§ 8701. Authority to provide for necessary salvage facilities

• (a) The Secretary of the Navy may provide, by contract or otherwise, necessary salvage facilities for public and private vessels.
• (b) The Secretary shall submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security for comment each proposed contract for salvage facilities that affects the interests of the Department of Homeland Security.
• (c) The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a term contract under subsection (a) only if the Secretary determines that available commercial salvage facilities are inadequate to meet the requirements of national defense.
• (d) The Secretary may not enter into a contract under subsection (a) until the Secretary has provided public notice of the intent to enter into such a contract.
• (e) In this section, the term “salvage facilities” includes equipment and gear utilized to prevent, abate, or minimize damage to the environment.