National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1998
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 105-325.
Official Summary
National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1997 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to establish the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in the vicinity and outside the boundaries of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Limits Federal funding to matching funds. Authorizes appropriations.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act of 1997 mandates the establishment of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute near Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. The institute is to be created under the authority of the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service. The legislation limits federal funding to matching funds and authorizes appropriations to support the institute's operations and research activities related to caves and karst landscapes.
This law establishes a federally supported research institute focused on cave and karst studies near Carlsbad Caverns, with funding structured to require matching contributions.
- Creates the National Cave and Karst Research Institute outside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
- Assigns responsibility for establishment to the Secretary of the Interior via the National Park Service Director.
- Limits federal funding to matching funds and authorizes appropriations to support the institute.
['National Park Service', 'Department of the Interior', 'Researchers and scientists specializing in cave and karst geology', 'Local communities near Carlsbad Caverns National Park', 'Environmental and geological research organizations']
['Implementation challenges related to coordinating federal and non-federal matching funds.', 'Oversight mechanisms for ensuring appropriate use of authorized appropriations are not detailed in the summary.', 'Potential costs associated with establishing and maintaining the institute may require sustained funding commitments.']
The bill was introduced and passed during the 105th Congress and was signed into law on October 30, 1998, reflecting congressional support for advancing scientific research on caves and karst landscapes within the framework of public lands management.
Hidden impact flags detected: 1
GovScope reviewed 1 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Encouragement of partnerships between federal agencies and local or private entities due to matching fund requirements.', 'Potential stimulation of regional economic activity around Carlsbad Caverns through research-related employment and tourism.', 'Advancement of scientific knowledge and conservation practices related to cave and karst environments.']
The summary does not provide detailed information on oversight, accountability, or specific appropriation amounts. Transparency regarding the matching funds' sources and the institute's operational governance would be important for public monitoring.
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