§ 3451. Definitions

In this subchapter:

• (1) The term “area plan” means a resource conservation and use plan developed through a locally led planning process by a council for a designated area of 1 or more States, or of land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, that includes 1 or more of the following elements:
  • (A) A land conservation element, the purpose of which is to control erosion and sedimentation.
  • (B) A water management element that provides 1 or more clear environmental or conservation benefits, the purpose of which is to provide for—
    • (i) the conservation, use, and quality of water, including irrigation and rural water supplies;
    • (ii) the mitigation of floods and high water tables;
    • (iii) the repair and improvement of reservoirs;
    • (iv) the improvement of agricultural water management; and
    • (v) the improvement of water quality.
  • (C) A community development element, the purpose of which is to improve—
    • (i) the development of resources-based industries;
    • (ii) the protection of rural industries from natural resource hazards;
    • (iii) the development of adequate rural water and waste disposal systems;
    • (iv) the improvement of recreation facilities;
    • (v) the improvement in the quality of rural housing;
    • (vi) the provision of adequate health and education facilities;
    • (vii) the satisfaction of essential transportation and communication needs; and
    • (viii) the promotion of food security, economic development, and education.
  • (D) A land management element, the purpose of which is—
    • (i) energy conservation, including the production of energy crops;
    • (ii) the protection of agricultural land, as appropriate, from conversion to other uses;
    • (iii) farmland protection; and
    • (iv) the protection of fish and wildlife habitats.
• (2) The term “Board” means the Resource Conservation and Development Policy Advisory Board established under section 3456(a) of this title .
• (3) The term “council” means a nonprofit entity (including an affiliate of the entity) operating in a State that is—
  • (A) established by volunteers or representatives of States, local units of government, Indian tribes, or local nonprofit organizations to carry out an area plan in a designated area; and
  • (B) designated by the chief executive officer or legislature of the State to receive technical assistance and financial assistance under this subchapter.
• (4) The term “designated area” means a geographic area designated by the Secretary to receive technical assistance and financial assistance under this subchapter.
• (5) The term “financial assistance” means a grant or loan provided by the Secretary (or the Secretary and other Federal agencies) to, or a cooperative agreement entered into by the Secretary (or the Secretary and other Federal agencies) with, a council, or association of councils, to carry out an area plan in a designated area, including assistance provided for planning, analysis, feasibility studies, training, education, and other activities necessary to carry out the area plan.
• (6) The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25 .
• (7) The term “local unit of government” means—
  • (A) any county, city, town, township, parish, village, or other general-purpose subdivision of a State; and
  • (B) any local or regional special district or other limited political subdivision of a State, including any soil conservation district, school district, park authority, and water or sanitary district.
• (8) The term “planning process” means actions taken by a locally led council to develop and carry out an effective area plan in a designated area, including development of the area plan, goals, purposes, policies, implementation activities, evaluations and reviews, and the opportunity for public participation in the actions.
• (9) The term “nonprofit organization” means any organization that is—
  • (A) described in section 501(c) of title 26 ; and
  • (B) exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26 .
• (10) The term “project” means a project that is carried out by a council to achieve any of the elements of an area plan.
• (11) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.
• (12) The term “State” means—
  • (A) any State;
  • (B) the District of Columbia; or
  • (C) any territory or possession of the United States.
• (13) The term “technical assistance” means any service provided by the Secretary or agent of the Secretary, including—
  • (A) inventorying, evaluating, planning, designing, supervising, laying out, and inspecting projects;
  • (B) providing maps, reports, and other documents associated with the services provided;
  • (C) providing assistance for the implementation of area plans and projects; and
  • (D) providing services that involve the resources of Department of Agriculture programs in a local community, as defined in the locally led planning process.