Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 2.djvu/978

 114 STAT. 1616 PUBLIC LAW 106-393 —OCT. 30, 2000 exceeded desired ecological conditions; created local employ- ment or training opportunities, including summer youth jobs programs such as the Youth Conservation Corps where appropriate; and whether the project improved the use of, or added value to, any products removed from lands consistent with the purposes of this Act. (7) An assessment that the project is to be in the public interest. (c) AUTHORIZED PROJECTS. —Projects proposed under subsection (a) shall be consistent with section 2(b). 16 USC 500 note. SEC. 204. EVALUATION AND APPROVAL OF PROJECTS BY SECRETARY CONCERNED. (a) CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED PROJECT. — The Secretary concerned may make a decision to approve a project submitted by a resource advisory committee under section 203 only if the proposed project satisfies each of the following conditions: (1) The project complies with all applicable Federal laws and regulations. (2) The project is consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan and approved by the Secretary concerned. (3) The project has been approved by the resource advisory committee in accordance with section 205, including the procedures issued under subsection (e) of such section. (4) A project description has been submitted by the resource advisory committee to the Secretary concerned in accordance with section 203. (5) The project will improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. (b) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS. — (1) PAYMENT OF REVIEW COSTS.— (A) REQUEST FOR PAYMENT BY COUNTY.—The Secretary concerned may request the resource advisory committee submitting a proposed project to agree to the use of project funds to pay for any environmental review, consultation, or compliance with applicable environmental laws required in connection with the project. When such a payment is requested and the resource advisory committee agrees to the expenditure of funds for this purpose, the Secretary concerned shall conduct environmental review, consultation, or other compliance responsibilities in accordance with Federal law and regulations. (B) EFFECT OF REFUSAL TO PAY. —If a resource advisory committee does not agree to the expenditure of funds under < subparagraph (A), the project shall be deemed withdrawn from further consideration by the Secretary concerned pursuant to this title. Such a withdrawal shall be deemed to be a rejection of the project for purposes of section 207(c). (c) DECISIONS OF SECRETARY CONCERNED. — (1) REJECTION OF PROJECTS.— A decision by the Secretary concerned to reject a proposed project shall be at the Secretary sole discretion. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

�