shore environments of islands, and 1 center shall concentrate primarily on research in arctic and cold water regions.

((c)) ** Criteria** In designating a center under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to a university that—

((1)) administers a federally funded center for marine minerals research;

((2)) matriculates students for advanced degrees in marine geological sciences, nonenergy natural resources, and related fields of science and engineering;

((3)) is a United States university with established programs and facilities that primarily focus on marine mineral resources;

((4)) has engaged in collaboration and cooperation with industry, governmental agencies, and other universities in the field of marine mineral resources;

((5)) has demonstrated significant engineering, development, and design experience in two or more of the following areas;

((A)) seabed exploration systems;

((B)) marine mining systems; and

((C)) marine mineral processing systems; and

((6)) has been designated by the Secretary as a State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute.

((d)) ** Center activities** A center shall—

((1)) provide technical assistance to the Secretary concerning marine mineral resources;

((2)) advise the Secretary on pertinent international activities in marine mineral resources development;

((3)) engage in research, training, and education transfer associated with the characterization and utilization of marine mineral resources; and

((4)) promote the efficient identification, assessment, exploration, and management of marine mineral resources in an environmentally sound manner.

((e)) ** Allocation of funds** In distributing funds to the centers designated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, allocate an equal amount to each center.

((f)) ** Limitations**

((1)) ** Administrative expenses** Not more than 5 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section during a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary for expenses associated with administration of the program authorized by this section.

((2)) ** Construction costs** None of the funds made available under this section may be used for the construction of a new building or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building (including site grading and improvement and architect fees).