The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to construct a visitor center and such other related facilities as may be deemed necessary to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of the New River Gorge National River and the Gauley River National Recreation Area in the vicinity of the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers. Such center and related facilities are authorized to be constructed at a site outside of the boundary of the New River Gorge National River or Gauley River National Recreation Area unless a suitable site is available within the boundaries of either unit.
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, and not as part of title XI of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 which comprises this subchapter.
New River Visitor Center
Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1214(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 205, provided that:
"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall allocate to the Secretary of the Interior amounts made available by this subsection for the planning, design, and construction of a visitor center, and such other related facilities as may be necessary, to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of the scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational resources of the New River Gorge National River in the State of West Virginia. The center and related facilities shall be located at a site for which title is held by the United States in the vicinity of the I–64 Sandstone intersection.
"(2) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this subsection $1,300,000 for fiscal year 1998, $1,200,000 for fiscal year 1999, and $9,900,000 for fiscal year 2000.
"(3) Applicability of title 23.—Funds authorized by this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; except that such funds shall remain available until expended."