; and (2) is to be used to carry out a research project with a scientific or educational purpose. (b) Acceptance of qualifying research grants Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States Merchant Marine Academy may compete for and accept qualifying research grants if the work under the grant is to be carried out by a professor or instructor of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. (c) Administration of grant funds (1) Establishment of account The Maritime Administrator shall establish a separate account for administering funds received from research grants under this section. (2) Use of grant funds The Superintendent shall use grant funds deposited into the account established pursuant to paragraph (1) in accordance with applicable regulations and the terms and conditions of the respective grants. (d) Related expenses Subject to such limitations as may be provided in appropriations Acts, appropriations available for the United States Merchant Marine Academy may be used to pay expenses incurred by the Academy in applying for, and otherwise pursuing, a qualifying research grant. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by section 4(b), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 51321. Grants for scientific and educational research. . 7. Continuing funding for the United States Merchant Marine Academy Section 51301 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Continuing funding (1) In general Out of any funds in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are hereby appropriated such sums as may be necessary for operations of the United States Merchant Marine Academy for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, for fiscal year 2018, and for each fiscal year thereafter. (2) Termination Amounts made available for a fiscal year under this subsection shall remain available