Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails.
Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake to be set aside
The President is authorized and directed to set aside within the Canal Zone an area in Gatun Lake known as Barro Colorado Island in which the natural features shall, except in event of declared national emergency, be left in their natural state for scientific observation and investigation.
Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation
The purpose of setting aside such an area is to preserve and conserve its natural features, including existing flora and fauna, in as nearly a natural condition as possible, thus providing a place where duly qualified students can make observations and scientific investigations for increase of knowledge, under such conditions and regulations as may be prescribed by the Smithsonian Institution.
Functions of Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution shall (a) determine the policy, prescribe conditions under which studies may be pursued within the area, and promulgate regulations for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter; (b) be responsible for the construction and maintenance of laboratory and other facilities on the area provided for the use of students authorized to carry on studies within the confines of the area; (c) deposit into the Treasury of the United States sums donated or subscribed or collected to be expended for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter; (d) in its discretion, fixed 1 charges that may be made for use of laboratory or other facilities provided students authorized to make observations and investigations within the prescribed area and provide for the collection of such sums for deposit into the Treasury of the United States; (e) make such disposal of any moneys donated, subscribed, collected, or otherwise provided as in its judgment is to the best interest in carrying out the purpose of this subchapter: Provided , That sums contributed or appropriated for specific purposes shall be used for such purpose only; and (f) include in its annual report of its operations to Congress a statement of activities and operations during the preceding year.
Resident manager; powers and duties; compensation
The Smithsonian Institution may select and designate a resident manager to assist in carrying out the policy, conditions, and regulations approved by it in compliance with the purposes of this subchapter. The resident manager shall receive such compensation for his services as may be allowed by the Smithsonian Institution.
Deposit of receipts into Treasury; disbursements
All moneys received by donation, subscription, fees, or otherwise, except the moneys appropriated pursuant to section 79e of this title, for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter shall be deposited into the Treasury as trust funds and are appropriated for such purposes. Disbursements of such funds shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury through the Fiscal Service on requisitions or vouchers signed by or on authority of the Smithsonian Institution.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated annually, from money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, such sums as are necessary for the administration of this subchapter and for the maintenance of laboratory or other facilities provided for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter.
Provisions on this page are reproduced verbatim from official open data. See the attribution line.
Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails. Text of the U.S. Code 2024 Edition (govinfo), imported 2026-07-04. Amendments enacted after the 2024 Edition are not reflected. Read the official text ↗
Source: United States Code / CFR (uscode.house.gov, govinfo.gov) — U.S. federal law, public domain (17 U.S.C. § 105).