; and (B) through a public process or other, similar procedure that constrains, or imposes public scrutiny or additional accountability on, the ability of the qualifying entity to carry out such a modification. 9. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as are necessary. (b) Use of amounts Amounts made available under subsection (a) may be used— (1) to carry out any investigations appropriate to carry out this Act; and (2) to pay any other costs associated with conveyances under this Act, including an appropriate Federal share, as determined by the Secretary, of the costs of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any other applicable law. (c) Not treated as project costs Expenditures made by the Secretary under this Act— (1) shall not be a project cost assignable to a Reclamation project; and (2) shall be nonreimbursable.