Authorization of appropriations; reservation

(a) Authorization There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 23121 such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029. (b) Reservation for evaluation and technical assistance The Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (a) for any fiscal year to— (1) conduct a rigorous, independent evaluation of the initiatives, activities, or programs funded under section 23121; (2) provide technical assistance and share best practices with respect to initiatives, activities, or programs that are developed by eligible partnerships through grants under section 23121; and (3) provide technical assistance to eligible partnerships applying for a grant under section 23121, through the use of webinars, direct emails, mailed outreach, and other strategies designed to reach underserved eligible partnerships, including eligible partnerships located in rural and remote areas.