To amend section 7 of Public Law 100-515 (16 U.S.C. 1244 note) to promote continued use of the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Gateway National Recreation Area by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To amend section 7 of Public Law 100–515 16 U.S.C. 1244 1. Transfer of the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory Section 7 of Public Law 100–515 16 U.S.C. 1244 (b) Transfer from the State to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or the provisions of the August 13, 1991, Ground Lease Agreement ( Lease State Laboratory Gateway National Recreation Area, James J. Howard Marine Science Laboratory Land Assignment Map (2) Lease amendment Upon the transfer authorized in paragraph (1), the Lease shall be amended to exclude any obligations of the State and the Department of the Interior related to the Laboratory and associated property and improvements transferred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, all obligations of the State to rehabilitate Building 74 and modify landscaping on the surrounding property as depicted on the Map, under the Lease and pursuant to subsection (a), shall remain in full force and effect. (3) Use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Upon the transfer authorized in paragraph (1), the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is authorized to use the land generally depicted on the Map as a land assignment and right of way and associated land and appurtenances for continued use of the Laboratory, including providing maintenance and repair, and access to the Laboratory, the parking lots and the seawater supply and back flow pipes, without consideration, except for reimbursement to the National Park Service of agreed upon reasonable actual costs of subsequently provided goods and services. (4) Agreement between the National Park Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Upon the transfer authorized in paragraph (1), the Director of the National Park Service and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall enter into an agreement addressing responsibilities pertaining to the use of the land assignment within the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area as authorized in paragraph (3). The agreement shall prohibit any new construction on this land, permanent or nonpermanent, or significant alteration to the exterior of the Laboratory, without National Park Service approval. (5) Restoration (A) Notwithstanding any provision of the Lease to the contrary, if the State does not transfer the improvements as authorized in paragraph (1), and these improvements are not used as or in support of a marine science laboratory, the State shall demolish and remove the improvements and restore the land in accordance with the standards set forth by the National Park Service, free of unacceptable encumbrances and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding known contaminants. (B) If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration accepts the improvements as authorized in paragraph (1) and these improvements are not used as or in support of a marine science laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be responsible for demolishing and removing these improvements and restoring the land, in accordance with the standards set forth by the National Park Service, free of unacceptable encumbrances and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding known contaminants. .

Summary: This bill authorizes the transfer of the James J. Howard Marine Science Laboratory at Gateway National Recreation Area in New Jersey, without consideration, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by the state of New Jersey and sets forth new requirements governing the continued use of the laboratory.