16 U.S.C. § 581i–1

For the purpose of fostering and stimulating participation with the Forest Service in forest, range, and watershed management research through investigations, experiments, tests, or such other means as he may deem advisable, and in order to aid in obtaining the fullest cooperation from States and other public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, in effectuating such research the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized in accordance with such regulations as he may issue and when in his judgment such cooperative work will be stimulated or facilitated to make funds available to the cooperators without regard to the provisions of section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31, prohibiting advances of public moneys.