33 U.S.C. § 2243 — Arctic deep draft port development partnerships

The Secretary may provide technical assistance to non-Federal public entities, including Indian tribes (as defined in section 5304 of title 25) and a Native village, Regional Corporation, or Village Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 1602 of title 431, for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of channels, harbors, and related infrastructure associated with deep draft ports for purposes of dealing with Arctic development and security needs.

The Secretary is authorized to accept and expend funds provided by non-Federal public entities, including Indian tribes (as defined in section 5304 of title 25) and a Native village, Regional Corporation, or Village Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 1602 of title 43¹, to carry out the technical assistance activities described in subsection (a).

No assistance may be provided under this section until after the date on which the entity to which that assistance is to be provided enters into a written agreement with the Secretary that includes such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate and in the public interest.

The Secretary shall prioritize technical assistance provided under this section for Arctic deep draft ports identified by the Secretary, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Secretary of Defense as important for Arctic development and security.

In carrying out a study of the feasibility of an Arctic deep draft port, the Secretary—