§ 3837c. Duties of Secretary
(a)
In general
In return for the granting of an easement by an owner under this subpart, the Secretary shall—
(1)
share the cost of carrying out the establishment of conservation measures and practices, and the protection of the wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in the plan to the extent that the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and
(b)
Cost-share and technical assistance
(1)
Easements
Effective beginning October 1, 1996, in making cost-share payments under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary shall—
(c)
Ranking of offers
(1)
Conservation benefits and funding considerations
When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider—
(d)
Easement priority
In carrying out this subpart, to the extent practicable, taking into consideration costs and future agricultural and food needs, the Secretary shall give priority to obtaining permanent conservation easements before shorter term conservation easements and, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall place priority on acquiring easements based on the value of the easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
[1] See References in Text note below.