Unless specifically authorized by Act of Congress, the Administrator shall not expend funds made available under this chapter, other than funds specifically appropriated by the Congress for such purpose, to acquire any operating transmission facility by condemnation: Provided, That this provision shall not restrict the acquisition of the right to cross such a facility by condemnation.

At least sixty days prior to the time a request for approval or authority under this section or section 838b of this title is sent to Congress, the Administrator shall give notice of such request to entities in the Pacific Northwest with which the Administrator has power sales or exchange contracts or transmission contracts or which have a transmission interconnection with the Federal transmission system.