(a) In general The Secretary is authorized to engage in activities to inform the United States maritime industry and port authorities of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve waterborne transportation in the United States, both inland and deep draft. Such activities may include
(1) development, monitoring, assessment, and dissemination of information about foreign water transportation and port facilities that could significantly improve water transportation in the United States;
(2) research, development, training, and other forms of technology transfer and exchange; and
(3) offering technical services which cannot be readily obtained in the private sector to be incorporated in the proposals of port authorities or other water transportation developers if the costs for assistance will be recovered under the terms of each project.
(b) Cooperation The Secretary may carry out the provisions of this section in cooperation with Federal departments and agencies, State and local agencies, authorities, institutions, corporations (profit or
nonprofit">
nonprofit), foreign governments, or other organizations.
