Not later than 30 months after the date on which the Secretary completes the identification of sites under section
10193 of this title, the Secretary is authorized to complete sufficient evaluation of 3 sites to select a site for expanded siting research activities and for other activities under section
10198 of this title. The Secretary is authorized to conduct such preconstruction activities relative to such site selection for the test and evaluation facility as he deems appropriate. Additional sites for the location of the test and evaluation facility authorized in section
10222
(d) of this title may be evaluated after such 30-month period, following the same procedures as if such sites were to be evaluated within such period.