INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION CENTER.

SEC. 109. INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION CENTER. (a) In General.—The Secretary is authorized to construct, administer, and maintain at appropriate sites within the refuge, or pursuant to subsection (b) cooperate in the construction, operation and maintenance at an appropriate site, not more than four aquatic resources and wildlife interpretation and education centers, known as Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Education Centers, along with administrative facilities, to provide opportunities for the study, understanding, and enjoyment of aquatic resources and wildlife in its natural habitats. (b) Cooperative Agreements.—The Secretary is authorized— (1) to enter agreements to share the construction and operation of and the land acquisition for the center, including the 105 STAT. 1659 costs thereof, with State and local governments and other public and private entities; (2) to utilize appropriated or donated funds for construction, operation and maintenance expenses: Provided, That Federal interests arising from such expenditures are protected by a long-term lease, agreement, or transfer of property interest; and (3) to interpret the Connecticut River’s aquatic and wildlife resources in the context of the region’s cultural, geological, and ecological history.