§ 702k–1. Authorization of appropriation

$272,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for the carrying out of the modified adopted project, and all unexpended balances of appropriations heretofore made for the prosecution of said flood-control project are made available for the purposes of sections 642a, 702a–1, 702a–2 to 702a–12, 702g–1, 702j–1, 702j–2, 702k–1, and 702k–2 of this title.

§ 702a–1a. Further modification of 1927 project; adoption; appropriation

In accordance with the recommendations of the Chief of Engineers, as set forth in his report of April 6, 1937 , and published as Flood Control Committee Document Numbered 1, Seventy-fifth Congress, first session, paragraph 38(b), except subparagraph (1), the project for flood control of the Lower Mississippi River adopted by sections 642a, 702a, 702a–1, 702a–2 to 702d, 702e to 702h, 702i to 702m, and 704 of this title, is modified and, as modified, is adopted, and there is authorized to be appropriated in addition to the sums previously authorized $40,000,000 to be applied for the purposes set forth in said document covering the said recommendations, with the exceptions mentioned, subject to the provisions made in section 702a–11 of this title .

§ 702a–1b. Further modification; adoption

The project for flood control of the Lower Mississippi River adopted by sections 642a, 702a to 702a–1a, 702a–2 to 702d, and 702e to 702h, 702i to 702m, and 704 of this title is modified and, as modified, is authorized and adopted.

§ 702k–2. Separability

If any provision of sections 642a, 702a–1, 702a–2 to 702a–12, 702g–1, 702j–1, 702j–2, and 702k–1 of this title, or the application thereof, to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the said sections, and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.

§ 702a–3. Levees; raising and enlarging

The levees along the Mississippi River from the head of the Morganza Floodway to the head of the Atchafalaya River and down the east bank of the Atchafalaya River to intersection with the west protection levee of said Morganza Floodway shall be raised and enlarged to 1928 grade and section.

§ 702a–4. Fuse-plug levees

After the Eudora Floodway shall have been constructed and is ready for operation, the fuse-plug levees now at the head of the Boeuf and Tensas Basins shall be constructed to the 1914 grade and the 1928 section. The fuse-plug levees at the head of the Atchafalaya Basin on the west side shall be constructed to the 1914 grade and the 1928 section. The fuse-plug levees at the head of the Atchafalaya Basin on the east side of the Atchafalaya River shall be constructed to the 1914 grade and 1928 section, and, after the Morganza Floodway has been completed, shall be raised to the 1928 grade as provided in section 702a–3 of this title . Thereafter those stretches of said levees which are left as fuse-plug levees shall be reconstructed and maintained as herein provided, subject to the provisions of section 702a–3 of this title . Any funds appropriated under authority of sections 702g–1 and 702k–1 of this title may be expended for this purpose.

§ 702a–5. Back levee north of Eudora Floodway

The back-protection levee north of the Eudora Floodway shall be constructed to the same grade and section as the levees opposite on the east side of the Mississippi River: Provided , That this levee extending from the head of the Eudora Floodway north to the Arkansas River shall be so located as to afford adequate space for the passage of flood waters without endangering the levees opposite on the east side of the river and shall be constructed contemporaneously with the construction of the Eudora Floodway; except that, until the Eudora Floodway is in operative condition, there shall be left in this back levee north of the head of the Eudora Floodway openings which shall be sufficient, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, to permit the passage of all flood waters to be reasonably contemplated in the event of any break in the riverside fuse-plug levee prior to the time the Eudora Floodway shall be in operative condition.

§ 702a–6. Drainage necessitated by floodway levees

The United States shall provide the drainage made necessary by the construction of floodway levees included in the modified project.

§ 702a–7. Railroad and highway crossings over floodways

The United States shall construct, at its own cost, one railroad and one highway crossing over the Eudora Floodway and not to exceed three railway and two highway crossings over the Morganza Floodway, and not to exceed one railway crossing (together with suitable physical connections therewith) and one highway crossing over the floodway west of the Atchafalaya River provided for in the modified project: Provided , That equitable agreements can be made with the railroad and highway authorities concerned and that the appropriate railroad or highway agencies agree to accept and maintain and operate these crossings without cost to the United States: Provided further , That the railroads crossing the Morganza and West Atchafalaya Floodways agree in consideration for the crossings constructed to waive all claims against the Government for any damages that may occur by reason of overflows in the Morganza and West Atchafalaya Floodways: And provided further , That other railway and highway damages shall be adjusted as provided for in section 702a–10 of this title .

§ 702a–8. Additional roads; construction by United States

In addition to the construction by the United States of roads in connection with floodways as heretofore provided, the Federal Government may, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, and within the limits of available funds, construct additional roads to afford access to those portions of the levee lines not otherwise accessible.

§ 701b–8a. Discontinuance of preliminary examination reports

For preliminary examinations and surveys authorized in previous river and harbor and flood control Acts, the Secretary of the Army is directed to cause investigations and reports for flood control and allied purposes, to be prepared under the supervision of the Chief of Engineers in the form of survey reports, and that preliminary examination reports shall no longer be required to be prepared.

§ 702a–9. Lands, easements, and rights-of-way; acquisition by local authorities; reimbursement; protection of United States from liability for damages

• (a) provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for the construction of the project, except as otherwise provided herein;
• (b) hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction works;
• (c) maintain and operate all the works after completion in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army: And provided , That the construction of any dam authorized herein may be undertaken without delay when the dam site has been acquired and the assurances prescribed herein have been furnished, without awaiting the acquisition of the easements and rights-of-way required for the reservoir area: And provided further , That whenever expenditures for lands, easements, and rights-of-way by States, political subdivisions thereof, or responsible local agencies for any individual project or useful part thereof shall have exceeded the present estimated construction cost therefor, the local agency concerned may be reimbursed one-half of its excess expenditures over said estimated construction cost: And provided further , That when benefits of any project or useful part thereof accrue to lands and property outside of the State in which said project or part thereof is located, the Secretary of the Army may acquire the necessary lands, easements, and rights-of-way for said project or part thereof after he has received from the States, political subdivisions thereof, or responsible local agencies benefited the present estimated cost of said lands, easements, and rights-of-way, less one-half the amount by which the estimated cost of these lands, easements, and rights-of-way exceeds the estimated construction cost corresponding thereto: And provided further , That the Secretary of the Army shall determine the proportion of the present estimated cost of said lands, easements, and rights-of-way that each State, political subdivision thereof, or responsible local agency should contribute in consideration for the benefits to be received by such agencies: And provided further , That whenever not less than 75 per centum of the benefits as estimated by the Secretary of the Army of any project or useful part thereof accrue to lands and property outside of the State in which said project or part thereof is located, provision
• (c) of this section shall not apply thereto; nothing herein shall impair or abridge the powers now existing in the Department of the Army with respect to navigable streams: And provided further , That nothing herein shall be construed to interfere with the completion of any reservoir or flood control work authorized by the Congress and under way on June 15, 1936 .

§ 702a–10. Flowage rights and rights-of-way; reimbursement of local authorities; highway crossings; use of properties for national forests or wildlife refuges

In order to facilitate the United States in the acquisition of flowage rights and rights-of-way for levee foundations, the Secretary of the Army is authorized to enter into agreements with the States or with local levee districts, boards, commissions, or other agencies for the acquisition and transfer to the United States of such flowage rights and levee rights-of-way, and for the reimbursement of such States or local levee districts, boards, commissions, or other agencies, for the cost thereof at prices previously agreed upon between the Secretary of the Army and the governing authority of such agencies, within the maximum limitations hereinafter prescribed: Provided , That no money appropriated under the authority of sections 702g–1 and 702k–1 of this title shall be expended upon the construction of the Eudora Floodway, the Morganza Floodway, the back protection levee extending north from the Eudora Floodway, or the levees extending from the head of the Morganza Floodway to the head of and down the east bank of the Atchafalaya River to the intersection of said Morganza Floodway until 75 per centum of the value of the flowage rights and rights-of-way for levee foundations, as estimated by the Chief of Engineers, shall have been acquired or options or assurances satisfactory to the Chief of Engineers shall have been obtained for the Eudora Floodway, the Morganza Floodway, and the area lying between said back protection levee and the present front line levees: Provided further , That easements required in said areas in connection with roads and other public utilities owned by States or political subdivisions thereof shall be provided without cost to the United States upon the condition, that the United States shall provide suitable crossings, including surfacing of like character, over floodway guide-line levees in said areas for all improved roads now constituting a part of the State highway system, and shall repair all damage done to said highways within the said floodways by the actual use of such floodways for diversion: Provided further , That when such portion of said rights as to all of said areas shall have been acquired or obtained and when said easements required in connection with roads and other public utilities owned by States or political subdivisions thereof have been provided as hereinabove set forth, construction of said flood-control works in said areas shall be undertaken according to the engineering recommendations of the Report of the Chief of Engineers dated February 12, 1935 (House Committee on Flood Control Document Numbered 1, Seventy-fourth Congress, first session), and the Secretary of the Army shall cause proceedings to be instituted for the condemnation of the remainder of said rights and easements, as are needed and cannot be secured by agreement, in accordance with section 702d of this title : Provided further , That in no event and under no circumstances shall any of the additional money appropriated under the authority of sections 702g–1 and 702k–1 be expended for the acquisition of said 75 per centum of the flowage rights and rights-of-way hereinabove contemplated in excess of $20,000,000: Provided further , That the Chief of Engineers is authorized, out of the funds herein authorized to be appropriated, to purchase flowage easements over lands and properties in the floodway west of the Atchafalaya River and lying above the approximate latitude of Krotz Springs: Provided further , That none of such easements in said West Atchafalaya Floodway shall be purchased until options covering at least 75 per centum of the total value of such easements as estimated by the Chief of Engineers shall have been obtained at prices deemed reasonable by the Chief of Engineers and not exceeding in the aggregate $2,250,000 for said 75 per centum of said easements with respect to the floodway west of the Atchafalaya River: Provided further , That easements required in said West Atchafalaya Floodway in connection with roads and other public utilities owned by States or other political subdivisions shall be provided without cost to the United States upon condition that the United States shall provide suitable crossings, including surfacing of like character, over floodway guide-line levees for all improved roads in said West Atchafalaya Floodway now constituting a part of the State highway system and shall repair all damage done to said highways within said West Atchafalaya Floodway by the actual use of such floodway for diversion: Provided further , That no flowage easements shall be paid for by the United States over properties subject to frequent overflow in the Atchafalaya Basin below the approximate latitude of Krotz Springs: Provided further , That payment for rights-of-way, easements, and flowage rights acquired under this section, or reimbursement to the States or local interests furnishing them, shall be made as soon as the Chief of Engineers is satisfied that such rights-of-way, easements, or flowage rights have been acquired in conformity with local custom or legal procedure in such matters; and, thereafter, no liability of any kind shall attach to or rest upon the United States for any further damage by reason of diversions or flood waters: And provided further , That if the Secretary of Agriculture shall determine to acquire any of the properties within the floodways herein referred to, for national forests, wildlife refuges, or other purposes of his Department, the Secretary of the Army may, upon recommendation by the Chief of Engineers, in lieu of acquiring flowage rights, advance to or reimburse the said Secretary of Agriculture sums equal to those that would otherwise be used for the purchase of easements desired by the Department of the Army and the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use these sums for the purpose of acquiring properties in the floodways in question.

§ 702a–11. Morganza Floodway; Eudora Floodway

The United States may, within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, irrespective of other provisions of law, proceed to acquire all easements needed and of the character considered advisable in the Morganza floodway and to construct said Morganza floodway. Said Morganza floodway may, within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, be modified as to its design and inflow. The said Morganza floodway may be initiated and constructed without delay; and the United States may, within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, irrespective of other provisions of law, proceed to the acquisition of flowage rights and flowage easements in the Eudora floodway, and to its construction as authorized by existing law: Provided , That the intakes of such Eudora floodway shall include an automatic masonry weir with its sill at such an elevation that it will not be overtopped by stages other than those capable of producing a stage of fifty-one feet or over on the Vicksburg gage: Provided further , That a fuseplug levee loop may be constructed behind said sill to prevent flow into the floodway until the predicted flood exceeds the safe capacity of the main river leveed channel, with a free-board of at least three feet, but said fuseplug levee may be artificially breached when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such breaching is advisable to insure the safety of the main river controlling levee line: Provided further , That the authority to acquire lands, flowage rights, and easements for floodways shall be confined to the floodways proper and to the northward extension of Eudora: Provided further , That within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, the guide line levees of the Eudora floodway may be extended south toward Old River: Provided further , That the Chief of Engineers is authorized to construct the said Eudora floodway at such location as he may determine, in the vicinity of Eudora. The United States may, within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers irrespective of other provisions of law, proceed to acquire flowage rights and flowage easements in the northward extension of the Eudora floodway, as authorized by existing law, provided that pending the completion of such northward extension all the Riverside fuseplug levee extending south from the vicinity of Yancopin to the vicinity of Vau Cluse, Arkansas, and so as to connect with the existing levee of 1928 grade and section, shall be reconstructed to the 1914 grade and 1928 section: Provided further , That if the back protection levee is constructed prior to the construction of Eudora floodway, it shall be connected with the main Mississippi River levee and subsequently connected with the Eudora floodway when constructed: Provided further , That the Chief of Engineers is authorized, in his discretion, to negotiate options, make agreements and offers with respect to lands, flowage rights, easements, and rights-of-way involved, as provided by law, at prices deemed reasonable by him. The United States, irrespective of other provisions of law, may, within the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, acquire flowage easements over all lands not subject to frequent overflow in the Atchafalaya Basin below the latitude of Krotz Springs. Said Morganza floodway shall not be operated until the Wax Lake outlet has been put into operative condition. The fuseplug levees at the head of the Atchafalaya Basin on the east side of the Atchafalaya River shall be reconstructed to the 1928 grade and section. The United States may, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, acquire all flowage rights, flowage easements, rights-of-way for levee foundations, and titles in fee simple as herein provided, either by voluntary acquisition or in accordance with the condemnation proceedings by the Secretary of the Army as provided for in section 702d of this title . In the event the United States acquires or owns title to any lands in fee simple under the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title, as amended and supplemented, the United States may retain the ownership thereof, or any part thereof instead of turning over such lands to the ownership of States or local interests as provided in section 702d of this title , and may lease such lands: Provided , That 25 per centum of all moneys received and deposited in the Treasury of the United States during any fiscal year on account of such leases shall be paid, at the end of such year, by the Secretary of the Treasury to the State in which such property is situated, to be expended as the State legislature may prescribe for the benefit of the public schools and public roads of the county or counties in which such property is situated: Provided further , That when such property is situated in more than one State or county the distributive share to each from the proceeds of such property shall be proportional to its area therein: Provided further , That no part of the appropriations herein or heretofore authorized for said Morganza and Eudora floodways and extension shall be used for any other purpose.

§ 702a–12. Modified Lower Mississippi River project as of August 18, 1941

• (a) The existing engineering plan for flood control in the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River is modified so as to provide for the construction of plan 4 as set forth in the report of the Mississippi River Commission, dated March 7, 1941 , to the Chief of Engineers, except that the levees in the Yazoo Basin on the east bank of the Mississippi River south of the Coahoma-Bolivar County line in said plan shall have a three foot freeboard over the project flood, and all levees shall be constructed with adequate section and foundation to conform to increased levee heights. The Boeuf Floodway in the project adopted by sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title, and the Eudora Floodway as well as the Northward Extension and the back protection levee extending from the head of the said Eudora Floodway north to the Arkansas River in the project adopted by sections 642a, 702a–1, 702a–2 to 702a–12, 702g–1, 702j–1, 702j–2, 702k–1, and 702k–2 of this title, are abandoned, and the provisions of said sections relating to the prosecution of work on said floodways and extension are repealed; except that the Ouachita River Levees, Louisiana, authorized by section 702a of this title , shall remain as a component of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project and afforded operation and maintenance responsibilities as provided under section 702c of this title .
• (b) The project for flood control of the Yazoo River shall be as authorized by sections 642a, 702a–1, 702a–2 to 702a–12, 702g–1, 702j–1, 702j–2, 702k–1, and 702k–2 of this title, except that the Chief of Engineers may, in his discretion, from time to time, substitute therefor combinations of reservoirs, levees, and channel improvements; and except that the extension of the authorized project and improvements contemplated in plan C of the report of March 7, 1941 , of the Mississippi River Commission are authorized, including the extension of the levee on the east bank of the Mississippi River generally along the west bank of the Yazoo River to a connection in the vicinity of Yazoo City with the Yazoo River levee, authorized by the existing project for protection against headwater floods of the Yazoo River system, and the adjustment in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers of the grades of the existing levees in the backwater area on the east bank of Yazoo River below Yazoo City, all at an estimated additional cost of $11,982,000: Provided , That the Chief of Engineers shall fix the grade of the extension levees along the Yazoo River, with higher levees in his discretion, so that their construction will give the maximum practical protection without jeopardizing the safety and integrity of the main Mississippi River levees: And provided further , That prior to the beginning of construction local authorities shall furnish satisfactory assurances that they will (1) maintain the levees in accordance with the provisions of section 702c of this title , and will (2) not raise the levees in the backwater above the limiting elevations established therefor by the Chief of Engineers.
• (c) In the development of the authorized project, the construction of a levee and improvements contemplated in the report of March 7, 1941 , of the Mississippi River Commission from the main-line levee on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of Shaw, Louisiana, westward and northward to the vicinity of Newlight, Louisiana, for the protection of that part of the Red River backwater known as the Tensas-Cocodrie area at an estimated cost of $6,976,000 is authorized: Provided , That the Chief of Engineers shall fix the grade of said levee, with a higher levee in his discretion, so that its construction will give the maximum practical protection without jeopardizing the safety and integrity of the main Mississippi River levees: And provided further , That prior to the beginning of construction local authorities shall furnish satisfactory assurances that they will (1) maintain the levee in accordance with the provisions of section 702c of this title , and will (2) not raise the said levee above the limiting elevations established therefor by the Chief of Engineers: Provided further , That subject to the foregoing conditions of local cooperation the Chief of Engineers may in his discretion substitute other levees and appurtenant works for, or make such modifications of, the levees and improvements herein authorized for the protection of the Tensas-Cocodrie area as may be found after further investigation to afford protection to a larger area in the Red River Backwater at a total cost not to exceed $29,000,000 and without jeopardizing the safety and integrity of the main Mississippi River levees and without preventing or jeopardizing the diversions contemplated in the adopted project through the Atchafalaya River and Atchafalaya Basin.
• (d) The Chief of Engineers, with approval of the Secretary of the Army, shall reimburse local authorities for actual expenditures found by the Chief of Engineers to be reasonable, for providing at the request of the United States, in accordance with local legal procedure or custom, rights-of-way and flowage easements required for future setbacks of main-line Mississippi River levees.
• (e) The existing engineering plan for flood control of the Saint Francis River is modified so as to permit the substitution for the suspended portions of the original project below Oak Donnick, Arkansas, of the construction of a ditch in Cross County, Arkansas, beginning in the vicinity of the outlet end of the existing Oak Donnick to Saint Francis Bay floodway and terminating in Saint Francis Bay about two miles north of Riverfront, including the construction of a highway bridge at State Highway Numbered 42 made necessary by the ditch construction: Provided , That local interests give assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army that they will (1) provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for the construction; (2) hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction works; and (3) maintain the works after completion in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army.
• (f) In the development of the authorized project, the construction of improvements for Bayou Rapides, Boeuf, and Cocodrie, Louisiana, contemplated in the report dated March 24, 1941 , of the Special Board of Officers at an estimated cost of $2,600,000 is authorized.
• (g) The total authorizations heretofore made for the flood control project of the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River shall not be increased by reason of any provision in this Act, except for the additional amounts necessary for the Yazoo and Red River backwater improvements, and any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made or authorized for said project as herein or heretofore modified may be expended upon any feature of the said project, notwithstanding any restrictions, limitations, or requirements of existing law: Provided , That funds hereafter expended for maintenance shall not be considered as reducing present remaining balances of authorizations.

§ 701b–14. Structural integrity evaluations

• (a) Upon request of a non-Federal interest, the Secretary shall evaluate the structural integrity and effectiveness of a project for flood damage reduction and, if the Secretary determines that the project does not meet such minimum standards as the Secretary may establish and absent action by the Secretary the project will fail, the Secretary may take such action as may be necessary to restore the integrity and effectiveness of the project.
• (b) The Secretary shall carry out an evaluation and take such actions as may be necessary under subsection (a) for the project for flood damage reduction, Arkansas River Levees, Arkansas.

§ 701b–15. Non-Federal plans to provide additional flood risk reduction

• (a) If requested by a non-Federal interest, the Secretary shall carry out a locally preferred plan that provides a higher level of protection than a flood risk management project authorized under this Act if the Secretary determines that—
  • (1) the plan is technically feasible and environmentally acceptable; and
  • (2) the benefits of the plan exceed the costs of the plan.
• (b) If the Secretary carries out a locally preferred plan under subsection (a), the Federal share of the cost of the project shall be not greater than the share as provided by law for elements of the national economic development plan.

§ 701b–16. Management of flood risk reduction projects

• (a) If 2 or more flood control projects are located within the same geographic area, the Secretary shall, at the request of the non-Federal interests for the affected projects, consider those projects as a single program for budgetary or project management purposes, if the Secretary determines that doing so would not be incompatible with the authorized project purposes.
• (b)
  • (1) If any work on a project to which subsection (a) applies is required solely because of impacts to that project from a navigation project, the cost of carrying out that work shall be shared in accordance with the cost-sharing requirements for the navigation project.
  • (2) Work described in paragraph (1) may be carried out using amounts made available under subsection (a).

§ 701. Flood control generally

• (a) the extent and character of the area to be affected by the proposed improvement;
• (b) the probable effect upon any navigable water or waterway;
• (c) the possible economical development and utilization of water power; and
• (d) such other uses as may be properly related to or coordinated with the project. And the heads of the several departments of the Government may, in their discretion, and shall upon the request of the Secretary of the Army, detail representatives from their respective departments to assist the Engineers of the Army in the study and examination of such watersheds, to the end that duplication of work may be avoided and the various services of the Government economically coordinated therein: Provided , That all reports on preliminary examinations hereafter authorized, together with the report of the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors thereon and the separate report of the representative of any other department, shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Army by the Chief of Engineers, with his recommendations, and shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Army to the House of Representatives, and are ordered to be printed when so made. [Reports by Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors.] In the consideration of all works and projects relating to flood control which may be submitted to the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors for consideration and recommendation, said board shall, in addition to any other matters upon which it may be required to report, state its opinion as to
• (a) what Federal interest, if any, is involved in the proposed improvement;
• (b) what share of the expense, if any, should be borne by the United States; and
• (c) the advisability of adopting the project.

§ 701a. Declaration of policy of 1936 act

It is recognized that destructive floods upon the rivers of the United States, upsetting orderly processes and causing loss of life and property, including the erosion of lands, and impairing and obstructing navigation, highways, railroads, and other channels of commerce between the States, constitute a menace to national welfare; that it is the sense of Congress that flood control on navigable waters or their tributaries is a proper activity of the Federal Government in cooperation with States, their political subdivisions, and localities thereof; that investigations and improvements of rivers and other waterways, including watersheds thereof, for flood-control purposes are in the interest of the general welfare; that the Federal Government should improve or participate in the improvement of navigable waters or their tributaries, including watersheds thereof, for flood-control purposes if the benefits to whomsoever they may accrue are in excess of the estimated costs, and if the lives and social security of people are otherwise adversely affected.

§ 701b. Supervision of Secretary of the Army; reclamation projects unaffected

Federal investigations and improvements of rivers and other waterways for flood control and allied purposes shall be under the jurisdiction of and shall be prosecuted by the Department of the Army under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and supervision of the Chief of Engineers, except as otherwise provided by Act of Congress; and in his reports upon examinations and surveys, the Secretary of the Army shall be guided as to flood-control measures by the principles set forth in section 701a of this title in the determination of the Federal interests involved: Provided , That the foregoing grant of authority shall not interfere with investigations and river improvements incident to reclamation projects that may now be in progress or may be hereafter undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation of the Interior Department pursuant to any general or specific authorization of law.

§ 701c. Rights-of-way, easements, etc.; acquisition by local authorities; maintenance and operation; protection of United States from liability for damages; requisites to run-off and water-flow retardation and soil erosion prevention assistance

After June 22, 1936 , no money appropriated under authority of section 701f of this title shall be expended on the construction of any project until States, political subdivisions thereof, or other responsible local agencies have given assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army that they will (a) provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for the construction of the project, except as otherwise provided herein; (b) hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction works; (c) maintain and operate all the works after completion in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army: Provided , That the construction of any dam authorized herein, may be undertaken without delay when the dam site has been acquired and the assurances prescribed herein have been furnished, without awaiting the acquisition of the easements and rights-of-way required for the reservoir area: And provided further , That whenever expenditures for lands, easements, and rights-of-way by States, political subdivisions thereof, or responsible local agencies for any individual project or useful part thereof shall have exceeded the present estimated construction cost therefor, the local agency concerned may be reimbursed one-half of its excess expenditures over said estimated construction cost: And provided further , That when benefits of any project or useful part thereof accrue to lands and property outside of the State in which said project or part thereof is located, the Secretary of the Army with the consent of the State wherein the same are located may acquire the necessary lands, easements, and rights-of-way for said project or part thereof after he has received from the States, political subdivisions thereof, or responsible local agencies benefited the present estimated cost of said lands, easements, and rights-of-way, less one-half the amount by which the estimated cost of these lands, easements, and rights-of-way exceeds the estimated construction cost corresponding thereto: And provided further , That the Secretary of the Army shall determine the proportion of the present estimated cost of said lands, easements, and rights-of-way that each State, political subdivision thereof, or responsible local agency should contribute in consideration for the benefits to be received by such agencies: And provided further , That whenever not less than 75 per centum of the benefits as estimated by the Secretary of the Army of any project or useful part thereof accrue to lands and property outside of the State in which said project or part thereof is located, provision (c) of this section shall not apply thereto; nothing herein shall impair or abridge the powers now existing in the Department of the Army with respect to navigable streams: And provided further , That nothing herein shall be construed to interfere with the completion of any reservoir or flood control work authorized by the Congress and now under way.

• (d) As a condition to the extending of any benefits, in prosecuting measures for run-off and water-flow retardation and soil erosion prevention authorized by Act of Congress pursuant to the policy declared in section 701a of this title , to any lands not owned or controlled by the United States or any of its agencies, the Secretary of Agriculture may, insofar as he may deem necessary for the purposes of such Act, require—
  • (1) The enactment and reasonable safeguards for the enforcement of State and local laws imposing suitable permanent restrictions on the use of such lands and otherwise providing for run-off and waterflow retardation and soil-erosion prevention;
  • (2) Agreements or covenants as to the permanent use of such lands; and
  • (3) Contributions in money, services, materials, or otherwise to any operations conferring such benefits.

§ 701d. Compacts between States; consent of Congress

The consent of Congress is given to any two or more States to enter into compacts or agreements in connection with any project or operation authorized by this Act for flood control or the prevention of damage to life or property by reason of floods upon any stream or streams and their tributaries which lie in two or more such States, for the purpose of providing, in such manner and such proportion as may be agreed upon by such States and approved by the Secretary of the Army, funds for construction and maintenance, for the payment of damages, and for the purchase of rights-of-way, lands, and easements in connection with such project or operation. No such compact or agreement shall become effective without the further consent or ratification of Congress, except a compact or agreement which provides that all money to be expended pursuant thereto and all work to be performed thereunder shall be expended and performed by the Department of the Army, with the exception of such reasonable sums as may be reserved by the States entering into the compact or agreement for the purpose of collecting taxes and maintaining the necessary State organizations for carrying out the compact or agreement.

§ 701e. Effect of act June 22, 1936 , on provisions for Mississippi River and other projects

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as repealing or amending any provision of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title. The authority conferred by this Act and any funds appropriated pursuant thereto for expenditure are supplemental to all other authority and appropriations relating to the departments or agencies concerned, and nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or retard any department or agency in carrying out similar and related activities heretofore or hereafter authorized, or to limit the exercise of powers conferred on any department or agency by other provisions of law is 1 1 So in original. Probably should be “in”. carrying out similar and related activities.

§ 701f. Authorization of appropriations

The sum of $310,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for carrying out the improvements herein and the sum of $10,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated and expended in equal amounts by the Departments of the Army and Agriculture for carrying out any examinations and surveys provided for in this Act and other Acts of Congress.

§ 701g. Removal of obstructions; clearing channels

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot not to exceed $7,500,000 from any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for any one fiscal year for flood control, for removing accumulated snags and other debris, and clearing and straightening the channel in navigable streams and tributaries thereof, when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable in the interest of flood control: Provided , That not more than $500,000 shall be expended for this purpose for any single tributary from the appropriations for any one fiscal year.

§ 701h. Contributions by States, political subdivisions, and other non-Federal interests

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to receive from States and political subdivisions thereof and other non-Federal interests, such funds as may be contributed by them for work, which includes planning and design, to be expended in connection with funds appropriated by the United States for any authorized water resources development study or project, including a project for navigation on the inland waterways, whenever such work and expenditure may be considered by the Secretary of the Army, on recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, as advantageous in the public interest, and the plans for any reservoir project may, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Army, on recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, be modified to provide additional storage capacity for domestic water supply or other conservation storage, on condition that the cost of such increased storage capacity is contributed by local agencies and that the local agencies agree to utilize such additional storage capacity in a manner consistent with Federal uses and purposes: Provided , That the Secretary is authorized to receive and expend funds from a State or a political subdivision thereof, and other non-Federal interests or private entities, to operate a hurricane barrier project to support recreational activities at or in the vicinity of the project, at no cost to the Federal Government, if the Secretary determines that operation for such purpose is not inconsistent with the operation and maintenance of the project for the authorized purposes of the project: Provided further , That the Secretary is authorized to receive and expend funds from an owner of a non-Federal reservoir to formulate, review, or revise operational documents for any non-Federal reservoir for which the Secretary is authorized to prescribe regulations for the use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation pursuant to section 709 of this title : Provided further , That when contributions made by States and political subdivisions thereof and other non-Federal interests, are in excess of the actual cost of the work contemplated and properly chargeable to such contributions, such excess contributions may, with the approval of the Secretary of the Army, be returned to the proper representatives of the contributing interests: Provided further , That the term “States” means the several States, the District of Columbia, the commonwealths, territories, and possessions of the United States, and Federally recognized Indian tribes: Provided further , That the term “non-Federal interest” has the meaning given that term in section 1962d–5b of title 42 .

§ 701i. Elimination from protection of areas subject to evacuation

In any case where the construction cost of levees or flood walls included in any authorized project can be substantially reduced by the evacuation of a portion or all of the area proposed to be protected and by the elimination of that portion or all of the area from the protection to be afforded by the project, the Chief of Engineers may modify the plan of said project so as to eliminate said portion or all of the area: Provided , That a sum not substantially exceeding the amount thus saved in construction cost may be expended by the Chief of Engineers, or in his discretion may be transferred to any other appropriate Federal agency for expenditure, toward the evacuation of the locality eliminated from protection and the rehabilitation of the persons so evacuated: And provided further , That the Chief of Engineers may, if he so desires, enter into agreement with States, local agencies, or the individuals concerned for the accomplishment by them, of such evacuation and rehabilitation and for their reimbursement from said sum for expenditures actually incurred by them for this purpose.

§ 701j. Installation in dams of facilities for future development of hydroelectric power

Penstocks or other similar facilities adapted to possible future use in the development of hydroelectric power shall be installed in any dam herein authorized when approved by the Secretary of the Army upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers and of the Secretary of Energy.

§ 701k. Crediting reimbursements for lost, stolen, or damaged property

Any amounts collected from any person, persons, or corporations as a reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged property, purchased in connection with river and harbor or flood control work prosecuted under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers, whether collected in cash or by deduction from amounts otherwise due such person, persons, or corporations, on and after June 20, 1938 , shall be credited in each case to the appropriation that bore the cost of purchase, repair, or replacement of the lost, stolen, or damaged property.

§ 701m. Insufficient Congressional authorization; preparations for and modification of project

In any case where the total authorization for a project heretofore or hereafter authorized by Congress is not sufficient to complete plans that may have been made the Chief of Engineers is authorized in his discretion to plan and make expenditures on preparations for the project, such as the purchase of lands, easements, and rights-of-way; readjustments of roads, railroads, and other utilities; removal of towns, cemeteries, and dwellings from reservoir sites; and the construction of foundations. The Chief of Engineers is also authorized in his discretion to modify the plan for any dam or other work heretofore or hereafter authorized so that such dam or work will be smaller than originally planned with a view to completing a useful improvement within an authorization: Provided , That the smaller structure shall be located on the chosen site so that it will be feasible at some future time to enlarge the work in order to permit the full utilization of the site for all purposes of conservation such as flood control, navigation, reclamation, the development of hydroelectric power, and the abatement of pollution.

§ 701n. Emergency response to natural disasters

• (a)
  • (1) There is authorized an emergency fund to be expended in preparation for emergency response to any natural disaster, in flood fighting and rescue operations, or in the repair or restoration of any flood control work threatened or destroyed by flood, including the strengthening, raising, extending, realigning, or other modification thereof as may be necessary in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers for the adequate functioning of the work for flood control and subject to the condition that the Chief of Engineers may include modifications to the structure or project, or in implementation of nonstructural alternatives to the repair or restoration of such flood control work if requested by the non-Federal sponsor; in the emergency protection of federally authorized hurricane or shore protection being threatened when in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers such protection is warranted to protect against imminent and substantial loss to life and property; in the repair and restoration of any federally authorized hurricane or shore protective structure or project damaged or destroyed by wind, wave, or water action of other than an ordinary nature to either the pre-storm level or the design level of protection, whichever provides greater protection, when, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, such repair and restoration is warranted for the adequate functioning of the structure or project for hurricane or shore protection, subject to the condition that the Chief of Engineers may include modifications to the structure or project to address major deficiencies or implement nonstructural alternatives to the repair or restoration of the structure if requested by the non-Federal sponsor. The emergency fund may also be expended for emergency dredging for restoration of authorized project depths for Federal navigable channels and waterways made necessary by flood, drought, earthquake, or other natural disasters. In any case in which the Chief of Engineers is otherwise performing work under this section in an area for which the Governor of the affected State has requested a determination that an emergency exists or a declaration that a major disaster exists under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [ 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.], the Chief of Engineers is further authorized to perform on public and private lands and waters for a period of ten days following the Governor’s request any emergency work made necessary by such emergency or disaster which is essential for the preservation of life and property, including, but not limited to, channel clearance, emergency shore protection, clearance and removal of debris and wreckage endangering public health and safety, and temporary restoration of essential public facilities and services. The Chief of Engineers, in the exercise of his discretion, is further authorized to provide emergency supplies of clean water, on such terms as he determines to be advisable, to any locality which he finds is confronted with a source of contaminated water causing or likely to cause a substantial threat to the public health and welfare of the inhabitants of the locality. The appropriation of such moneys for the initial establishment of this fund and for its replenishment on an annual basis, is authorized: Provided , That pending the appropriation of sums to such emergency fund, the Secretary of the Army may allot, from existing flood-control appropriations, such sums as may be necessary for the immediate prosecution of the work herein authorized, such appropriations to be reimbursed from the appropriation herein authorized when made. The Chief of Engineers is authorized, in the prosecution of work in connection with rescue operations, or in conducting other flood emergency work, to acquire on a rental basis such motor vehicles, including passenger cars and buses, as in his discretion are deemed necessary.
  • (2)
    • (A) In preparing a cost and benefit feasibility assessment for any emergency project described in paragraph (1), the Chief of Engineers shall consider the benefits to be gained by such project for the protection of—
      • (i) residential establishments;
      • (ii) commercial establishments, including the protection of inventory; and
      • (iii) agricultural establishments, including the protection of crops.
    • (B)
      • (i) The Chief of Engineers may carry out repair or restoration work described in paragraph (1) that does not produce benefits greater than the cost if—
        • (I) the non-Federal sponsor agrees to pay an amount sufficient to make the remaining costs of the project equal to the estimated value of the benefits of the repair or restoration work; and
        • (II) the Secretary determines that—
      • (ii) Non-Federal payments pursuant to clause (i) shall be in addition to any non-Federal payments required by the Chief of Engineers that are applicable to the remaining costs of the repair or restoration work.
  • (3) Upon request by a locality receiving assistance under the fourth sentence of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, enter into an agreement with the locality to provide such assistance beyond the time period otherwise provided for by the Secretary under such sentence.
  • (4) In this subsection, the term “nonstructural alternatives” includes efforts to restore or protect natural resources, including streams, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, or coasts, if those efforts will reduce flood risk.
• (b)
  • (1) The Secretary, upon a written request for assistance under this paragraph made by any farmer, rancher, or political subdivision within a distressed area, and after a determination by the Secretary that (A) as a result of the drought such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision has an inadequate supply of water, (B) an adequate supply of water can be made available to such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision through the construction of a well, and (C) as a result of the drought such well could not be constructed by a private business, the Secretary, subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, may enter into an agreement with such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision for the construction of such well.
  • (2) The Secretary, upon a written request for assistance under this paragraph made by any farmer, rancher, or political subdivision within a distressed area, and after a determination by the Secretary that as a result of the drought such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision has an inadequate supply of water and water cannot be obtained by such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision, the Secretary may transport water to such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision by methods which include, but are not limited to, small-diameter emergency water lines and tank trucks, until such time as the Secretary determines that an adequate supply of water is available to such farmer, rancher, or political subdivision.
  • (3)
    • (A) Any agreement entered into by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall require the farmer, rancher, or political subdivision for whom the well is constructed to pay to the United States the reasonable cost of such construction, with interest, over such number of years, not to exceed thirty, as the Secretary deems appropriate. The rate of interest shall be that rate which the Secretary determines would apply if the amount to be repaid was a loan made pursuant to section 636(b)(2) of title 15 .
    • (B) The Secretary shall not construct any well pursuant to this subsection unless the farmer, rancher, or political subdivision for whom the well is being constructed has obtained, prior to construction, all necessary State and local permits.
  • (4) The Federal share for the transportation of water pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be 100 per centum.
  • (5) For purposes of this subsection—
    • (A) the term “construction” includes construction, reconstruction, or repair;
    • (B) the term “distressed area” means an area which the Secretary determines due to drought conditions has an inadequate water supply which is causing, or is likely to cause, a substantial threat to the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the area including threat of damage or loss of property;
    • (C) the term “political subdivision” means a city, town, borough, county, parish, district, association, or other public body created by or pursuant to State law and having jurisdiction over the water supply of such public body;
    • (D) the term “reasonable cost” means the lesser of (i) the cost to the Secretary of constructing a well pursuant to this subsection exclusive of the cost of transporting equipment used in the construction of wells, or (ii) the cost to a private business of constructing such well;
    • (E) the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers; and
    • (F) the term “State” means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
• (c)
  • (1) Not later than 1 year after October 12, 1996 , in accordance with chapter 5 of title 5, the Secretary of the Army shall prepare a manual describing the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities that the Corps of Engineers requires of a non-Federal interest in order for the non-Federal interest to receive Federal assistance under this section. The Secretary shall provide a copy of the manual at no cost to each non-Federal interest that is eligible to receive Federal assistance under this section.
  • (2) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
  • (3) In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
    • (A) The term “maintenance and upkeep” means all maintenance and general upkeep of a levee performed on a regular and consistent basis that is not repair and rehabilitation.
    • (B) The term “repair and rehabilitation”—
      • (i) means the repair or rebuilding of a levee or other flood control structure, after the structure has been damaged by a flood, to the level of protection provided by the structure before the flood; but
      • (ii) does not include—
        • (I) any improvement to the structure; or
        • (II) repair or rebuilding described in clause (i) if, in the normal course of usage, the structure becomes structurally unsound and is no longer fit to provide the level of protection for which the structure was designed.
• (d) In conducting repair or restoration work under subsection (a), at the request of the non-Federal sponsor, the Chief of Engineers may increase the level of protection above the level to which the system was designed, or, if the repair or restoration includes repair or restoration of a pumping station, increase the capacity of a pump, if—
  • (1) the Chief of Engineers determines the improvements are in the public interest, including consideration of whether—
    • (A) the authority under this section has been used more than once at the same location;
    • (B) there is an opportunity to decrease significantly the risk of loss of life and property damage; or
    • (C) there is an opportunity to decrease total life cycle rehabilitation costs for the project; and
  • (2) the non-Federal sponsor agrees to pay the difference between the cost of repair or restoration to the original design level or original capacity and the cost of achieving the higher level of protection or capacity sought by the non-Federal sponsor.
• (e) The Secretary shall notify and consult with the non-Federal sponsor regarding the opportunity to request implementation of nonstructural alternatives to the repair or restoration of a flood control work under subsection (a).

§ 701p. Railroad bridge alterations at Federal expense

On and after July 24, 1946 , for authorized flood protection projects which include alterations of railroad bridges the Chief of Engineers is authorized to include at Federal expense the necessary alterations of railroad bridges and approaches in connection therewith.

§ 701q. Repair and protection of highways, railroads, and utilities damaged by operation of dams or reservoir

Whenever the Chief of Engineers shall find that any highway, railway, or utility has been or is being damaged or destroyed by reason of the operation of any dam or reservoir project under the control of the Department of the Army, he may utilize any funds available for the construction, maintenance, or operation of the project involved for the repair, relocation, restoration, or protection of such highway, railway, or utility: Provided , That this section shall not apply to highways, railways, and utilities previously provided for by the Department of the Army, unless the Chief of Engineers determines that the actual damage has or will exceed that for which provision had previously been made.

§ 701r. Protection of highways, bridge approaches, public works, and nonprofit public services

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot from any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for flood control, not to exceed $25,000,000 per year, for the construction, repair, restoration, and modification of emergency streambank and shoreline protection works to prevent damage to highways, bridge approaches, and public works, churches, hospitals, schools, and other nonprofit public services, when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable: Provided , That not more than $5,000,000 shall be allotted for this purpose at any single locality from the appropriations for any one fiscal year, and if such amount is not sufficient to cover the costs included in the Federal cost share for a project, as determined by the Secretary, the non-Federal interest shall be responsible for any such costs that exceed such amount.

§ 701s. Small flood control projects; appropriations; amount limitation for single locality; conditions

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot from any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for flood control, not to exceed $68,750,000 for any one fiscal year, for the implementation of small structural and nonstructural projects for flood control and related purposes not specifically authorized by Congress, which come within the provisions of section 701a of this title , when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable. The amount allotted for a project shall be sufficient to complete Federal participation in the project. Not more than $10,000,000 shall be allotted under this section for a project at any single locality. The provisions of local cooperation specified in section 701c of this title shall apply. The work shall be complete in itself and not commit the United States to any additional improvement to insure its successful operation, except as may result from the normal procedure applying to projects authorized after submission of preliminary examination and survey reports.

§ 701t. Emergency fund for flood damage; amount; commitments to be fulfilled by local interests

The sum of $25,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated as an emergency fund to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers for the repair, restoration, and strengthening of levees and other flood control works which have been threatened or destroyed by recent floods, or which may be threatened or destroyed by later floods, including the raising, extending, or other modification of such works as may be necessary in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers for the adequate functioning of the works for flood control: Provided , That local interests shall provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights of way necessary for the work and shall maintain and operate all the works after completion in a manner satisfactory to the Chief of Engineers: Provided further , That pending the appropriation of said sum, the Secretary of the Army may allot from existing flood-control appropriations such sums as may be necessary for the immediate prosecution of the work authorized by this section, such appropriations to be reimbursed from said emergency fund when appropriated: And provided further , That funds allotted under this authority shall not be diverted from the unobligated funds from the appropriation “Flood control, general”, made available in War Department Civil Functions Appropriation Acts for specific purposes.

§ 701u. International engineering or scientific conferences; attendance

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot from any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for flood control or rivers and harbors, funds for payment of expenses of representatives of the Corps of Engineers engaged on flood control and river and harbor work to international engineering or scientific conferences to be held outside the United States: Provided , That not more than ten representatives of the Corps of Engineers shall attend any one conference.

§ 702. Mississippi River

[Authorization of flood-control work.] For controlling the floods of the Mississippi River and continuing its improvement from the Head of the Passes to the mouth of the Ohio River the Secretary of the Army is empowered, authorized, and directed to carry on continuously, by hired labor or otherwise, the plans of the Mississippi River Commission, prior to March 3, 1923 , or thereafter adopted, to be paid for as appropriations may from time to time be made by law. [Allotments for improvement of watercourses connected with Mississippi River.] The watercourses connected with the Mississippi River to such extent as may be necessary to exclude the flood waters from the upper limits of any delta basin, together with the Ohio River from its mouth to the mouth of the Cache River, may, in the discretion of said commission, receive allotments for improvements under way March 1, 1917 , or thereafter to be undertaken. [Maintenance of levees constructed for flood control.] Upon the completion of any levee constructed for flood control under authority of this section, said levee shall be turned over to the levee district protected thereby for maintenance thereafter; but for all other purposes the United States shall retain such control over the same as it may have the right to exercise upon such completion.

§ 702a. Adoption of 1927 project; execution; creation of board; scope of authority; appropriation

The project for the flood control of the Mississippi River in its alluvial valley and for its improvement from the Head of Passes to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in accordance with the engineering plan set forth and recommended in the report submitted by the Chief of Engineers to the Secretary of the Army dated December 1, 1927 , and printed in House Document Numbered 90, Seventieth Congress, first session, is adopted and authorized to be prosecuted under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers: Provided , That a board to consist of the Chief of Engineers, the president of the Mississippi River Commission, and a civil engineer chosen from civil life to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, whose compensation shall be fixed by the President and be paid out of the appropriations made to carry on this project, is created; and such board is authorized and directed to consider the engineering differences between the adopted project and the plans recommended by the Mississippi River Commission in its special report dated November 28, 1927 , and after such study and such further surveys as may be necessary, to recommend to the President such action as it may deem necessary to be taken in respect to such engineering differences and the decision of the President upon all recommendations or questions submitted to him by such board shall be followed in carrying out the project herein adopted. The board shall not have any power or authority in respect to such project except as hereinbefore provided. Such project and the changes therein, if any, shall be executed in accordance with the provisions of section 702h of this title . Such surveys shall be made between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the board may deem necessary to enable it to ascertain and determine the best method of securing flood relief in addition to levees, before any flood-control works other than levees and revetments are undertaken on that portion of the river: Provided , That all diversion works and outlets constructed under the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m and 704 of this title shall be built in a manner and of a character which will fully and amply protect the adjacent lands: Provided further , That pending completion of any floodway, spillway, or diversion channel, the areas within the same shall be given the same degree of protection as is afforded by levees on the west side of the river contiguous to the levee at the head of said floodway, but nothing herein shall prevent, postpone, delay, or in anywise interfere with the execution of that part of the project on the east side of the river, including raising, strengthening, and enlarging the levees on the east side of the river. The sum of $325,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for this purpose. All unexpended balances of appropriations prior to May 15, 1928 , made for prosecuting work of flood control on the Mississippi River in accordance with the provisions of section 702 of this title , are made available for expenditure under the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , and 702m of this title.

§ 702b. Local contribution toward cost of flood control work

It is declared to be the sense of Congress that the principle of local contribution toward the cost of flood control work, which has been incorporated in all previous national legislation on the subject, is sound, as recognizing the special interest of the local population in its own protection, and as a means of preventing inordinate requests for unjustified items of work having no material national interest. As a full compliance with this principle in view of the great expenditure estimated at approximately $292,000,000, prior to May 15, 1928 , made by the local interests in the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River for protection against the floods of that river; in view of the extent of national concern in the control of these floods in the interests of national prosperity, the flow of interstate commerce, and the movement of the United States mails; and, in view of the gigantic scale of the project, involving flood waters of a volume and flowing from a drainage area largely outside the States most affected, and far exceeding those of any other river in the United States, no local contribution to the project herein adopted is required.

§ 702c. Expenditures for construction work; conditions precedent; liability for damage from flood waters; condemnation proceedings; floodage rights

• (a) maintain all flood-control works after their completion, except controlling and regulating spillway structures, including special relief levees; maintenance includes normally such matters as cutting grass, removal of weeds, local drainage, and minor repairs of main river levees;
• (b) agree to accept land turned over to them under the provisions of section 702d of this title ;
• (c) provide without cost to the United States, all rights-of-way for levee foundations and levees on the main stem of the Mississippi River between Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the Head of Passes. No liability of any kind shall attach to or rest upon the United States for any damage from or by floods or flood waters at any place: Provided, however , That if in carrying out the purposes of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title it shall be found that upon any stretch of the banks of the Mississippi River it is impracticable to construct levees, either because such construction is not economically justified or because such construction would unreasonably restrict the flood channel, and lands in such stretch of the river are subjected to overflow and damage which are not now overflowed or damaged by reason of the construction of levees on the opposite banks of the river it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers to institute proceedings on behalf of the United States Government to acquire either the absolute ownership of the lands so subjected to overflow and damage or floodage rights over such lands.

§ 702d. Flowage rights; condemnation proceedings; benefits to property

The United States shall provide flowage rights for additional destructive flood waters that will pass by reason of diversions from the main channel of the Mississippi River: Provided , That in all cases where the execution of the flood control plan herein adopted results in benefits to property such benefits shall be taken into consideration by way of reducing the amount of compensation to be paid. The Secretary of the Army may cause proceedings to be instituted for the acquirement by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights of way which, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers, are needed in carrying out this project, the said proceedings to be instituted in the United States district court for the district in which the land, easement, or right of way is located. In all such proceedings the practice, pleadings, forms, and modes of proceedings shall conform as near as may be to the practice, pleadings, forms, and proceedings existing at the time in like causes in the courts of record of the State within which such district court is held, any rule of the court to the contrary notwithstanding. When the owner of any land, easement, or right of way shall fix a price for the same which, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army is reasonable, he may purchase the same at such price; and the Secretary of the Army is also authorized to accept donations of lands, easements, and rights of way required for this project. The provisions of sections 594 and 595 of this title are made applicable to the acquisition of lands, easements, or rights of way needed for works of flood control: Provided , That any land acquired under the provisions of this section shall be turned over without cost to the ownership of States or local interests.

§ 702e. Maps for project; preparation

Subject to the approval of the heads of the several executive departments concerned, the Secretary of the Army, on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, may engage the services and assistance of the National Ocean Survey, the United States Geological Survey, or other mapping agencies of the Government, in the preparation of maps required in furtherance of this project, and funds to pay for such services may be allotted from appropriations made under authority of sections 702a and 702g of this title.

§ 702f. Expenditures for earlier projects

Funds appropriated under authority of section 702a of this title may be expended for the prosecution of such works for the control of the floods of the Mississippi River as have, prior to May 15, 1928 , been authorized and are not included in the present project, including levee work on the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and on the outlets and tributaries of the Mississippi River between Rock Island and Head of Passes insofar as such outlets or tributaries are affected by the backwaters of the Mississippi: Provided , That for such work on the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and on such tributaries, the States or levee districts shall provide rights-of-way without cost to the United States, contribute 33⅓ per centum of the costs of the works, and maintain them after completion: And provided further , That not more than $10,000,000 of the sums authorized in section 702a of this title , shall be expended under the provisions of this section. In an emergency, funds appropriated under authority of section 702a of this title may be expended for the maintenance of any levee when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Army that the levee cannot be adequately maintained by the State or levee district.

§ 702g. Appropriation for emergency fund

The sum of $5,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated as an emergency fund to be allotted by the Secretary of the Army on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, in rescue work or in the repair or maintenance of any flood-control work on any tributaries of the Mississippi River threatened or destroyed by flood including the flood of 1927: Provided , That the unexpended and unallotted balance of said sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, may be allotted by the Secretary of the Army on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers in the reimbursement of levee districts or others for expenditures heretofore incurred or made for the construction, repair, or maintenance of any flood-control work on any tributaries or outlets of the Mississippi River that may be threatened, impaired, or destroyed by the flood of 1927 or subsequent flood or that have been impaired, damaged, or destroyed by flood; and also in the construction, repair, or maintenance, and in the reimbursement of levee districts or others for the construction, repair, or maintenance of any flood-control work on any of the tributaries or outlets of the Mississippi River that have been impaired, damaged, or destroyed by caving banks or that may be threatened or impaired by caving banks of such tributaries, whether or not such caving has taken place during a flood stage: Provided further , That if the Chief of Engineers finds that it has been or will be necessary or advisable to change the location of any such flood-control work in order to provide the protection contemplated by this section, such change may be approved and/or authorized.

§ 702h. Prosecution of project by Mississippi River Commission; president of commission; salaries

The project herein authorized shall be prosecuted by the Mississippi River Commission under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and supervision of the Chief of Engineers and subject to the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title. It shall perform such functions and through such agencies as they shall designate after consultation and discussion with the president of the commission. For all other purposes the existing laws governing the constitution and activities of the commission shall remain unchanged. The commission shall make inspection trips of such frequency and duration as will enable it to acquire first-hand information as to conditions and problems germane to the matter of flood control within the area of its jurisdiction; and on such trips of inspection ample opportunity for hearings and suggestions shall be afforded persons affected by or interested in such problems. The president of the commission shall be the executive officer thereof and shall have the qualifications prescribed by law on May 15, 1928 , for the Assistant Chief of Engineers, shall have the title brigadier general, Corps of Engineers, and shall have the rank, pay, and allowances of a brigadier general while actually assigned to such duty: Provided , That the incumbent of the office on May 15, 1928 , may be appointed a brigadier general of the Army, retired, and shall be eligible for the position of president of the commission if recalled to active service by the President under the provisions of existing law. The official salary of any officer of the United States Army or other branch of the Government appointed or employed under sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title shall be deducted from the amount of salary or compensation provided by, or which shall be fixed under, the terms of such sections.

§ 702i. Certain sections applicable to property and rights acquired or constructed

The provisions of sections 407, 408, 411, 412, and 413 of this title are made applicable to all lands, waters, easements, and other property and rights acquired or constructed under the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title.

§ 702j. Projects relating to tributary streams; report to Congress; appropriation

It is the sense of Congress that the surveys of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, authorized pursuant to the Act of January 21, 1927 [ch. 47, 44 Stat. 1010 ], and House Document Numbered 308, Sixty-ninth Congress, first session, be prosecuted as speedily as practicable, and the Secretary of the Army, through the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, is directed to prepare and submit to Congress at the earliest practicable date projects for flood control on all tributary streams of the Mississippi River system subject to destructive floods which projects shall include: The Red River and tributaries, the Yazoo River and tributaries, the White River and tributaries, the Saint Francis River and tributaries, the Arkansas River and tributaries, the Ohio River and tributaries, the Missouri River and tributaries, and the Illinois River and tributaries; and the reports thereon, in addition to the surveys provided by said House Document 308, Sixty-ninth Congress, first session, shall include the effect on the subject of further flood control of the lower Mississippi River to be attained through the control of the flood waters in the drainage basins of the tributaries by the establishment of a reservoir system; the benefits that will accrue to navigation and agriculture from the prevention of erosion and siltage entering the stream; a determination of the capacity of the soils of the district to receive and hold waters from such reservoirs; the prospective income from the disposal of reservoired waters; the extent to which reservoired waters may be made available for public and private uses; and inquiry as to the return flow of waters placed in the soils from reservoirs, and as to their stabilizing effect on stream flow as a means of preventing erosion, siltage, and improving navigation: Provided , That before transmitting such reports to Congress the same shall be presented to the Mississippi River Commission, and its conclusions and recommendations thereon shall be transmitted to Congress by the Secretary of the Army with his report. The sum of $5,000,000 is authorized to be used out of the appropriation authorized in section 702a of this title , in addition to amounts authorized in the River and Harbor Act of January 21, 1927 [ch. 47, 44 Stat. 1010 ], to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers for the preparation of the flood-control projects authorized to be submitted to Congress under this section: Provided further , That the flood surveys herein provided for shall be made simultaneously with the flood-control work on the Mississippi River provided for in sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title: And provided further , That the President shall proceed to ascertain through the Secretary of Agriculture and such other agencies as he may deem proper, the extent to and manner in which the floods in the Mississippi Valley may be controlled by proper forestry practice.

§ 702k. Surveys below Cape Girardeau, Missouri; resurvey of levee in Tennessee

• (a) at places where levees have prior to May 15, 1928 , been constructed on one side of the river and the lands on the opposite side have been thereby subjected to greater overflow, and were, without unreasonably restricting the flood channel, levees can be constructed to reduce the extent of this overflow, and where the construction of such levees is economically justified, and report thereon to the Congress as soon as practicable with such recommendations as the commission may deem advisable;
• (b) with a view to determining the estimated effects, if any, upon lands lying between the river and adjacent hills by reason of overflow of such lands caused by the construction of levees at other points along the Mississippi River, and determining the equities of the owners of such lands and the value of the same, and the commission shall report thereon to the Congress as soon as practicable with such recommendation as it may deem advisable: Provided , That inasmuch as the Mississippi River Commission made a report on the 26th day of October 1912, recommending a levee to be built from Tiptonville, Tennessee, to the Obion River in Tennessee, the said Mississippi River Commission is authorized to make a resurvey of said proposed levee and a relocation of the same if necessary, and if such levee is found feasible, and is approved by the board created in section 702a of this title , and by the President the same shall be built out of appropriations made after May 15, 1928 .

§ 702l. Repeal of inconsistent laws

All laws or parts of laws inconsistent with sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, and 702k of this title, are repealed.

§ 702m. Interest of Members of Congress in contracts for acquisition of land

In every contract or agreement to be made or entered into for the acquisition of land either by private sale or condemnation as in sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title provided the provisions contained in section 6306(a) of title 41 shall be applicable.

§ 702n. Levee rights-of-way; payment or reimbursement for

The Secretary of the Army is authorized, out of any money available for carrying out the provisions of sections 702a, 702b to 702d, 702e to 702g, 702h, 702i, 702j, 702k, 702 l , 702m, and 704 of this title, to purchase from, or to reimburse States or local levee districts for the cost of, any levee rights-of-way or easements for the building of levees in the Mississippi Valley for which the United States was or is under obligation to pay under the provisions of said sections regardless of whether said States or local levee districts have furnished such rights-of-way in the past and regardless of the conditions under which such levee rights-of-way were furnished, or may be furnished in the future: Provided , That after careful investigation the prices are found to be reasonable: And provided further , That payments or reimbursements for levee rights-of-way or easements conveying the privilege of building levees may be made as soon as they have been acquired in conformity with local custom or legal procedure in such matters and to the satisfaction of the Chief of Engineers.

§ 702o. Mississippi River and Tributaries Project

• (a) After any flood event requiring operation or activation of any floodway or backwater feature within the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project through natural overtopping of a Federal levee or artificial crevassing of a Federal levee to relieve pressure on the levees elsewhere in the system, the Secretary shall expeditiously reset and restore the damaged floodway’s levees.
• (b) In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for consultation with affected communities.
• (c) The term “Mississippi River and Tributaries Project” means the Mississippi River and Tributaries project authorized by the Act of May 15, 1928 (Chap. 569; 45 Stat. 534 ).

§ 703. Sacramento River, California

• (a) All money appropriated under authority of this section shall be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, in accordance with the plans, specifications, and recommendations of the California Débris Commission, as approved by the Chief of Engineers, for the control of floods, removal of débris, and the general improvement of the Sacramento River: Provided , That no money shall be expended under authority of this section until assurances have been given satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army
• (a) that the State of California will contribute annually for such work a sum equal to such sum as may be expended annually therefor by the United States under authority of this section;
• (b) that such equal contributions by the State of California will continue annually until the full equal share of the cost of such work shall have been contributed by said State; and
• (c) that the river levees contemplated in the report of the California Débris Commission, dated August 10, 1910 , will be constructed to such grade and section and within such time as may be required by said commission: Provided further , That said State shall not be required to expend for such work, for any one year, a sum larger than that expended thereon by the United States during the same year: And provided further , That the total contributions so required of the State of California shall not exceed in the aggregate $5,600,000. [Expenditure of contributions by State of California; acquisition of sites, easements, etc.]
• (b) All money contributed by the State of California, as herein provided, shall be expended under the direction of the California Débris Commission and in such manner as it may require or approve, and no money appropriated under authority of this section shall be expended in the purchase of or payment for any right-of-way, easement, or land acquired for the purposes of this improvement, but all such rights-of-way, easements, and lands shall be provided free of cost to the United States: Provided , That no money paid or expense incurred therefor shall be computed as a part of the contribution of the State of California toward the work of improvement herein provided for within the meaning of paragraph
• (a) of this section. [Maintenance of works for flood control by State of California.]
• (c) Upon the completion of all works for flood control herein authorized the said works shall be turned over to the State of California for maintenance thereafter; but for all other purposes the United States shall retain such control over the same as it may have the right to exercise upon such completion.

§ 704. Modification of project

The project for the control of floods in the Sacramento River, California, adopted by section 703 of this title , is modified in accordance with the report of the California Débris Commission submitted in Senate Document Numbered 23, Sixty-ninth Congress, first session: Provided , That the total amounts contributed by the Federal Government, including the amounts heretofore contributed by it, shall in no event exceed in the aggregate $17,600,000.

§ 705. Salmon River, Alaska; flood control work authorized

The project of prevention and control of floods in the Salmon River, Alaska, recommended in the report of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, in House Document Numbered 228, Seventy-second Congress, is adopted and authorized and shall be prosecuted under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers in accordance with the plan recommended in such report and subject to the conditions set forth therein.

§ 706. Secretary of Commerce; current precipitation information; appropriation

There is authorized an expenditure as required, from any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for flood control, rivers and harbors, and related purposes by the United States, for the establishment, operation, and maintenance by the Secretary of Commerce of a network of recording and nonrecording precipitation stations, known as the Hydroclimatic Network, whenever in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers and the Secretary of Commerce such service is advisable in connection with either preliminary examinations and surveys or works of improvement authorized by the law for flood control, rivers and harbors, and related purposes, and the Secretary of the Army upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers is authorized to allot the Secretary of Commerce funds for said expenditure.

§ 707. Sumner Dam and Lake Sumner; declaration of purpose; report to Congress; appropriation

The Sumner Dam and Lake Sumner on the Pecos River, New Mexico, is authorized and declared to be for the purposes of controlling floods, regulating the flow of the Pecos River, providing for storage and for delivery of stored waters, for the reclamation of lands, and other beneficial uses, and said dam and reservoir shall be used, first, for irrigation; second, for flood control and river regulation; and third, for other purposes. The Chief of Engineers and the Secretary of the Army are directed to report to the Congress the amount of the total cost of said Sumner Dam and Lake Sumner which is properly allocable to flood control. The appropriation and transfer of such amount from the general fund of the Treasury to the reclamation fund, for credit by reduction of the maximum obligation of the Carlsbad Irrigation District to repay the total cost thereof, is authorized.

§ 708. Sale of surplus waters for domestic and industrial uses; disposition of moneys

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to make contracts with States, municipalities, private concerns, or individuals, at such prices and on such terms as he may deem reasonable, for domestic and industrial uses for surplus water that may be available at any reservoir under the control of the Department of the Army: Provided , That no contracts for such water shall adversely affect then existing lawful uses of such water. All moneys received from such contracts shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.

§ 709. Regulations for use of storage waters; application to Tennessee Valley Authority

On and after December 22, 1944 , it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Army to prescribe regulations for the use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation at all reservoirs constructed wholly or in part with Federal funds provided on the basis of such purposes, and the operation of any such project shall be in accordance with such regulations: Provided , That this section shall not apply to the Tennessee Valley Authority, except that in case of danger from floods on the Lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers the Tennessee Valley Authority is directed to regulate the release of water from the Tennessee River into the Ohio River in accordance with such instructions as may be issued by the Department of the Army.

§ 709a. Information on floods and flood damage

• (a) In recognition of the increasing use and development of the flood plains of the rivers of the United States and of the need for information on flood hazards to serve as a guide to such development, and as a basis for avoiding future flood hazards by regulation of use by States and political subdivisions thereof, and to assure that Federal departments and agencies may take proper cognizance of flood hazards, the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, is hereby authorized to compile and disseminate information on floods and flood damages, including identification of areas subject to inundation by floods of various magnitudes and frequencies, and general criteria for guidance of Federal and non-Federal interests and agencies in the use of flood plain areas; and to provide advice to other Federal agencies and local interests for their use in planning to ameliorate the flood hazard. Surveys and guides will be made for States and political subdivisions thereof only upon the request of a State or a political subdivision thereof, and upon approval by the Chief of Engineers, and such information and advice provided them only upon such request and approval.
• (b) The Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the heads of other Federal agencies to ensure that flood control projects and plans are complementary and integrated to the extent practicable and appropriate.
• (c) The Secretary of the Army is authorized to establish and collect fees from Federal agencies and private persons for the purpose of recovering the cost of providing services pursuant to this section. Funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the account of the Treasury of the United States entitled “Contributions and Advances, Rivers and Harbor, Corps of Engineers (8862)” and shall be available until expended to carry out this section. No fees shall be collected from State, regional, or local governments or other non-Federal public agencies for services provided pursuant to this section, but the Secretary of the Army may accept funds voluntarily contributed by such entities for the purpose of expanding the scope of the services requested by the entities.
• (d) The Secretary of the Army is authorized to expend not to exceed $50,000,000 per fiscal year for the compilation and dissemination of information under this section.

§ 709b. Flood hazard information

The Secretary, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Administrator of the Soil Conservation Service shall take necessary actions, including the posting and distribution of information and the preparation and distribution of educational materials and programs, to ensure that information relating to flood hazard areas is generally available to the public.

§ 709c. Emergency communication of risk

• (a) In this section:
  • (1) The term “affected government” means a State, local, or tribal government with jurisdiction over an area that will be affected by a flood.
  • (2) The term “annual operating plan” means a plan prepared by the Secretary that describes potential water condition scenarios for a river basin for a year.
• (b) In any river basin where the Secretary carries out flood risk management activities subject to an annual operating plan, the Secretary shall establish procedures for providing the public and affected governments, including Indian tribes, in the river basin with—
  • (1) timely information regarding expected water levels;
  • (2) advice regarding appropriate preparedness actions;
  • (3) technical assistance; and
  • (4) any other information or assistance determined appropriate by the Secretary.
• (c) To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall make the information required under subsection (b) available to the public through widely used and readily available means, including on the Internet.
• (d) The Secretary shall use the procedures established under subsection (b) only when precipitation or runoff exceeds those calculations considered as the lowest risk to life and property contemplated by the annual operating plan.