Volume 60 · 751
Public Law 79–719
To authorize an appropriation for the establishment of a geophysical institute at the University of Alaska.
Approved July 31, 1946
Statutory text
AN ACT
To authorize an appropriation for the establishment of a geophysical institute at the University of Alaska.
University of Alaska.
Whereas the need for a geophysical station in this country, dedicated to the maintenance of geophysical research concerning the Arctic regions, is recognized; and
Whereas the University of Alaska has been performing geophysical research in cooperation with the Department of War, the Department of the Navy, the Federal Communications Commission, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, the United States Weather Bureau, and other agencies since 1941; and
Whereas said research has produced results not only of direct military application in the war emergency but also of value as a contribution to scientific knowledge; and
Whereas there is a necessity for indefinite continuation of geophysical research in the Arctic in the postwar period; and
Whereas geophysical exploration can lead to increases in supplies and reserves of important minerals and can furnish information of direct value both for military and nonmilitary projects; and
Whereas the University of Alaska, because of its unique location and the work it has accomplished in the past, is a logical site for a permanent geophysical research station: Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and Rouse of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That there is hereby
Establishment of geophysical institute.
Appropriation authorized.
authorized to be appropriated, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, not to exceed the sum of $975,000 for the construction and establishment of a geophysical institute at the University of Alaska, College, Alaska: Provided, That not to exceed 20 per
Housing.
centum of the funds herein authorized shall be expended for construction of housing accommodations to be used by the personnel carrying out the program: Provided further, That, subject to the then existing
Use of facilities.
security regulations, the facilities of the institute shall be extended, without charge, to the duly qualified and authorized representatives of the Federal departments engaged in geophysical research who shall have priority in the use of the housing accommodations constructed as a part of said geophysical institute: Provided further, That in the discretion of the director the facilities of the institute may be extended, without charge, to the duly qualified and authorized representatives of nonprofit scientific societies engaged in geophysical research: Provided further, That in the discretion of the director said facilities may be used by others engaged in geophysical research, under such terms and conditions as said director may specify: Provided further, That all funds derived from the operation of said geophysical institute
Funds derived from operation.
Maintenance.
shall be used in geophysical research: And provided further, That no portion of the funds herein authorized shall be expended for maintenance of the buildings constructed, it being an express condition of this grant that the University of Alaska undertake to furnish heat, light, water, electric power, and custodial service, and to staff the institute with (1) a director, whose appointment by the regents of the University upon the recommendation of the president of the university shall be with the approval of the president of the National Academy of Sciences; (2) a librarian; and (3) a secretary.
Sec. 2.
All buildings and equipment constructed or acquired with funds herein authorized shall, upon the establishment of the institute, become the property of the University of Alaska.
Approved July 31, 1946.