§ 2302. Transportation service and facility programs
(a)
Formulation and implementation of plans and projects developed pursuant to plans
The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as “Secretary”) is authorized to formulate transportation plans and implement transportation projects where feasible pursuant to those plans for units of the national park system.
(b)
Contracts, acquisitions, etc., for improvement of access to park system units
To carry out the purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary is authorized to—
(1)
contract with public or private agencies or carriers to provide transportation services, capital equipment, or facilities to improve access to units of the national park system;
(4)
where necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, acquire by lease, purchase, donation, exchange, or transfer, lands, waters, and interests therein which are situated outside the boundary of a unit of the national park system, which property shall be administered as part of the unit: Provided, That any land or interests in land owned by a State or any of its political subdivisions may be acquired only by donation: Provided further, That any land acquisition shall be subject to such statutory limitations, if any, on methods of acquisition and appropriations thereof as may be specifically applicable to such area.
(d)
Appropriation of fees collected and covered into Planning, Development, and Operation of Recreational Facilities appropriation account
All fees directly collected by the National Park Service in the operation of the facilities and services authorized by this chapter shall be covered into the Planning, Development, and Operation of Recreation Facilities appropriation account to be subject to appropriation.
(e)
Establishment of information programs
The Secretary shall establish information programs to inform the public of available park access opportunities and to promote the use of transportation modes other than personal motor vehicles for access to and travel within the units of the national park system.
(f)
Undertaking of concession facilities or services
Transportation facilities and services provided pursuant to this chapter shall not be considered as concession facilities or services within the meaning of the Act of October 9, 1965 (79 Stat. 969) [1] and may be undertaken by the Secretary directly or by contract without regard to any requirement of local, State, or Federal law respecting determinations of public convenience and necessity or other similar matters: Provided, That the Secretary or his contractor shall consult with the appropriate State or local public service commission or other such body having authority to issue certificates of convenience and necessity, and any such contractor shall be subject to applicable requirements of such body unless the Secretary determines that such requirements would not be consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.
(g)
Construction of grant of authority respecting operation of motor vehicles excepted from statutory coverage
[1] See References in Text note below.