Public Law 92–478

That the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to conduct an investigation and study to determine the feasibility and desirability of protecting and preserving the Great Dismal Swamp and the Dismal Swamp Canal, in the States of North Carolina and Virginia. The Secretary shall consult with other interested Federal agencies, and the State and local bodies and officials involved, and shall coordinate the study with applicable outdoor recreation plans, highway plans, and other planning activities relating to the region. Such investigation and study shall be carried out for the purposes of determining (1) the desirability and feasibility of protecting and preserving the ecological, scenic, recreational, historical, and other resource values of the Great Dismal Swamp and the Dismal Swamp Canal, with particular emphasis on the development of the Dismal Swamp Canal for recreational boating purposes, (2) the potential alternative beneficial uses of the water and related land resources involved, taking into consideration appropriate uses of the land for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation purposes, and for public services: and (3) the type of Federal, State, or local program, if any, that is feasible and desirable in the public interest to preserve, develop, and make accessible for public use the values set forth in (1) including alternative means of achieving these values, together with a comparison of the costs and effectiveness of these alternative means.

Sec. 2.

Upon the completion of the investigation and study authorized by this Act, but in no event later than two years following the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall report to the Congress the results of such investigation and study, together with his recommendations with respect thereto.

Sec. 3.

There is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $50.000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.