16 U.S.C. § 281e — Contracts and cooperative agreements with State of Idaho, and others

In order to carry out the purpose of this subchapter, the Secretary of the Interior may contract and make cooperative agreements with the States of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, their political subdivisions or agencies, corporations, associations, the Nez Perce Tribe, or individuals, to protect, preserve, maintain, or operate any site, object, or property included within the Nez Perce National Historical Park, regardless of whether title thereto is in the United States: Provided, That no contract or cooperative agreement shall be made or entered into which will obligate the general fund of the Treasury unless or until Congress has appropriated money for such purpose.

To facilitate the interpretation of the Nez Perce country the Secretary is authorized to erect and maintain tablets or markers in accordance with the provisions contained in the Act approved August 21, 1935, entitled “An Act to provide for the preservation of historic American sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities of national significance, and for other purposes” (49 Stat. 666).1

The Secretary shall consult with officials of the Nez Perce Tribe on the interpretation of the park and its history.