((a)) ** In general** Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may, for purposes of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, designate the treatment of assistance administered by the Secretary as funds for a special project for purposes of .42 U.S.C. 4321section 3547 of this title

((b)) ** Exception** The designation described in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance for which a procedure for carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, is otherwise specified in law.42 U.S.C. 4321