Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 80 Part 1.djvu/1323

 80 STAT. ]

PUBLIC LAW 89-754-NOV. 3, 1966

1287

(e) Nothing contained in this section shall limit any authority of the Secretary under title III of the Housing Act of 1948, section 602 f sta^ 43u^^ ^ of the Housing Act of 1956, or any other provision of law. i7oif-i. U R B A N ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

70 Stat. 1113. 12 USC 1701d-3.

SEC. 1011. (a) The Congress finds that, with the ever-increasing concentration of the Nation's population in urban centers, there has occurred a marked change in the environmental conditions under which most people live and work; that such change is characterized by the progressive substitution of a highly complex, man-contrived environment for an environment conditioned primarily by nature; that the beneficent or malignant influence of environment on all living creatures is well recognized; and that much more knowledge is urgently needed concerning the effect on human beings of highly urbanized surroundings. It is the purpose of this section to authorize a comprehensive program of research, studies, surveys, and analyses to improve understanding of the environmental conditions necessary for the wellbeing of an urban society, and for the intelligent planning and development of viable urban centers. (b) In order to carry out the purpose of this section, the Secretary is authorized and directed to— (1) conduct studies, surveys, research, and analyses with respect to the ecological factors involved in urban living; (2) document and define urban environmental factors which need to be controlled or eliminated for the well-being of urban life; (3) establish a system of collecting and receiving information and data on urban ecological research and evaluations which are in process or are being planned by public or private agencies, or individuals; (4) evaluate and disseminate information pertaining to urban ecology to public and private agencies or organizations, or individuals, in the form of reports or otherwise; (5) initiate and utilize urban ecological information in urban development projects initiated or assisted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (6) establish through interagency consultation the coordinated utilization of urban ecological information in projects undertaken or assisted by the Federal Government which affect the growth or development of urban areas. (c)(1) The Secretary is authorized to establish such advisory com- ^iffjj's°'^^ ''°"" mittees as he deems desirable for the purpose of rendering advice and submitting recommendations for carrying out the purpose of this section. Such advisory committees shall render such advice to the Secretary upon his request and may submit such recommendations to the Secretary at any time on their own initiative. The Secretary may designate employees of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist such committees. (2) Members of such advisory committees shall receive not to exceed $100 per day when engaged in the actual performance of their duties, in addition to reimbursement for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties. (d) The Secretary is authorized to carry out the studies, surveys, research, and analyses authorized by this section either directly or by contract with public or private bodies or agencies, or by working agreement with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, as he may determine to be desirable. Contracts may be made by the Secretary for work under this subsection to continiie not more than two years from the date of any such contract.

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