CHAPTER 12 - RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY

Title 33 > CHAPTER 12

Sections (132)

§ 540 Investigations and improvements; control by Department of the Army; wildlife conservation

Federal investigations and improvements of rivers, harbors, and other waterways 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 the supervision of the Chief of Engineers, except as otherwise specifically provided by Act of Congress, which said investigations and improvements shall include a due regard for wildlife conservation. ( June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 1 , 52 Stat. 802 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 540a Availability of appropriations for attendance by military personnel at meetings and for printing survey reports

Appropriations in this title 1 or appropriations made in this title 1 in subsequent Energy and Water Development Appropriations Acts shall on and after October 2, 1992 , be available for expenses of attendance by military personnel at meetings in the manner authorized by section 4110 of title 5 , uniforms, and allowances therefor, as authorized by law ( 5 U.S.C. 5901–590 2), and for printing, either during a recess or session of Congress, of survey reports authorized by law, and such survey reports as may be printed during a recess of Congress shall be printed, with illustrations, as documents of the next succeeding session of Congress. ( Pub. L. 102–377, title I , Oct. 2, 1992 , 106 Stat. 1325 .)

§ 541 Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors; establishment; duties and powers generally

There shall be organized in the office of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, by detail from time to time from the Corps of Engineers, a board of seven engineer officers, a majority of whom shall be of rank not less than lieutenant colonel, whose duties shall be fixed by the Chief of Engineers, and to whom shall be referred for consideration and recommendation, in addition to any other duties assigned, so far as in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers may be necessary, all reports upon examinations and surveys provided for by Congress, and all projects or changes in projects for works of river and harbor improvement prior to June 13, 1902 , or thereafter provided for. And the board shall submit to the Chief of Engineers recommendations as to the desirability of commencing or continuing any and all improvements upon which reports are required. And in the consideration of such works and projects the board shall have in view the amount and character of commerce existing or reasonably prospective which will be benefited by the improvement, and the relation of the ultimate cost of such work, both as to cost of construction and maintenance, to the public commercial interests involved, and the public necessity for the work and propriety of its construction, continuance, or maintenance at the expense of the United States. And such consideration shall be given as time permits to such works as have, prior to June 13, 1902 , been provided for by Congress, the same as in the case of new works proposed. The board shall, when it considers the same necessary, and with the sanction and under orders from the Chief of Engineers, make, as a board or through its members, personal examinations of localities. And all facts, information, and arguments which are presented to the board for its consideration in connection with any matter referred to it by the Chief of Engineers shall be reduced to and submitted in writing, and made a part of the records of the office of the Chief of Engineers. It shall further be the duty of said board, upon a request transmitted to the Chief of Engineers by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives, or the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, in the same manner to examine and report through the Chief of Engineers upon any projects adopted, prior to June 13, 1902 , by the Government or upon which appropriations have been made, and report upon the desirability of continuing the same or upon any modifications thereof which may be deemed desirable. As used in this section the term “commerce” shall include the use of waterways by seasonal passenger craft, yachts, house boats, fishing boats, motor boats, and other similar water craft, whether or not operated for hire. The board shall have authority, with the approval of the Chief of Engineers, to rent quarters, if necessary, for the proper transaction of its business, and to employ such civil employees as may, in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers, be required for properly transacting the business assigned to it, and the necessary expenses of the board shall be paid from allotments made by the Chief of Engineers from any appropriations made by Congress for the work or works to which the duties of the board pertain. ( June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 3 , 32 Stat. 372 ; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 4 , 37 Stat. 827 ; Feb. 10, 1932, ch. 26 , 47 Stat. 42 ; Pub. L. 103–437, § 12(a) , Nov. 2, 1994 , 108 Stat. 4590 .)

§ 542 Review by Board of Engineers of reports on examinations and surveys and special reports

All reports on examinations and surveys authorized by law shall be reviewed by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors as provided for in section 541 of this title , and all special reports ordered by Congress shall, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, be reviewed in like manner by said board; and the said board shall also, on request by resolution of the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate or the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives, submitted to the Chief of Engineers, examine and review the report of any examination or survey made pursuant to any Act or resolution of Congress, and report thereon through the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, who shall submit his conclusions thereon as in other cases: Provided , That in no case shall the board, in its report thus called for by committee resolution, extend the scope of the project contemplated in the original report upon which its examination and review has been requested, or in the provision of law authorizing the original examination or survey. ( Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 4 , 37 Stat. 826 ; Pub. L. 103–437, § 12(b) , Nov. 2, 1994 , 108 Stat. 4590 .)

§ 543 Employment of civil engineers on western and northwestern rivers

The Chief of Engineers may, with the approval of the Secretary of the Army, employ such civil engineers, not exceeding five in number, for the purpose of executing the surveys and improvements of western and northwestern rivers, ordered by Congress, as may be necessary to the proper and diligent prosecution of the same; and the persons so employed may be allowed a reasonable compensation for their services, not to exceed the sum of $3,000 a year. (R.S. § 5253; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 544 Repealed. Aug. 19, 1968, Pub. L. 88–448, § 402(a)(9), 78 Stat. 493

§ 544a Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 650

§ 544b Employment of physicians to examine employees; fee or employment basis; validation of prior agreements

The Chief of Engineers may authorize the employment of physicians under agreement, to make such physical examinations of employees or prospective employees as he may consider essential, on a fee or regular employment basis, and all agreements entered into prior to March 2, 1945 , for such purposes are validated, and the Comptroller General is authorized and directed to allow credit in the accounts of disbursing officers for reasonable payments made prior to March 2, 1945 , for such services. ( Mar. 2, 1945, ch. 19, § 5 , 59 Stat. 24 .)

§ 544c Minority group participation in construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project; annual report to Congress

The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, is directed to make a maximum effort to assure the full participation of members of minority groups, living in the States participating in the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, in the construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project, including actions to encourage the use, wherever possible, of minority owned firms. ( Pub. L. 94–587, § 185 , Oct. 22, 1976 , 90 Stat. 2941 ; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title X, § 1064(e) , Feb. 10, 1996 , 110 Stat. 445 .)

§ 545 Preliminary examinations and reports; surveys; contents of report to Congress generally

(a) The existence and establishment of both private and public terminal and transfer facilities contiguous to the navigable water proposed to be improved, and, if water terminals have been constructed, the general location, description, and use made of the same, with an opinion as to their adequacy and efficiency, whether private or public. If no public terminals have been constructed, or if they are inadequate in number, there shall be included in the report an opinion in general terms as to the necessity, number, and appropriate location of the same, and also the necessary relations of such proposed terminals to the development of commerce.

(b) The development and utilization of water power for industrial and commercial purposes.

(c) Such other subjects as may be properly connected with such project: Provided , That in the investigation and study of these questions consideration shall be given only to their bearing upon the improvement of navigation, to the possibility and desirability of their being coordinated in a logical and proper manner with improvements for navigation to lessen the cost of such improvements and to compensate the Government for expenditures made in the interest of navigation, and to their relation to the development and regulation of commerce: Provided further , That the investigation and study of these questions may, upon review by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors when called for as provided by law, be extended to any work of improvement under way and to any locality the examination and survey of which has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, authorized by Congress.

§ 545a Discontinuance

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 navigation 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. ( Pub. L. 85–500, title I, § 105 , July 3, 1958 , 72 Stat. 300 .)

§ 546 Investigation of stream flow and watersheds; surveys in connection with dams

The surveys of navigable streams shall include such stream-flow measurements and other investigations of the watersheds as may be necessary for preparation of plans of improvement and a proper consideration of all uses of the stream affecting navigation, and whenever necessary similar investigations may be made in connection with all navigable streams under improvement. Whenever permission for the construction of dams in navigable streams is granted, or is under consideration by Congress, such surveys and investigations of the sections of the streams affected may be made as are necessary to secure conformity with rational plans for the improvement of the streams for navigation. ( June 25, 1910, ch. 382, § 3 , 36 Stat. 669 .)

§ 546a Information as to configuration of shore line

Every report submitted to Congress in pursuance of any provision of law for preliminary examination and survey looking to the improvement of the entrance at the mouth of any river or at any inlet, in addition to other information which the Congress has directed shall be given, shall contain information concerning the configuration of the shore line and the probable effect thereon that may be expected to result from the improvement having particular reference to erosion and/or accretion for a distance of not less than ten miles on either side of the said entrance. ( Aug. 30, 1935, ch. 831, § 5 , 49 Stat. 1048 .)

§ 547 Reports as to local benefits of improvement and recommendations as to local cooperation

Every report submitted to Congress in pursuance of any provision of law for a survey, in addition to other information which the Congress has directed shall be given, shall contain a statement of special or local benefit which will accrue to localities affected by such improvement and a statement of general or national benefits, with recommendations as to what local cooperation should be required, if any, on account of such special or local benefit. ( June 5, 1920, ch. 252, § 2 , 41 Stat. 1010 .)

§ 547a Inclusion of regional economic development benefits in economic analysis for purposes of computing economic justification of project

In the case of any authorized navigation project which has been partially constructed, or is to be constructed, which is located in one or more States, and which serves regional needs, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, may include in any economic analysis which is under preparation on October 22, 1976 , such regional economic development benefits as he determines to be appropriate for purposes of computing the economic justification of the project. ( Pub. L. 94–587, § 140 , Oct. 22, 1976 , 90 Stat. 2930 .)

§ 548 Omitted

§ 549 Repealed. Pub. L. 96–470, title I, § 104(c), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2238

The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to review the operation of projects the construction of which has been completed and which were constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the interest of navigation, flood control, water supply, and related purposes, when found advisable due 1 the significantly changed physical or economic conditions, and to report thereon to Congress with recommendations on the advisability of modifying the structures or their operation, and for improving the quality of the environment in the overall public interest. ( Pub. L. 91–611, title II, § 216 , Dec. 31, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1830 .)

§ 549b Inclusion of project or facility in Corps of Engineers workplan

(a) In general The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include in the future workplan of the Corps any authorized project or facility of the Corps of Engineers— that the Secretary has studied for disposition under an existing authority, including by carrying out a disposition study under section 549a of this title ; and for which a final report by the Director of Civil Works has been completed.

(b) Notification to committees Upon completion of a final report referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall transmit a copy of the report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.

§ 550 Report on water terminal and transfer facilities

(a) A brief description of such water terminals, including location and the suitability of such terminals to the existing traffic conditions, and whether such terminals are publicly or privately owned, and the terms and conditions under which they may be subjected to public use.

(b) Whether such water terminals are connected by a belt or spur line of railroad with all the railroads serving the same territory or municipality, and whether such connecting railroad is owned by the public and the conditions upon which the same may be used, and also whether there is an interchange of traffic between the water carriers and the railroad or railroads as to such traffic which is carried partly by rail and partly by water to its destination, and also whether improved and adequate highways have been constructed connecting such water terminal with the other lines of highways.

(c) If no water terminals have been constructed by the municipality or other existing public agency there shall be included in his report an expression of opinion in general terms as to the necessity, number, and appropriate location of such a terminal or terminals.

(d) An investigation of the general subject of water terminals, with descriptions and general plans of terminals of appropriate types and construction for the harbors and waterways of the United States suitable for various commercial purposes and adapted to the varying conditions of tides, floods, and other physical characteristics.

§ 551 Policy of Government as to terminal facilities for new projects

It is declared to be the policy of the Congress that water terminals are essential at all cities and towns located upon harbors or navigable waterways and that at least one public terminal should exist, constructed, owned, and regulated by the municipality or other public agency of the State and open to the use of all on equal terms. The Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, shall give full publicity, as far as may be practicable, to this provision. ( Mar. 2, 1919, ch. 95, § 1 , 40 Stat. 1286 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 552 Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(28), 45 Stat. 988

§ 553 Freight statistics

In the collection of statistics relating to traffic, the Corps of Engineers is directed to adopt a uniform system of classification for freight, and upon rivers or inland waterways to collate ton-mileage statistics as far as practicable. ( July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 1 , 37 Stat. 223 .)

§ 554 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information to person in local charge of improvement; penalty

Owners, agents, masters, and clerks of vessels arriving at or departing from localities where works of river and harbor improvement are carried on shall furnish, on application of the persons in local charge of the works, a comprehensive statement of vessels, passengers, freight, and tonnage. Every person or persons offending against the provisions of this section shall, for each and every offense, be liable to a fine of $100, or imprisonment not exceeding two months, to be enforced in any district court in the United States within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may have been committed. ( Feb. 21, 1891, ch. 252 , §§ 1, 2, 26 Stat. 766 .)

§ 555 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information required by Secretary of the Army

Owners, agents, masters, and clerks of vessels and other craft plying upon the navigable waters of the United States, and all individuals and corporations engaged in transporting their own goods upon the navigable waters of the United States, shall furnish such statements relative to vessels, passengers, freight, and tonnage as may be required by the Secretary of the Army: Provided , That this provision shall not apply to those rafting logs except upon a direct request upon the owner to furnish specific information. Every person or persons offending against the provisions of this section shall, for each and every offense, be liable to a fine of not more than $5, 000, or im p r i so nm e n t n o t e x cee d in g tw o m o n t h s, t o b ee n f orce d inan y d i s t r i c t co u r t in t h e U ni t e d St a t es w i t hin w h ose t err i t or ia l j u r i s d i c t i o n s u c h o ff e n se ma y ha v e b ee n co mmi tt e d . I na dd i t i o n, t h e S ecre t a ry ma y a ssess a c i v i lp e na lt yo f u pt o$ 2,500, per violation, against any person or entity that fails to provide timely, accurate statements required to be submitted pursuant to this section by the Secretary. ( Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 11 , 42 Stat. 1043 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 919(f) , Nov. 17, 1986 , 100 Stat. 4193 .)

§ 555a Petroleum product information

(a) Disclosure to States The Secretary shall disclose petroleum product information to any State taxing agency making a request under subsection (b). Such information shall be disclosed for the purpose of, and only to the extent necessary in, the administration of State tax laws.

(b) Requests for disclosure Disclosure of information under this section shall be permitted only upon written request by the head of the State taxing agency and only to the representatives of such agency designated in such written request as the individuals who are to inspect or to receive the information on behalf of such agency. Any such representative shall be an employee or legal representative of such agency.

(c) Modes of disclosure Requests for the disclosure of information under this section, and such disclosure, shall be made in such manner and at such time and place as shall be prescribed by the Secretary. Information disclosed to any person under this section may be provided in the form of written documents or reproductions of such documents, or by any other mode or means which the Secretary determines necessary or appropriate. A reasonable fee may be prescribed for furnishing such information. Any reproduction of any document or other matter made in accordance with this subsection shall have the same legal status as the original, and any such reproduction shall, if properly authenticated, be admissible in evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding as if it were the original, whether or not the original is in existence.

(d) Confidentiality of disclosed information The Secretary shall not disclose information to a State taxing agency of a State under this section unless such State has in effect provisions of law which— exempt such information from disclosure under a State law requiring agencies of the State to make information available to the public, or otherwise protect the confidentiality of the information. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to prohibit the disclosure by an officer or employee of a State of information to another officer or employer of such State (or political subdivision of such State) to the extent necessary in the administration of State tax laws.

(e) Definitions For purposes of this section, the term— “petroleum product information” means information relating to petroleum products transported by vessel which is received by the Secretary (A) under section 555 of this title , or (B) under any other legal authority; and “State taxing agency” means any State agency, body, or commission, or its legal representative, which is charged under the laws of such State with responsibility for the administration of State tax laws.

(f) Omitted

§ 556 Printing reports generally

The Secretary of the Army shall cause the manuscript of the annual report of the Chief of Engineers and subordinate engineers, relating to the improvement of rivers and harbors, and the report of the Mississippi River Commission to be placed in the hands of the Director of the Government Publishing Office on or before the 15th day of October in each year, and the Director of the Government Publishing Office shall cause said reports to be printed with an accurate and comprehensive index thereof, on or before the first Monday in December in each year, for the use of Congress. All reports on examinations and surveys which may be prepared during the recess of Congress shall, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Army, be printed by the Director of the Government Publishing Office as documents of the following session of Congress. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860, § 8 , 25 Stat. 424 ; June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 1 , 32 Stat. 367 ; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 3 , 37 Stat. 826 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(d) , Dec. 16, 2014 , 128 Stat. 2537 .)

§ 557 Payment of costs of printing

The printing of matter relating to river and harbor works, including all reports, compilations, regulations, and so forth, whose preparation is allowable under Department of the Army regulations, shall be done and paid for out of regular annual appropriations for printing and binding for the Department of the Army. ( July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 13 , 37 Stat. 234 ; July 1, 1916, ch. 209, § 1 , 39 Stat. 330 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 557a Publication of pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to publish information pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material on river and harbor, flood control, and other civil works activities, including related public park and recreation facilities, under his jurisdiction, as he may deem to be of value to the general public. ( Pub. L. 85–480, § 1 , July 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 279 .)

§ 557b Sale of publications, charts, or other material; deposit of proceeds

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to provide for the sale of any of the material prepared under authority of section 557a of this title ; and of publications, charts, or material prepared under his direction pursuant to other legislative authorization or appropriation, and to charge therefor a sum not less than the cost of reproduction. The money received from sales authorized by this section shall be deposited into the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts, except that in any case in which the cost of reproduction has been paid from the revolving fund established pursuant to the Civil Functions Appropriation Act, 1954, the proceeds shall be deposited to the credit of such fund. ( Pub. L. 85–480, § 2 , July 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 279 .)

§ 558 Proceeds from sale or transfer of property acquired

When any property which has been heretofore or may be hereafter purchased or acquired for the improvement of rivers and harbors is no longer needed, or is no longer serviceable and is transferred or sold, the proceeds thereof may be credited to the appropriation for the work for which it was acquired. ( June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 5 , 32 Stat. 373 ; Feb. 20, 1931, ch. 235 , 46 Stat. 1191 ; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 4(4) , 65 Stat. 709 .)

§ 558a Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(56), 65 Stat. 703

§ 558b Exchange of land or property

In any case in which it may be necessary or advisable in the execution of an authorized work of river and harbor improvement to exchange land or other property of the Government for private lands or property required for such project, the Secretary of the Army may, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, authorize such exchange upon terms and conditions deemed appropriate by him, and any conveyance of Government land or interests therein necessary to effect such exchange may be executed by the Secretary of the Army: Provided further , That the authority granted to the Secretary of the Army shall not extend to or include lands held or acquired by the Tennessee Valley Authority pursuant to the terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act [ 16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.]. This section shall apply to any exchanges heretofore deemed advisable in connection with the construction of the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River. ( June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 2 , 52 Stat. 804 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 558b–1 Application to authorized works of flood control

Section 558b of this title is made applicable to authorized works of flood control. ( Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 699, § 3 , 53 Stat. 1414 .)

§ 558c Rights-of-way over United States land

The Secretary of the Army is authorized and empowered, under such terms and conditions as are deemed advisable by him, to grant easements for rights-of-way for public roads and streets on and across lands acquired by the United States for river and harbor and flood control improvements including, whenever necessary, the privilege of occupying so much of said lands as may be necessary for the piers, abutments, and other portions of a bridge structure: Provided , That such rights-of-way shall be granted only upon a finding by the Secretary of the Army that the same will be in the public interest and will not substantially injure the interest of the United States in the property affected thereby: Provided further , That all or any part of such rights-of-way may be annulled and forfeited by the Secretary of the Army for failure to comply with the terms or conditions of any grant hereunder or for nonuse or for abandonment of rights granted under the authority hereof: Provided further , That the authority granted to the Secretary of the Army shall not extend to or include lands held or acquired by the Tennessee Valley Authority pursuant to the terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act [ 16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.]. ( June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 10 , 52 Stat. 808 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 559 Disposition of rentals for Government plants

Amounts paid after August 8, 1917 , by private parties or other agencies for rental of plant owned by the Government in connection with the prosecution of river and harbor works shall be deposited in each case to the credit of the appropriation to which the plant belongs. ( Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 13 , 40 Stat. 268 .)

§ 560 Contributions from private parties; return of excess

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to receive from private parties such funds as may be contributed by them to be expended in connection with funds appropriated by the United States for any authorized work of public improvement of rivers and harbors whenever such work and expenditure may be considered by the Chief of Engineers as advantageous to the interests of navigation: Provided , That when contributions heretofore or hereafter made by local interests for river and harbor improvements, in accordance with specific requirements or under general authority of Congress, 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, unless the provision of law under which the contribution is made requires that the entire contribution be retained by the United States. ( Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 142, § 4 , 38 Stat. 1053 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 561 Repealed. Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1166(c), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3798

§ 561a Contributions from local interests; reduction to meet lowered cost

When the authorization of a project of river and harbor improvement requires that local interests shall contribute a specific sum of money toward its cost, the Secretary of the Army, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, may reduce the sum to be contributed to an amount which shall be in the same ratio to the amount of the required contribution as the actual cost of the work to which said contribution is applicable bears to its original estimated cost as set forth in the project document. ( Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 216 , 47 Stat. 1545 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 562 Channel depths and dimensions defined

In the preparation of projects under this and subsequent river and harbor acts and after the project becomes operational, unless otherwise expressed, the channel depths referred to shall be understood to signify the depth at mean lower low water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in tidal waters tributary to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and at mean lower low water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in tidal waters tributary to the Pacific coast and the mean depth for a continuous period of fifteen days of the lowest water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in the navigation season of any year in rivers and nontidal channels, and and 1 after the project becomes operational the channel dimensions specified shall be understood to admit of such increase at the entrances, bends, sidings, and turning places as may be necessary to allow of the free movement of boats. ( Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 142, § 5 , 38 Stat. 1053 ; Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 224 , Oct. 31, 1992 , 106 Stat. 4837 .)

§ 562a Project depths for national defense purposes; waterways for general commerce

The Chief of Engineers, under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, is hereby authorized to maintain authorized river and harbor projects in excess of authorized project depths where such excess depths have been provided by the United States for defense purposes and whenever the Chief of Engineers determines that such waterways also serve essential needs of general commerce. ( Pub. L. 90–483, title I, § 117 , Aug. 13, 1968 , 82 Stat. 737 .)

§ 563 Omitted

§ 564 Repealed. July 3, 1943, ch. 189, § 5, 57 Stat. 374

§ 565 River and harbor improvement by private or municipal enterprise

Any person or persons, corporations, municipal or private, who desire to improve any navigable river, or any part thereof, at their or its own expense and risk may do so upon the approval of the plans and specifications of said proposed improvement by the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Engineers of the Army. The plan of said improvement must conform with the general plan of the Government improvements, must not impede navigation, and no toll shall be imposed on account thereof, and said improvement shall at all times be under the control and supervision of the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Engineers. ( June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 1 , 32 Stat. 371 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 566 Improvement by or under authority of State of New Jersey

Authority is given to the State of New Jersey, or, through it, to any commission, individual, corporation, or municipality, singly or collectively, designated by the legislature of said State, or by a commission appointed or authorized by said legislature, to improve the channels on the New Jersey seacoast, or any portion of said coast, or the waters adjacent thereto, lying between thirty-eight degrees fifty-six minutes and forty degrees twenty minutes north latitude, by dredging, or by the construction of piers, jetties, or breakwaters, or other river and harbor work of any description or nature adapted to attain the ends now pursued by the United States Government for the advantage of said coast or the relief of commerce: Provided , That such operations shall not encroach upon those portions of said coast, or the channels adjacent thereto, for which the United States Government may undertake similar work according to its own plans: And provided , That the plans for said work shall be placed on file with the Chief of Engineers of the Department of the Army for thirty days, during which time he is authorized to disapprove said plans and forbid such work if, in his judgment, the improvements when completed will interfere with navigation or with any works of the United States Government commenced or proposed to be made: Provided further , That no tolls or other charges upon commerce shall be imposed by those making such improvements: And provided further , That this section shall not be construed as affecting in any way the jurisdiction and control of the Federal Government over any waters that may be improved in pursuance of the provisions thereof, nor as exempting such waters from the operation of the laws heretofore or hereafter enacted by Congress for the preservation and protection of navigable waters. The right to alter, amend, or repeal this section is expressly reserved. ( June 30, 1906, ch. 3923 , §§ 1, 2, 34 Stat. 800 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

Congress consents that the States of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, or any two of them, may enter into any agreement or agreements with each other to aid in improving navigation and to prevent and control floods on boundary waters of said States and the waters tributary thereto. And said States, or any two of them, may agree with each other upon any project or projects for the purpose of making such improvements, and upon the amount of money to be contributed by each to carry out such projects. The Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed to make a survey of any project proposed, as aforesaid, by said States, or any two of them, to determine the feasibility and practicability thereof and the expenses of carrying the same into effect and what share of such expenses should be borne by the respective States, local interests, or by the National Government. If the Secretary of the Army approves any such projects, he may authorize the States to make such improvements at their own expense, but under his supervision. ( Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 5 , 40 Stat. 266 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 567a Flood and pollution control compacts between certain States

The consent of the Congress of the United States is given to the States of Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio, or any two or more of them, to negotiate and enter into agreements or compacts for conserving and regulating the flow, lessening flood damage, removing sources of pollution of the waters thereof, or making other public improvements on any rivers or streams whose drainage basins lie within any two or more of the said States. No such compact or agreement shall be binding or obligatory upon any State a party thereto unless and until it has been approved by the legislatures of each of the States whose assent is contemplated by the terms of the compact or agreement and by the Congress. ( June 8, 1936, ch. 542 , §§ 1, 2, 49 Stat. 1490 .)

§ 567b Pollution of Potomac drainage basin; control by State compacts

The consent of Congress is given to the States of Maryland and West Virginia and the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia to enter into the compact to create a Potomac Valley Conservancy District and to establish an Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin: Provided , That nothing contained in such compact shall be construed as impairing or in any manner affecting any right or jurisdiction of the United States in and over the region which forms the subject of this compact. ( July 11, 1940, ch. 579 , 54 Stat. 748 .)

§ 567b–1 Amended compact

The consent of Congress is hereby given to the States of Maryland and West Virginia and the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia to adopt the aforementioned amendments and enter into the amended compact hereinbefore recited and every part and article thereof: Provided , That nothing contained in such amended compact shall be construed as impairing or in any manner affecting any right or jurisdiction of the United States in and over the region which forms the subject of this compact: And provided further , That the consent herein given does not extend to section (F)(2) of article II of the amended compact. ( Pub. L. 91–407, § 1 , Sept. 25, 1970 , 84 Stat. 860 .)

§ 568 Limitation on power of committee of Congress to consider projects

No project shall be considered by any committee of Congress with a view to its adoption, except with a view to a survey, if five years have elapsed since a report upon a survey of such project has been submitted to Congress pursuant to law. ( Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 9 , 42 Stat. 1043 .)

§ 569 Personal equipment for employees; use of funds for purpose

Funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated for rivers and harbors to be expended under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army shall be available for expenditure in the purchase of such personal equipment for employees as in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers are essential for the efficient prosecution of the works. ( Jan. 21, 1927, ch. 47, § 5(b) , 44 Stat. 1021 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 569a Temporary employment of experts or consultants; compensation

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to procure the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof in connection with civil functions of the Corps of Engineers without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5: Provided , That individuals so engaged may be paid at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate for GS–18 for each day of their services. ( July 3, 1930, ch. 847, § 6 , 46 Stat. 948 ; May 17, 1950, ch. 188 , title I, § 105, 64 Stat. 168 ; Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 104 , Dec. 31, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1819 .)

§ 569b Contracts; architect and engineering services; surveying and mapping services

Contracts for architect and engineering services, and surveying and mapping services, shall be awarded by the Chief of Engineers in accordance with title IX of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. 1 ( Pub. L. 98–63, title I , July 30, 1983 , 97 Stat. 311 .)

§ 569c Services of volunteers

The United States Army Chief of Engineers may accept the services of volunteers and provide for their incidental expenses, including expenses relating to uniforms, transportation, lodging, and the subsistence of those volunteers, to carry out any activity of the Army Corps of Engineers except policy-making or law or regulatory enforcement. Such volunteers shall not be employees of the United States Government except for the purposes of (1) chapter 171 of title 28, relating to tort claims, and (2) chapter 81 of title 5, relating to compensation for work injuries. ( Pub. L. 98–63, title I , July 30, 1983 , 97 Stat. 312 ; Pub. L. 113–121, title I, § 1047(d) , June 10, 2014 , 128 Stat. 1256 .)

§ 569d Safety award and promotional materials

(a) Promotion of safety program The Secretary is authorized to procure materials that, in the judgment of the Secretary, are necessary to promote the Corps of Engineers safety program. The items purchased pursuant to this subsection shall be distributed to employees of the Corps of Engineers to advance the goals of the safety program.

(b) Employee recognition The Secretary is authorized to incur necessary expenses for the honorary recognition of the outstanding safety performance of employees of the Corps of Engineers. Such recognition may be in the form of certificates, plaques, cash, or other forms of awards.

(c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $350,000 for each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1992 , for carrying out the purposes of this section.

§ 569e Use of private sector resources in surveying and mapping

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall make use of private sector resources in carrying out surveying and mapping activities in the Civil Works Program of the Corps of Engineers. ( Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 212 , Oct. 31, 1992 , 106 Stat. 4831 .)

§ 569f Debarment of persons convicted of fraudulent use of “Made in America” labels

If the Secretary determines that a person has been convicted of intentionally affixing a label bearing a “Made in America” inscription to any product sold in or shipped to the United States which is not made in the United States and which is used in a civil works project of the Secretary, the Secretary shall debar the person from contracting with the Federal Government for a period of not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years. For purposes of this section, the term “debar” has the meaning that term has under section 4654(c) of title 10 . ( Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 226 , Oct. 31, 1992 , 106 Stat. 4838 ; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, § 1702 ( l )(6), Dec. 27, 2021 , 135 Stat. 2160 .)

§ 570 Default in contract; disposition of amounts collected

Any amounts collected from defaulting contractors or their sureties under contracts entered into in connection with river and harbor or flood-control work prosecuted by the Engineer Department, whether collected in cash or by deduction from amounts otherwise due such contractors, hereafter shall be credited in each case to the appropriation under which the contract was made. ( Aug. 30, 1935, ch. 831, § 8 , 49 Stat. 1048 .)

§ 571 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, hereafter 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. ( June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 4 , 52 Stat. 805 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 572 Collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor

On and after July 30, 1948 , direct allotments from appropriations for the maintenance and improvement of existing river and harbor works, or from other available appropriations, may be made by the Secretary of the Army for the collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor and its tributary waters, and this work shall be carried out as a separate and distinct project. ( June 30, 1948, ch. 771 , title I, § 102, 62 Stat. 1173 .)

§ 573 Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 656

§ 574 Omitted

§ 574a Training funds

(a) In general The Secretary may include individuals not employed by the Department of the Army in training classes and courses offered by the Corps of Engineers in any case in which the Secretary determines that it is in the best interest of the Federal Government to include those individuals as participants.

(b) Expenses An individual not employed by the Department of the Army attending a training class or course described in subsection (a) shall pay the full cost of the training provided to the individual. Payments made by an individual for training received under paragraph (1), up to the actual cost of the training— may be retained by the Secretary; shall be credited to an appropriations account used for paying training costs; and shall be available for use by the Secretary, without further appropriation, for training purposes. Any payments received under paragraph (2) that are in excess of the actual cost of training provided shall be credited as miscellaneous receipts to the Treasury of the United States.

§ 575 Availability of appropriations for expenses incident to operation of power boats or vessels; expenses defined; certification of expenditures

On and after July 31, 1947 , no appropriation under the Corps of Engineers shall be available for any expenses incident to operating any power-driven boat or vessel on other than Government business, and that Government business shall be construed to include transportation, lodging, and subsistence on inspection trips of Federal and State officials, having a public interest in authorized or proposed improvements for river and harbor and flood control, and any expenses incurred therefor shall be chargeable to river and harbor and flood control appropriations heretofore or hereafter made under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Chief of Engineers: Provided , That such expenditures shall be certified by the Division Engineer as necessary and proper expenditures. ( July 31, 1947, ch. 411, § 1 , 61 Stat. 688 .)

§ 576 Revolving fund; establishment; availability; reimbursement; transfer of funds; limitation

(a) Revolving fund For establishment of a revolving fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation, for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of the plant and equipment of the Corps of Engineers used in civil works functions, including acquisition of plant and equipment, maintenance, repair, and purchase, operation, and maintenance of not to exceed four aircraft at any one time, temporary financing of services finally chargeable to appropriations for civil works functions, and the furnishing of facilities and services for military functions of the Department of the Army and other Government agencies and private persons, as authorized by law. In addition, the Secretary of the Army is authorized to provide capital for the fund by capitalizing the present inventories, plant and equipment of the civil works functions of the Corps of Engineers. The fund shall be credited with reimbursements or advances for the cost of equipment, facilities, and services furnished, at rates which shall include charges for overhead and related expenses, depreciation of plant and equipment, and accrued leave: Provided , That on July 1, 1953 , (1) the fund shall assume the assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Plant accounts, as carried on the records of the Corps of Engineers as of June 30, 1953 , under the appropriations for “Maintenance and improvement of existing river and harbor works”, “Flood control, general”, and “Flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries”, and (2) there shall be transferred from said appropriations to the fund amounts equivalent to the unexpended cash balances of the Plant accounts on June 30, 1953 : Provided further , That the total capital of said fund shall not exceed $140,000,000.

(b) Prohibition No funds may be expended or obligated from the revolving fund described in subsection (a) to newly construct, or perform a major renovation on, a building for use by the Corps of Engineers unless specifically authorized by law. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to— change any authority provided under subchapter I of chapter 169 of title 10; 1 or change the use of funds under subsection (a) for purposes other than those described in paragraph (1).

(c) Transmission to Congress of prospectus To secure consideration for an authorization under subsection (b), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representative and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a prospectus of the proposed construction or major renovation of a building that includes— a brief description of the building; the location of the building; an estimate of the maximum cost to be provided by the revolving fund for the building to be constructed or renovated; the total size of the building after the proposed construction or major renovation; the number of personnel proposed to be housed in the building after the construction or major renovation; a statement that other suitable space owned by the Federal Government is not available; a statement of rents and other housing costs currently being paid for the tenants proposed to be housed in the building; and the size of the building currently housing the tenants proposed to be housed in the building.

(d) Provision of building project surveys If requested by resolution by the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Secretary shall create a building project survey for the construction or major renovation of a building described in subsection (b). Within a reasonable time after creating a building project survey under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the survey that includes the information required to be included in a prospectus under subsection (c).

(e) Major renovation defined In this section, the term “major renovation” means a renovation or alteration of a building for use by the Corps of Engineers with a total expenditure of more than $20,000,000.

§ 576a Purchase of passenger motor vehicles by Corps of Engineers

On and after March 4, 1933 , the provisions of section 1343 of title 31 shall be construed as applying to the Corps of Engineers as to the purchase of motor-propelled passenger-carrying vehicles. ( Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 281 , title II, § 1, 47 Stat. 1599 .)

§ 576b Lease authority

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may lease space available in buildings for which funding for construction or purchase was provided from the revolving fund established by the 1st section of the Civil Functions Appropriations Act, 1954 ( 33 U.S.C. 576 ; 67 Stat. 199 ), under such terms and conditions as are acceptable to the Secretary. The proceeds from such leases shall be credited to the revolving fund for the purposes set forth in such Act. ( Pub. L. 104–303, title II, § 213 , Oct. 12, 1996 , 110 Stat. 3684 .)

§ 576c Corps of Engineers operation of unmanned aircraft systems

(a) In general The Secretary shall designate an individual, within the headquarters office of the Corps of Engineers, who shall serve as the coordinator and principal approving official for developing the process and procedures by which the Corps of Engineers— operates and maintains small unmanned aircraft (as defined in section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ( 49 U.S.C. 40101 1 note)) systems in support of civil works and emergency response missions of the Corps of Engineers; and acquires, applies for, and receives any necessary Federal Aviation Administration authorizations for such operations and systems.

(b) Requirements A small unmanned aircraft system acquired, operated, or maintained for carrying out the missions specified in subsection (a) shall be operated in accordance with regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration as a civil aircraft or public aircraft, at the discretion of the Secretary, and shall be exempt from regulations of the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army, governing such system.

(c) Limitation A small unmanned aircraft system acquired, operated, or maintained by the Corps of Engineers is excluded from use by the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army, for any mission of the Department of Defense other than a mission specified in subsection (a).

§ 577 Small river and harbor improvement projects

(a) Allotment from appropriations for construction The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot from any appropriations hereafter made for rivers and harbors not to exceed $62,500,000 for any one fiscal year for the construction of small river and harbor improvement projects not specifically authorized by Congress which will result in substantial benefits to navigation and which can be operated consistently with appropriate and economic use of the waters of the Nation for other purposes, when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable, if benefits are in excess of the cost.

(b) Limitation on allotment Not more than $15,000,000 shall be allotted for the construction of a project under this section at any single locality and the amount allotted shall be sufficient to complete the Federal participation in the project under this section.

(c) Lands, easements, and rights-of-way; indemnification; assurances of local cooperation Local interests shall provide without cost to the United States all necessary lands, easements and rights-of-way for all projects to be constructed under the authority of this section. In addition, local interests may be required to hold and save the United States free from damages that may result from the construction and maintenance of the project and may be required to provide such additional local cooperation as the Chief of Engineers deems appropriate. A State, county, municipality or other responsible local entity shall give assurance satisfactory to the Chief of Engineers that such conditions of cooperation as are required will be accomplished.

(d) Sharing of costs by non-Federal interests Non-Federal interests may be required to share in the cost of the project to the extent that the Chief of Engineers deems that such cost should not be borne by the Federal Government in view of the recreational or otherwise special or local nature of the project benefits.

(e) Completeness of project Each project for which money is allotted under this section shall be complete in itself and not commit the United States to any additional improvement to insure its successful operation, other than routine maintenance, and except as may result from the normal procedure applying to projects authorized after submission of survey reports, and projects constructed under the authority of this section shall be considered as authorized projects.

(f) Low water access navigation channels from existing channel of Mississippi River This section shall apply to, but not be limited to, the provision of low water access navigation channels from the existing channel of the Mississippi River to harbor areas heretofore or now established and located along the Mississippi River.

The Chief of Engineers, for the purpose of determining Federal and non-Federal cost sharing, relating to proposed construction of small-boat navigation projects, shall consider charter fishing craft as commercial vessels. ( Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 119 , Dec. 31, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1822 .)

The cost of operation and maintenance of the general navigation features of small boat harbor projects shall be borne by the United States. This section shall apply to any such project authorized (A) under section 201 of the Flood Control Act of 1965 [ 42 U.S.C. 1962d–5 ], (B) under section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960 [ 33 U.S.C. 577 ], (C) between January 1, 1970 , and December 31, 1970 , under authority of this Act, and to projects heretofore authorized in accordance with the policy set forth in the preceding sentence and to such projects authorized in this Act or which are hereafter authorized. ( Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 103 , Dec. 31, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1819 ; Pub. L. 93–251, § 6 , Mar. 7, 1974 , 88 Stat. 15 .)

§ 578 Disposal of surplus property for development of public port or industrial facilities

(a) Conveyance by Secretary of the Army Whenever the Secretary of the Army, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, determines that notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 1 to 11 of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41, with respect to disposal of surplus real property, (1) the development of public port or industrial facilities on land which is part of a water resource development project under his jurisdiction will be in the public interest; (2) that such development will not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the project; and (3) that disposition of the property for these purposes under this section will serve the objectives of the project within which the land is located, he may convey the land by quitclaim deed to a State, political subdivision thereof, port district, port authority, or other body created by the State or through a compact between two or more States for the purpose of developing or encouraging the development of such facilities. In any case, where two or more political subdivisions thereof, or bodies created by, a State or group of States, seek to obtain the same land, the Secretary of the Army shall give preference to that political subdivision or body whose intended use of land will, in his opinion, best promote the purposes for which the project involved was authorized.

(b) Purchase price; conditions, reservations or restrictions Any conveyance authorized by this section shall be made at the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary of the Army, upon condition that the property shall be used for one of the purposes stated in the subsection (a) of this section only, and subject to such other conditions, reservations or restrictions as the Secretary may determine to be necessary for the development, maintenance, or operation of the project or otherwise in the public interest.

(c) Notice of proposed conveyance Prior to the conveyance of any land under the provisions of this section, the Secretary of the Army shall, in the manner he deems reasonable, give public notice of the proposed conveyance and afford an opportunity to interested eligible bodies in the general vicinity of the land to apply for its purchase.

(d) Delegation of authority The Secretary of the Army may delegate any authority conferred upon him by this section to any officer or employee of the Department of the Army. Any such officer or employee shall exercise the authority so delegated under rules and regulations approved by the Secretary.

(e) Deposit of proceeds The proceeds from any conveyance made under the provisions of this section shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

§ 578a Disposition studies

(a) In general In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, including a disposition study under section 549a of this title or an assessment under section 6002 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–121 ; 128 Stat. 1349 ), the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the property concerned has economic, cultural, historic, or recreational significance or impacts at the national, State, or local level.

(b) Completion of assessment and inventory Not later than 1 year after December 16, 2016 , the Secretary shall complete the assessment and inventory required under section 6002(a) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–121 ; 128 Stat. 1349 ).

§ 578b Disposition of projects

(a) In general In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, or a separable element of such a project, including a disposition study under section 549a of this title , the Secretary shall consider modifications that would improve the overall quality of the environment in the public interest, including removal of the project or separable element of a project.

(b) Disposition study transparency The Secretary shall carry out disposition studies described in subsection (a) in a transparent manner, including by— providing opportunities for public input; and publishing the final disposition studies.

(c) Removal of infrastructure For disposition studies described in subsection (a) in which the Secretary determines that a Federal interest no longer exists, and makes a recommendation of removal of the project or separable element of a project, the Secretary is authorized, using existing authorities, to pursue removal of the project or separable element of a project in partnership with other Federal agencies and non-Federal entities with appropriate capabilities to undertake infrastructure removal.

§ 579 Repealed. Pub. L. 101–640, title I, § 119(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4630

§ 579a Corps budgeting; project deauthorizations; comprehensive backlog report

(a) Funds to be obligated for construction to avoid deauthorization Any project authorized for construction by this Act shall not be authorized after the last day of the 5-year period beginning on November 17, 1986 , unless during such period funds have been obligated for construction, including planning and designing, of such project.

(b) Transmission to Congress of list of unconstructed projects or separable elements authorized but not receiving obligations during 10 fiscal years preceding transmission; two-year updates of list Not later than one year after November 17, 1986 , the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a list of unconstructed projects, or unconstructed separable elements of projects, which have been authorized, but have received no obligations during the 10 full fiscal years preceding the transmittal of such list. A project or separable element included in such list is not authorized after December 31, 1989 , if funds have not been obligated for construction of such project or element after November 17, 1986 , and before December 31, 1989 . The Secretary, once every 2 years, shall compile and publish— a complete list of all projects and separable elements of projects of the Corps of Engineers that are authorized for construction but have not been completed; a complete list of all feasibility studies of the Corps of Engineers that Congress has authorized the Secretary to carry out for which a Report of the Chief of Engineers has not been issued; a complete list of all environmental infrastructure projects authorized by Congress under section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 ( 106 Stat. 4835 ); and a list of major Federal operation and maintenance needs of projects and properties under the control of the Corps of Engineers. The Secretary shall include on each list developed under clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A) for each feasibility study, project, and separable element on that list— the date of authorization of the feasibility study, project, or separable element, including any subsequent modifications to the original authorization; the original budget authority for the feasibility study, project, or separable element; a brief description of the feasibility study, project, or separable element; the estimated date of completion of the feasibility study, project, or separable element, assuming all capability is fully funded; the estimated total cost of completion of the feasibility study, project, or separable element; the amount of funds spent on the feasibility study, project, or separable element, including Federal and non-Federal funds; the amount of appropriations estimated to be required in each fiscal year during the period of construction to complete the project or separable element by the date specified under clause (iv); the location of the feasibility study, project, or separable element; a statement from the non-Federal interest for the project or separable element indicating the non-Federal interest’s capability to provide the required local cooperation estimated to be required for the project or separable element in each fiscal year during the period of construction; the benefit-cost ratio of the project or separable element, calculated using the discount rate specified by the Office of Management and Budget for purposes of preparing the President’s budget pursuant to chapter 11 of title 31; the benefit-cost ratio of the project or separable element, calculated using the discount rate utilized by the Corps of Engineers for water resources development project planning pursuant to section 1962d–17 of title 42 ; and the last fiscal year in which the project or separable element incurred obligations. The Secretary shall include on the list developed under subparagraph (A)(iv), for each project and property under the control of the Corps of Engineers on that list— the authority under which the project was authorized or the property was acquired by the Corps of Engineers; a brief description of the project or property; an estimate of the Federal costs to meet the major operation and maintenance needs at the project or property; and an estimate of unmet or deferred operation and maintenance needs at the project or property. For fiscal year 2020, and once every 2 years thereafter, in conjunction with the President’s annual budget submission to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31 , the Secretary shall submit a copy of the lists developed under subparagraph (A) to— the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The Secretary shall make a copy of the lists available on a publicly accessible website site 1 in a manner that is downloadable, searchable, and sortable.

§ 579b Omitted

§ 579c Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579c–1 Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(f), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579c–2 Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(h), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579d Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(e), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579d–1 Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(g), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579d–2 Deauthorization of inactive projects

(a) Purposes The purposes of this section are— to identify water resources development projects, and separable elements of projects, authorized by Congress that are no longer viable for construction due to— a lack of local support; a lack of available Federal or non-Federal resources; or an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible; to create an expedited and definitive process for Congress to deauthorize water resources development projects and separable elements that are no longer viable for construction; and to allow the continued authorization of water resources development projects and separable elements that are viable for construction.

(b) Proposed deauthorization list The Secretary shall develop a preliminary list of each water resources development project, or separable element of a project, authorized for construction before June 10, 2014 , for which— planning, design, or construction was not initiated before January 4, 2025 ; or planning, design, or construction was initiated before January 4, 2025 , but for which no funds, Federal or non-Federal, were obligated for planning, design, or construction of the project or separable element of the project during the current fiscal year or any of the 10 preceding fiscal years. The Secretary may develop the preliminary list from the comprehensive construction backlog and operation and maintenance reports developed pursuant to section 579a(b)(2) of this title . The Secretary shall— prepare a proposed list of projects for deauthorization comprised of a subset of projects and separable elements identified on the preliminary list developed under paragraph (1) that are projects or separable elements described in subsection (a)(1), as determined by the Secretary; and include with such proposed list an estimate, in the aggregate, of the Federal cost to complete such projects. For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Federal cost to complete shall take into account any allowances authorized by section 2280 of this title , as applied to the most recent project schedule and cost estimate. The Secretary shall solicit comments from the public and the Governors of each applicable State on the proposed deauthorization list prepared under paragraph (2)(A). The public comment period shall be 90 days. The Secretary shall prepare a final deauthorization list by— considering any comments received under paragraph (3); and revising the proposed deauthorization list prepared under paragraph (2)(A) as the Secretary determines necessary to respond to such comments. The Secretary shall include as part of the final deauthorization list an appendix that— identifies each project or separable element on the proposed deauthorization list that is not included on the final deauthorization list; and describes the reasons why the project or separable element is not included on the final deauthorization list.

(c) Submission of final deauthorization list to Congress for congressional review; publication Not later than 90 days after the date of the close of the comment period under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary shall— submit the final deauthorization list and appendix prepared under subsection (b)(4) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; and publish the final deauthorization list and appendix in the Federal Register. The Secretary shall not include in the final deauthorization list submitted under paragraph (1) any project or separable element with respect to which Federal funds for planning, design, or construction are obligated after the development of the preliminary list under subsection (b)(1)(A) but prior to the submission of the final deauthorization list under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection.

(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8301(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3776

(e) Special rules A project or separable element of a project may not be identified on the proposed deauthorization list developed under subsection (b), or the final deauthorization list developed under subsection (c), if the project or separable element received funding for a post-authorization study during the current fiscal year or any of the 10 preceding fiscal years. For purposes of this section, if an authorized water resources development project or separable element of the project has been modified by an Act of Congress, the date of the authorization of the project or separable element shall be deemed to be the date of the most recent such modification.

(f) Deauthorization of antiquated projects Any water resources development project, or separable element of a project, authorized for construction prior to November 17, 1986 , for which construction has not been initiated prior to December 27, 2020 , or for which funds have not been obligated for construction in the 10-year period prior to December 27, 2020 , is hereby deauthorized. Not later than 60 days after December 27, 2020 , the Secretary shall issue to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that identifies— the name of each project, or separable element of a project, deauthorized by paragraph (1); and the estimated current value of each such project or separable element of a project.

(g) Economic and environmental review of inactive water resources development projects The Secretary or the non-Federal interest may not carry out any authorized water resources development project, or separable element of such project, for which construction has not been initiated in the 20-year period following the date of the authorization of such project or separable element, until— the Secretary provides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a post-authorization change report that updates the economic and environmental analysis of the project or separable element; and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate take appropriate action to address any modifications to the economic and environmental analysis for the project or separable element of the project contained in the post-authorization change report.

(h) Definitions In this section: The term “post-authorization change report” has the meaning given such term in section 2282e(d) of this title . The term “post-authorization study” means— a feasibility report developed under section 2282 of this title ; a feasibility study, as defined in section 2215(d) of this title ; or a review conducted under section 549a of this title , including an initial appraisal that— demonstrates a Federal interest; and requires additional analysis for the project or separable element.

§ 579e Access to real estate data

(a) In general Using available funds, the Secretary shall make publicly available, including on a publicly accessible website, information on all Federal real estate assets in the United States that are owned, operated, or managed by, or in the custody of, the Corps of Engineers.

(b) Requirements The real estate information made available under subsection (a) shall include— existing standardized real estate plat descriptions of assets described in subsection (a); and existing geographic information systems and geospatial information associated with such assets. In making information available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of General Services. Such information may be made available, in whole or in part, in the Federal real property database published under section 21 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 ( Public Law 114–287 ), as determined appropriate by the Administrator of General Services. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring the Administrator of General Services to add additional data elements or features to such Federal real property database if such additions are impractical or would add additional costs to such database.

(c) Limitation Nothing in this section shall compel or authorize the disclosure of data or other information determined by the Secretary to be confidential, privileged, national security information, personal information, or information the disclosure of which is otherwise prohibited by law.

(d) Timing The Secretary shall ensure that the implementation of subsection (a) occurs as soon as practicable.

(e) Effect on other laws Nothing in this section shall be construed as modifying, or exempting the Corps of Engineers from, the requirements of the Federal real property database published under section 21 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 ( Public Law 114–287 ).

§ 579f Budgetary evaluation metrics and transparency; public participation

(a) Omitted

(b) Budgetary evaluation metrics and transparency Beginning in fiscal year 2020, in the formulation of the annual budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31 , the President shall ensure that such budget request— aligns the assessment of the potential benefit-cost ratio for budgeting water resources development projects with that used by the Corps of Engineers during project plan formulation and evaluation pursuant to section 1962d–17 of title 42 ; and demonstrates the transparent criteria and metrics utilized by the President in the evaluation and selection of water resources development projects included in such budget request.

(c) Public participation In the development of, or any proposed major substantive modification to, a proposed budget for water resources development projects, the Secretary, through each District shall, not less frequently than annually— provide to non-Federal interests and other interested stakeholders information on the proposed budget for projects or substantive modifications to project budgets within each District’s jurisdiction; hold multiple public meetings to discuss the budget for projects within each District’s jurisdiction; and provide to non-Federal interests the opportunity to collaborate with District personnel for projects within each District’s jurisdiction— to support information sharing; and to the maximum extent practicable, to share in concept development and decisionmaking to achieve complementary or integrated solutions to problems.

§ 579g Annual reports

Not later than 10 days after the date on which the budget of the President for each fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 , the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Appropriations of the Senate a report on the status of each covered report. The Secretary shall include in the report required under paragraph (1) the following information: A summary of the status of each covered report, including if each such report has been initiated. The amount of funds that— have been made available to carry out each such report; and the Secretary requires to complete each such report. A detailed assessment of how the Secretary intends to complete each covered report, including an anticipated timeline for completion. The Secretary shall make each report required under paragraph (1) publicly available on the website of the Corps of Engineers. The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Environment and Public Works of the Senate on an annual basis a draft of each covered report. In this subsection, the term “covered report”— means any report or study required to be submitted by the Secretary under this Act or any Act providing authorizations for water resources development projects enacted after January 4, 2025 , to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate that has not been so submitted; and does not include a feasibility study (as such term is defined in section 2215(d) of this title ). ( Pub. L. 118–272, div. A, title I, § 1150(b) , Jan. 4, 2025 , 138 Stat. 3041 .)

§ 581 Hiring special means of transportation

In their execution and inspection of river and harbor improvement work, at points beyond easy reach of ordinary regular transportation lines, Engineer officers are authorized to hire and use such transportation as they may consider desirable and advantageous to the progress of work. ( July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 9 , 37 Stat. 233 .)

§ 582 Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 644

§ 583 Payment of allowances, etc., incident to change of station of Engineer officers from appropriation for improvements

When in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army the changes of a station of an officer of the Corps of Engineers is primarily in the interest of river and harbor improvement, the mileage and other allowances to which he may be entitled incident to such change of station may be paid from appropriations for such improvements. ( Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 467, § 5 , 43 Stat. 1191 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 583a Payment of pay and allowances of officers of Corps of Engineers from appropriation for improvements

(a) In general The personnel described in subsection (b) who are employed primarily on duty connected with non-military public works prosecuted under the direction of the Chief of Engineers, including river and harbor improvements, flood control, and other such works, shall, while so employed, be paid their pay and allowances from the appropriation for the works upon which they are employed.

(b) Personnel described The personnel referred to in subsection (a) are the following: Regular officers of the Corps of Engineers of the Army. The following members of the Army who are assigned to the Corps of Engineers: Reserve component officers. Warrant officers (whether regular or reserve component). Enlisted members (whether regular or reserve component).

§§ 584, 584a Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 647, 648

§ 585 Reserve component training at water resources development projects

(a) In general In carrying out military training activities or otherwise fulfilling military training requirements, units or members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces may perform services and furnish supplies in support of a water resources development project or program of the Corps of Engineers without reimbursement.

(b) Exception This section shall not apply to any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who is employed by the Corps of Engineers on a full-time basis.

§ 591 Condemnation, purchase, and donation of land and materials

The Secretary of the Army may cause proceedings to be instituted, in the name of the United States, in any court having jurisdiction of such proceedings, for the acquirement by condemnation of any land, right-of-way, or material needed to enable him to maintain, operate, or prosecute works for the improvement of rivers and harbors for which provision has been made by law; such proceedings to be prosecuted in accordance with the laws relating to suits for the condemnation of property of the States wherein the proceedings may be instituted: Provided, however , That when the owner of such land, right-of-way, or material shall fix a price for the same, which in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army, shall be reasonable, he may purchase the same at such price without further delay: And provided further, That the Secretary of the Army is authorized to accept donations of lands or materials required for the maintenance or prosecution of such works. ( Apr. 24, 1888, ch. 194 , 25 Stat. 94 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 592 Condemnation of land in aid of person, company, corporation, municipal or private

Whenever any person, company, or corporation, municipal or private, shall undertake to secure any land or easement therein needed in connection with a work of river and harbor improvement duly authorized by Congress, for the purpose of conveying the same to the United States free of cost, or for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating locks, dry docks, or other works to be conveyed to the United States free of cost, and of constructing, maintaining and operating dams for use in connection therewith, and shall be unable for any reason to obtain the same by purchase and acquire a valid title thereto, the Secretary of the Army may, in his discretion, cause proceedings to be instituted in the name of the United States for the acquirement by condemnation of said land or easement, and it shall be the duty of the Attorney General of the United States to institute and conduct such proceedings upon the request of the Secretary of the Army: Provided , That all expenses of said proceedings and any award that may be made thereunder shall be paid by the said person, company, or corporation, to secure which payment the Secretary of the Army may require the said person, company, or corporation to execute a proper bond in such amount as he may deem necessary before said proceedings are commenced. ( May 16, 1906, ch. 2465 , 34 Stat. 196 ; June 29, 1906, ch. 3628 , 34 Stat. 632 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 593 Condemnation of land in aid of State or State agency

Whenever any State, or any reclamation, flood control or drainage district, or other public agency created by any State, shall undertake to secure any land or easement therein, needed in connection with a work of river and harbor improvement duly authorized by Congress, for the purpose of conveying the same to the United States free of cost, and shall be unable for any reason to obtain the same by purchase and acquire a valid title thereto, the Secretary of the Army may, in his discretion, cause proceedings to be instituted in the name of the United States for the acquirement by condemnation of said land or easement, and it shall be the duty of the Attorney General of the United States to institute and conduct such proceedings upon the request of the Secretary of the Army: Provided , That all expenses of said proceedings and any award that may be made thereunder shall be paid by such State, or reclamation, flood control or drainage district, or other public agency as aforesaid, to secure which payment the Secretary of the Army may require such State, or reclamation, flood control or drainage district, or other public agency as aforesaid, to execute a proper bond in such amount as he may deem necessary before said proceedings are commenced. ( Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 9 , 40 Stat. 267 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 594 When immediate possession of land may be taken

Whenever the Secretary of the Army, in pursuance of authority conferred on him by law, causes proceedings to be instituted in the name of the United States for the acquirement by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights of way needed for a work of river and harbor improvements duly authorized by Congress, the United States, upon the filing of the petition in any such proceedings, shall have the right to take immediate possession of said lands, easements, or rights-of-way, to the extent of the interest to be acquired, and proceed with such public works thereon as have been authorized by Congress: Provided , That certain and adequate provision shall have been made for the payment of just compensation to the party or parties entitled thereto, either by previous appropriation by the United States or by the deposit of moneys or other form of security in such amount and form as shall be approved by the court in which such proceedings shall be instituted. The respondent or respondents may move at any time in the court to increase or change the amounts or securities, and the court shall make such order as shall be just in the premises and as shall adequately protect the respondents. In every case the proceedings in condemnation shall be diligently prosecuted on the part of the United States in order that such compensation may be promptly ascertained and paid. ( July 18, 1918, ch. 155, § 5 , 40 Stat. 911 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 595 Consideration of benefits in assessing compensation

In all cases where private property shall be taken by the United States for the public use in connection with any improvement of rivers, harbors, canals, or waterways of the United States, and in all condemnation proceedings by the United States to acquire lands or easements for such improvements, where a part only of any such parcel, lot, or tract of land shall be taken, the jury or other tribunal awarding the just compensation or assessing the damages to the owner, whether for the value of the part taken or for any injury to the part not taken, shall take into consideration by way of reducing the amount of compensation or damages any special and direct benefits to the remainder arising from the improvement, and shall render their award or verdict accordingly. ( July 18, 1918, ch. 155, § 6 , 40 Stat. 911 .)

§ 595a Compensation for taking or condemnation of property for public improvements; fair market value; partial taking; effective date

In all cases where real property shall be taken by the United States for the public use in connection with any improvement of rivers, harbors, canals, or waterways of the United States, and in all condemnation proceedings by the United States to acquire lands or easements for such improvements, the compensation to be paid for real property taken by the United States above the normal high water mark of navigable waters of the United States shall be the fair market value of such real property based upon all uses to which such real property may reasonably be put, including its highest and best use, any of which uses may be dependent upon access to or utilization of such navigable waters. In cases of partial takings of real property, no depreciation in the value of any remaining real property shall be recognized and no compensation shall be paid for any damages to such remaining real property which result from loss of or reduction of access from such remaining real property to such navigable waters because of the taking of real property or the purposes for which such real property is taken. The compensation defined herein shall apply to all acquisitions of real property after December 31, 1970 , and to the determination of just compensation in any condemnation suit pending on December 31, 1970 . ( Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 111 , Dec. 31, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1821 .)

§ 596 Repealed. Pub. L. 91–646, title III, § 306, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1907

§ 597 Acquisition of lands for water resource development projects; information as to probable timing for acquisition; public meetings; regulations

Within six months after the date that Congress authorizes construction of a water resource development project under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army, the Corps of Engineers shall make reasonable effort to advise owners and occupants in and adjacent to the project area as to the probable timing for the acquisition of lands for the project and for incidental rights-of-way, relocations, and any other requirements affecting owners and occupants. Within a reasonable time after initial appropriations are made for land acquisition or construction, including relocations, the Corps of Engineers shall conduct public meetings at locations convenient to owners and tenants to be displaced by the project in order to advise them of the proposed plans for acquisition and to afford them an opportunity to comment. To carry out the provisions of this section, the Chief of Engineers shall issue regulations to provide, among other things, dissemination of the following information to those affected: (1) factors considered in making the appraisals; (2) desire to purchase property without going to court; (3) legal right to submit to condemnation proceedings; (4) payments for moving expenses or other losses not covered by appraised market value; (5) occupancy during construction; (6) removal of improvements; (7) payments required from occupants of Government acquired land; (8) withdrawals by owners of deposits made in court by Government, and (9) use of land by owner when easement is acquired. The provisions of this section shall not subject the United States to any liability nor affect the validity of any acquisitions by purchase or condemnation and shall be exempt from the operations of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5. ( Pub. L. 86–645, title III, § 302 , July 14, 1960 , 74 Stat. 502 .)

§ 598 Resettlement of displaced families, individuals, and business concerns

(a) Acquisition of land; condemnation expenses; bond Whenever any State, or any agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, or any nonprofit incorporated body organized or chartered under the law of the State in which it is located, or any nonprofit association or combination of such bodies, agencies or instrumentalities, shall undertake to secure any lands or interests therein as a site for the resettlement of families, individuals, and business concerns displaced by a river and harbor improvement, flood control or other water resource project duly authorized by Congress, and when it has been determined by the Secretary of the Army that the State is unable to acquire necessary lands or interests in lands or is unable to acquire such lands or interests in lands with sufficient promptness, the Secretary, upon the request of the Governor of the State in which such site is located, and after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local departments and agencies, is authorized, in the name of the United States and prior to the approval of title by the Attorney General, to acquire, enter upon, and take possession of such lands or interests in lands by purchase, donation, condemnation or otherwise in accordance with the laws of the United States (including sections 3114–3116 and 3118 of title 40). All expenses of said acquisition and any award that may be made under a condemnation proceeding, including costs of examination and abstract of title, certificate of title, appraisal, advertising, and any fees incident to acquisition, shall be paid by such State or body, agency, or instrumentality. The State, agency, instrumentality, or nonprofit body may repay such amounts from any funds made available to it for such purposes by any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality (other than the Department of the Army) having authority to make funds available for such a purpose. Pending such payment, the Secretary may expend from any funds hereafter appropriated for the project occasioning such acquisition such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. To secure payment, the Secretary may require any such State or agency, body, or instrumentality to execute a proper bond in such amount as he may deem necessary before acquisition is commenced. Any sums paid to the Secretary by any such State or agency, body or instrumentality shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the appropriation for such project.

(b) Acquisition provisions No acquisition shall be undertaken under the authority of this section unless the Secretary has determined, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local governmental agencies that (1) the development of a site is necessary in order to alleviate hardships to displaced persons; (2) the location of the site is suitable for development in relation to present or potential sources of employment; and (3) a plan for development of the site has been approved by appropriate local governmental authorities in the area or community in which such site is located.

(c) Conveyance to State, public or private nonprofit body The Secretary is further authorized and directed by proper deed, executed in the name of the United States, to convey any lands or interests in land acquired in any State under the provisions of this section, to the State, or such public or private nonprofit body, agency, or institution in the State as the Governor may prescribe, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the Secretary, the Governor, and the agency to which the conveyance is to be made.

§ 598a Property acquisition

(a) In general In acquiring an interest in land, or requiring a non-Federal interest to acquire an interest in land, the Secretary shall, in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 [ 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.], first consider the minimum interest in real property necessary to support the water resources development project for which such interest is acquired.

(b) Determination In determining an interest in land under subsection (a), the Secretary shall first consider a temporary easement or other interest designed to reduce the overall cost of the water resources development project for which such interest is acquired, reduce the time to complete such project, and minimize conflict with property owners related to such project.

(c) Procedures used in State In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to a State, the procedures that the State uses to acquire, or require the acquisition of, interests in land, to the extent that such procedures are generally consistent with the goals of a project or action.

§ 598b Minimum real estate interest

(a) Real estate plan The Secretary shall provide to the non-Federal interest for an authorized water resources development project a real estate plan for the project that includes a description of the real estate interests required for construction, operation and maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of the project, including any specific details and legal requirements necessary for implementation of the project.

(b) Identification of minimum interest For each authorized water resources development project for which an interest in real property is required for any applicable construction, operation and maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement, the Secretary shall identify the minimum interest in the property necessary to carry out the applicable activity. In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall identify an interest that is less than fee simple title in cases where the Secretary determines that— such an interest is sufficient for construction, operation and maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of the applicable project; and the non-Federal interest cannot legally make available to the Secretary an interest in fee simple title for purposes of the project.

(c) Requirement The non-Federal interest for an authorized water resources development project shall provide for the project an interest in the applicable real property that is the minimum interest identified under subsection (b).

(d) Annual report The Secretary shall annually submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report containing— a summary of all instances in which the Secretary identified under subsection (b) fee simple title as the minimum interest necessary with respect to an activity for which the non-Federal interest requested the use of an interest less than fee simple title; and with respect to each such instance, a description of the legal requirements that resulted in identifying fee simple title as the minimum interest.

(e) Existing agreements At the request of a non-Federal interest, an agreement entered into under section 1962d–5b of title 42 between the Secretary and the non-Federal interest before January 4, 2025 , may be amended to reflect the requirements of this section.

§ 598c Easements for hurricane and storm damage reduction projects

(a) In general With respect to a project for hurricane and storm damage reduction for which the Secretary is requiring a perpetual easement, the Secretary shall, upon request by the non-Federal interest for the project, certify real estate availability and proceed to construction of such project with a nonperpetual easement if— such certification and construction are in compliance with the terms of the report of the Chief of Engineers for the project and the applicable project partnership agreement; and the Secretary provides the non-Federal interest with formal notice that, in the event in which the nonperpetual easement expires and is not extended, the Secretary will be unable to— fulfill the Federal responsibility with respect to the project or carry out any required nourishment of the project under the existing project authorization; carry out repair and rehabilitation of the project under section 701n of this title ; and provide any other relevant Federal assistance with respect to the project.

(b) Disclosure For any project for hurricane storm damage risk reduction, or a proposal to modify such a project, that is authorized after January 4, 2025 , for which a perpetual easement is required for Federal participation in the project, the Secretary shall include in the report of the Chief of Engineers for the project a disclosure of such requirement.

(c) Management To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall, at the request of the non-Federal interest for a project for hurricane storm damage risk reduction, identify and accept the minimum real estate interests necessary to carry out the project, in accordance with section 598b of this title .

(d) Hurricane and storm damage reduction project implementation During the 2-year period beginning on January 4, 2025 , notwithstanding any requirement of the Secretary for a covered project to comply with the memorandum of the Corps of Engineers entitled “Standard Estates – Perpetual Beach Nourishment and Perpetual Restrictive Dune Easement” and dated August 4, 1995 , the Secretary shall carry out each covered project in a manner consistent with the previously completed initial construction and periodic nourishments of the project, including repair and restoration work on the project under section 701n(a) of this title . In this subsection, the term “covered project” means an authorized project for hurricane and storm damage reduction in any one of the following locations: Brevard County, Canaveral Harbor, Florida – Mid Reach. Brevard County, Canaveral Harbor, Florida – North Reach. Brevard County, Canaveral Harbor, Florida – South Reach. Broward County, Florida – Segment II. Broward County, Florida – Segment III. Dade County, Florida – Main Segment. Dade County, Florida – Sunny Isles Segment. Duval County, Florida. Fort Pierce Beach, Florida. Lee County, Florida – Captiva. Lee County, Florida – Gasparilla. Manatee County, Florida. Martin County, Florida. Nassau County, Florida. Palm Beach County, Florida – Jupiter/Carlin Segment. Palm Beach County, Florida – Delray Segment. Palm Beach County, Florida – Mid Town. Palm Beach County, Florida – North Boca. Palm Beach County, Florida – Ocean Ridge. Panama City Beaches, Florida. Pinellas County, Florida – Long Key. Pinellas County, Florida – Sand Key Segment. Pinellas County, Florida –Treasure Island. Sarasota, Lido Key, Florida. Sarasota County, Florida – Venice Beach. St. Johns County, Florida – St. Augustine Beach. St. Johns County, Florida – Vilano Segment. St. Lucie County, Florida – Hutchinson Island. It is the sense of Congress that, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, the minimum estate necessary for easements may not exceed the life of the project nor be less than 50 years.

(e) Savings clause Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the requirements of section 2213(d) of this title .

§ 601 Mississippi River; regulation of reservoirs at headwaters

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Army to prescribe such rules and regulations in respect to the use and administration of the reservoirs at the headwaters of the Mississippi River as in his judgment the public interest and necessity may require; which rules and regulations shall be posted in some conspicuous place or places for the information of the public. And any person knowingly and willfully violating such rules and regulations shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment, not exceeding six months, the same to be enforced by prosecution in any district court of the United States within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may have been committed. And the Secretary of the Army shall cause such gaugings to be made at or near Saint Paul during the annual operation of said reservoirs as shall determine accurately the discharge at that point, the cost of same to be paid out of the annual appropriation for gauging the waters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860, § 1 , 25 Stat. 419 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 602 Maintenance of channel of South Pass of Mississippi River

Upon the termination of the contract entered into with the late James B. Eads for the maintenance of the channel through the South Pass of the Mississippi River, the Secretary of the Army is directed to take charge of said channel, including the jetties, and all auxiliary works connected therewith, and thereafter to maintain with the utmost efficiency said South Pass Channel; and for that purpose he is authorized to draw his warrants from time to time on the Treasurer of the United States, until otherwise provided for by law, for such sums of money as may be necessary, not to exceed in the aggregate for any one year $100, 000. F or t ha tp u r p ose an y a v ai l ab l e G o v er nm e n t d re d g e ma y b e u se d . F or t h e p u r p oseo f sec u r in g t h e u nin t err u pt e d e x amina t i o n s an d s u r v eyso f t h e S o u t h P a sso f t h e M i ss i ss i pp i R i v er, t h e S ecre t a ryo f t h e A r m y, u p o n t h e a ppl i c a t i o n o f t h e C hi e f o f E n g in eers, i s a u t h or i ze d t o d r a w hi s w a rr an t orre q u i s i t i o n f ro m t im e t o t im e u p o n t h e S ecre t a ryo f t h e T re a s u ry f ors u c h s u m s a s ma y b e n ecess a ry t o d os u c h w or k, n o tt oe x cee d in t h e a gg re g a t e f ore a c h ye a r t h es u m o f$ 10,000. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860 , §§ 1, 4, 25 Stat. 422 , 424; June 6, 1900, ch. 790, § 3 , 31 Stat. 584 ; June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 1 , 32 Stat. 340 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, § 1(15) , 68 Stat. 967 .)

§ 603 Repealed. Mar. 2, 1945, ch. 19, § 3, 59 Stat. 23

§ 603a Removal of snags and debris, and straightening, clearing, and protecting channels in navigable waters

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot not to exceed $5,000,000 from any appropriations made prior to or after March 2, 1945 , for any one fiscal year for improvement of rivers and harbors, for removing accumulated snags, obstructions, and other debris located in or adjacent to a Federal channel, and for protecting, clearing, and straightening channels in navigable harbors and navigable streams and tributaries thereof, when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable in the interest of navigation, flood control, ecosystem restoration, or recreation. ( Mar. 2, 1945, ch. 19, § 3 , 59 Stat. 23 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 915(g) , Nov. 17, 1986 , 100 Stat. 4191 ; Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1164 , Dec. 16, 2016 , 130 Stat. 1670 ; Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8381 , Dec. 23, 2022 , 136 Stat. 3828 .)

§ 604 Removal of snags, etc., from Mississippi River

For the purpose of removing snags, wrecks, and other obstructions in the Mississippi River, the Atchafalaya and Old Rivers from the junction with the Mississippi and Red Rivers down the Atchafalaya River as far down as Melville, Louisiana, the Secretary of the Army, upon the application of the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to draw his warrant or requisition from time to time upon the Secretary of the Treasury for such sums as may be necessary to do such work, not to exceed in the aggregate for each year the sum of $100,000. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860 , §§ 1, 7, 25 Stat. 421 , 424; Mar. 3, 1909, ch. 264, § 3 , 35 Stat. 817 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, § 1(15) , 68 Stat. 967 .)

§ 605 Operation of snag boats on Upper Mississippi River

For the purpose of securing the uninterrupted work of operating snag boats on the Upper Mississippi River, the Illinois River, from its mouth to Copperas Creek, and the Minnesota River and other tributaries of the Upper Mississippi River improved by the United States, the Secretary of the Army, upon the application of the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to draw his warrant or requisition from time to time upon the Secretary of the Treasury for such sums as may be necessary to do such work, not to exceed in the aggregate for each year the sum of $25,000. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860 , §§ 1, 7, 25 Stat. 420 , 421, 424; Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2509, § 1 , 34 Stat. 1102 ; Mar. 3, 1909, ch. 264, § 3 , 35 Stat. 817 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, § 1(15) , 68 Stat. 967 .)

§ 605a Mississippi River forecasting improvements

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Director of the United States Geological Survey, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Director of the National Weather Service, as applicable, shall improve forecasting on the Mississippi River by— updating forecasting technology deployed on the Mississippi River and its tributaries through— the construction of additional automated river gages; the rehabilitation of existing automated and manual river gages; and the replacement of manual river gages with automated gages, as the Secretary determines to be necessary; constructing additional sedimentation ranges on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; and deploying additional automatic identification system base stations at river gage sites. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prioritize the sections of the Mississippi River on which additional and more reliable information would have the greatest impact on maintaining navigation on the Mississippi River. Not later than 1 year after June 10, 2014 , the Secretary shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a report on the activities carried out by the Secretary under this section. ( Pub. L. 113–121, title IV, § 4002(a) , June 10, 2014 , 128 Stat. 1308 .)

§ 606 Removal of snags, and so forth, from Ohio River

For the purpose of securing the uninterrupted work of operating snag boats on the Ohio River and removing snags, wrecks, and other obstructions in said river, the Secretary of the Army, upon the application of the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to draw his warrant or requisition from time to time upon the Secretary of the Treasury for such sums as may be necessary to do such work, not to exceed in the aggregate for each year the sum of $50,000. ( Sept. 19, 1890, ch. 907, § 13 , 26 Stat. 455 ; June 3, 1896, ch. 314, § 3 , 29 Stat. 234 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 ; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, § 1(15) , 68 Stat. 967 .)

§ 607 Removal of drift from New York Harbor

So much as may be necessary of any appropriations made for specific portions of New York Harbor and its immediate tributaries may be allotted by the Secretary of the Army for the maintenance of these waterways by the collection and removal of drift. ( Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 1 , 40 Stat. 252 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 607a Appropriations; separate project

On and after July 3, 1930 , direct allotments from appropriations for maintenance and improvement of existing river and harbor works or other available appropriation may be made by the Secretary of the Army for the collection and removal of drift in New York Harbor and its tributary waters, and this work on and after July 3, 1930 , shall be carried as a separate and distinct project. ( July 3, 1930, ch. 847, § 6 , 46 Stat. 947 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 608 Construction of fishways

Whenever river and harbor improvements shall be found to operate (whether by lock and dam or otherwise), as obstructions to the passage of fish, the Secretary of the Army may, in his discretion, direct and cause to be constructed practical and sufficient fishways, to be paid for out of the general appropriations for the streams on which such fishways may be constructed. ( Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860, § 11 , 25 Stat. 425 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 609 Sluices and other work in dams for development of water power

In order to make possible the economical future development of water power, the Secretary of the Army, upon recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, is authorized, in his discretion, to provide in the permanent parts of any dam authorized at any time by Congress for the improvement of navigation such foundations, sluices, and other works, as may be considered desirable for the future development of its water power. ( July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 12 , 37 Stat. 233 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 610 Control of aquatic plant growths and invasive species

(a) In general There is hereby authorized a comprehensive program to provide for prevention, control, and progressive eradication of noxious aquatic plant growths and aquatic invasive species from the navigable waters, tributary streams, connecting channels, and other allied waters of the United States, in the combined interest of navigation, flood control, drainage, agriculture, fish and wildlife conservation, public health, and related purposes, including continued research for development of the most effective and economic control measures, to be administered by the Chief of Engineers, under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with other Federal and State agencies. Local interests shall agree to hold and save the United States free from claims that may occur from control operations and to participate to the extent of 30 per centum of the cost of such operations. Costs for research and planning undertaken pursuant to the authorities of this section shall be borne fully by the Federal Government.

(b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section (except for subsections (f) and (g)) $130, 000, 000 f ore a c h f i sc a l ye a r, o f w hi c h —$ 30,000,000 shall be made available to carry out subsection (d)(1)(A)(i); $30, 000, 000 s ha ll b e ma d e a v ai l ab l e t oc a rryo u t s u b sec t i o n (d) (1) (A) (ii);$ 30,000,000 shall be made available to carry out subsection (d)(1)(A)(iii); $30, 000, 000 s ha ll b e ma d e a v ai l ab l e t oc a rryo u t s u b sec t i o n (d) (1) (A) (i v); an d$ 10,000,000 shall be made available to carry out subsection (d)(1)(A)(v). There are authorized to be appropriated— $10, 000, 000 f ore a c h o ff i sc a l ye a rs 2025 t h ro ug h 2029 t oc a rryo u t s u b sec t i o n (f); an d$ 75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2029 to carry out subsection (g)(2). There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, $10,000,000 to carry out subsection (g)(3). Any funds made available under paragraph (1) or (2)(A) to be used for control operations shall be allocated by the Chief of Engineers on a priority basis, based on the urgency and need of each area and the availability of local funds.

(c) Support In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary is encouraged to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants with colleges and universities and other non-Federal entities.

(d) Watercraft inspection and Decontamination stations In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall establish (as applicable), operate, and maintain new or existing watercraft inspection and decontamination stations— to protect the Columbia River Basin; to protect the Upper Missouri River Basin; to protect the Upper Colorado River Basin and the South Platte and Arkansas River Basins; to protect the Russian River Basin, California; and to protect basins and watersheds that adjoin an international border between the United States and Canada. The Secretary shall place watercraft inspection and decontamination stations under subparagraph (A) at locations with the highest likelihood of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species into and out of waters of the United States, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Governors and entities described in paragraph (3). The Secretary shall assist States within the areas described in subparagraph (A) with rapid response to any aquatic invasive species, including quagga or zebra mussel, infestation. The non-Federal share of the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining watercraft inspection and decontamination stations described in paragraph (1) (including personnel costs) shall be— 35 percent; and provided by the State or local governmental entity in which such inspection station is located. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult and coordinate with— the Governors of the States within the areas described in each of clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(A), as applicable; Indian tribes; and other Federal agencies, including— the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Energy; the Department of Homeland Security; the Department of Commerce; and the Department of the Interior.

(e) Monitoring and contingency planning In carrying out this section, the Secretary may— carry out risk assessments of water resources facilities; monitor for aquatic invasive species; assist States in early detection of, and monitoring and contingency planning for, aquatic invasive species, including quagga and zebra mussels; and monitor water quality, including sediment cores and fish tissue samples.

(f) Invasive species management pilot program In this subsection, the term “invasive species” has the meaning given the term in section 1 of Executive Order 13112 (64 Fed. Reg. 6183; relating to invasive species ( February 3, 1999 )) (as amended by section 2 of Executive Order 13751 (81 Fed. Reg. 88609; relating to safeguarding the Nation from the impacts of invasive species ( December 5, 2016 ))). The Secretary, in coordination with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall collaborate with States in the Upper Missouri River Basin in developing voluntary aquatic invasive species management plans to mitigate the effects of invasive species on public infrastructure facilities located on reservoirs of the Corps of Engineers in those States. The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of each State in the Upper Missouri River Basin that elects to participate in the pilot program, shall prepare a management plan, or update or expand an existing plan, for each participating State that identifies public infrastructure facilities located on reservoirs of the Corps of Engineers in those States that— are affected by aquatic invasive species; and need financial and technical assistance in order to maintain operations. In developing a management plan under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider a management plan submitted by a participating State under section 4724(a) of title 16 . The authority provided under this subsection shall terminate on September 30, 2028 .

(g) Invasive species prevention, control, and eradication In this subsection, the term “invasive species” has the meaning given the term in section 1 of Executive Order 13112 (64 Fed. Reg. 6183; relating to invasive species ( February 3, 1999 )) (as amended by section 2 of Executive Order 13751 (81 Fed. Reg. 88609; relating to safeguarding the Nation from the impacts of invasive species ( December 5, 2016 ))). The Secretary may enter into partnerships with applicable States and other Federal agencies to carry out actions to prevent the introduction of, control, or eradicate, to the maximum extent practicable, invasive species that adversely impact water quantity, water quality, or ecosystems in the Platte River Basin, the Upper Colorado River Basin, the Upper Snake River Basin, the Lake Erie Basin, the Ohio River Basin, the Connecticut River Basin, and the Upper Missouri River Basin. In selecting actions to carry out under a partnership under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to projects that are intended to control or eradicate the Russian olive ( Elaeagnus angustifolia ), hydrilla ( Hydrilla verticillata ), or saltcedar (of the genus Tamarix ). In this paragraph: The term “eligible entity” means a partnership between or among 2 or more entities that— includes— at least 1 flood control district; and at least 1 city, county, township, town, borough, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State or Indian Tribe (as defined in section 5304 of title 25 ); and may include any other entity (such as a nonprofit organization or institution of higher education), as determined by the Secretary. The term “invasive plant species” means a plant that is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration, the introduction of which causes or is likely to cause economic harm or harm to human health. The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall establish a pilot program under which such Secretary shall work with eligible entities to carry out activities— to remove invasive plant species in riparian areas that contribute to drought conditions in— the Lower Colorado River Basin; the Rio Grande River Basin; the Texas Gulf Coast Basin; and the Arkansas-White-Red Basin; where appropriate, to replace the invasive plant species described in clause (i) with ecologically suitable native species; and to maintain and monitor riparian areas in which activities are carried out under clauses (i) and (ii). Not later than 18 months after December 27, 2020 , the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing the implementation of the pilot program. The authority provided under this paragraph shall terminate on September 30, 2028 . The Federal share of an action carried out under a partnership under paragraph (2) or an activity carried out under the pilot program under paragraph (3) shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the action or activity.

§ 621 By what methods river and harbor work may be authorized to be prosecuted

Any public work on canals, rivers, and harbors adopted by Congress may be prosecuted by direct appropriations, by continuing contracts, or by both direct appropriations and continuing contracts. ( Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 10 , 42 Stat. 1043 .)

§ 622 Contracts, etc., with private industry for implementation of projects for improvements and dredging; reduction of federally owned fleet

(a) Contracts for dredging and related work The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers (hereinafter referred to as the “Secretary”), in carrying out projects for improvement of rivers and harbors (other than surveys, estimates, and gagings) shall, by contract or otherwise, carry out such work in the manner most economical and advantageous to the United States. The Secretary shall have dredging and related work done by contract if he determines private industry has the capability to do such work and it can be done at reasonable prices and in a timely manner. During the four-year period which begins on April 26, 1978 , the Secretary may limit the application of the second sentence of this subsection for work for which the federally owned fleet is available to achieve an orderly transition to full implementation of this subsection.

(b) Reduction of federally owned fleet As private industry reasonably demonstrates its capability under subsection (a) to perform the work done by the federally owned fleet, at reasonable prices and in a timely manner, the federally owned fleet shall be reduced in an orderly manner, as determined by the Secretary, by retirement of plant. To carry out emergency and national defense work the Secretary shall retain only the minimum federally owned fleet capable of performing such work and he may exempt from the provisions of this section such amount of work as he determines to be reasonably necessary to keep such fleet fully operational, as determined by the Secretary, after the minimum fleet requirements have been determined. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in carrying out the reduction of the federally owned fleet, the Secretary may retain so much of the federally owned fleet as he determines necessary, for so long as he determines necessary, to insure the capability of the Federal Government and private industry together to carry out projects for improvements of rivers and harbors. For the purpose of making the determination required by the preceding sentence the Secretary shall not exempt any work from the requirements of this section. The minimum federally owned fleet shall be maintained to technologically modern and efficient standards, including replacement as necessary. The Secretary is authorized and directed to undertake a study to determine the minimum federally owned fleet required to perform emergency and national defense work. The study, which shall be submitted to Congress within two years after April 26, 1978 , shall also include preservation of employee rights of persons presently employed on the existing federally owned fleet.

(c) Program to increase use of private hopper dredges The Secretary shall initiate a program to increase the use of private-industry hopper dredges for the construction and maintenance of Federal navigation channels. In order to carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall place the Federal hopper dredge Wheeler in a ready reserve status not later than the earlier of 90 days after the date of completion of the rehabilitation of the hopper dredge McFarland pursuant to section 563 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 or October 1, 1997 . The Secretary may periodically perform routine tests of the equipment of the vessel placed in a ready reserve status under paragraph (2) to ensure the vessel’s ability to perform emergency work. The Secretary shall not assign any scheduled hopper dredging work to such vessel but shall perform any repairs needed to maintain the vessel in a fully operational condition. The Secretary may place the vessel in active status in order to perform any dredging work only if the Secretary determines that private industry has failed to submit a responsive and responsible bid for work advertised by the Secretary or to carry out the project as required pursuant to a contract with the Secretary. The Secretary may undertake any repair and rehabilitation of any Federal hopper dredge, including the vessel placed in ready reserve status under paragraph (2) to allow the vessel to be placed in active status as provided in paragraph (3). The Secretary shall develop and implement procedures to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, private industry hopper dredge capacity is available to meet both routine and time-sensitive dredging needs. Such procedures shall include— scheduling of contract solicitations to effectively distribute dredging work throughout the dredging season; and use of expedited contracting procedures to allow dredges performing routine work to be made available to meet time-sensitive, urgent, or emergency dredging needs. Not later than 2 years after October 12, 1996 , the Secretary shall report to Congress on whether the vessel placed in ready reserve status under paragraph (2) is needed to be returned to active status or continued in a ready reserve status or whether another Federal hopper dredge should be placed in a ready reserve status. The Secretary may not further reduce the readiness status of any Federal hopper dredge below a ready reserve status except any vessel placed in such status for not less than 5 years that the Secretary determines has not been used sufficiently to justify retaining the vessel in such status. For each fiscal year beginning after October 12, 1996 , the Secretary shall not assign any greater quantity of dredging work to any Federal hopper dredge in active status than was assigned to that vessel in the average of the 3 prior fiscal years. This subparagraph shall not apply to the Federal hopper dredges Essayons and Yaquina of the Corps of Engineers. In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall not reduce the availability and utilization of Federal hopper dredge vessels stationed on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts below that which occurred in fiscal year 1996 to meet the navigation dredging needs of the ports on those coasts. The Secretary may enter into a contract for the maintenance and crewing of any Federal hopper dredge retained in a ready reserve status. The capital costs (including depreciation costs) of any dredge retained in such status shall be paid for out of funds made available from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and shall not be charged against the Corps of Engineers’ Revolving Fund Account or any individual project cost unless the dredge is specifically used in connection with that project.

§ 623 Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(57), 65 Stat. 703

§ 624 Limitation on improvement work by private contract

(a) Determinations respecting comparison of private contract price with estimation of cost of performance of work by Government plant or by well-equipped contractor No works of river and harbor improvement shall be done by private contract— if the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines that Government plant is reasonably available to perform the subject work and the contract price for doing the work is more than 25 per centum in excess of the estimated comparable cost of doing the work by Government plant; or in any other circumstance where the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines that the contract price is more than 25 per centum in excess of what he determines to be a fair and reasonable estimated cost of a well-equipped contractor doing the work.

(b) Considerations involved in determinations of estimation of cost of performance of work by Government plant In estimating the comparable cost of doing the work under subsection (a)(1) by Government plant the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers shall, in addition to the cost of labor and materials, take into account proper charges for depreciation of plant, all supervising and overhead expenses, interest on the capital invested in the Government plant (but the rate of interest shall not exceed the maximum prevailing rate being paid by the United States on current issues of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness) and such other Government expenses and charges as the Chief of Engineers determines to be appropriate.

(c) Considerations involved in determinations of estimation of cost of performance of work by well-equipped contractor In determining a fair and reasonable estimated cost of doing work by private contract under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall, in addition to the cost of labor and materials, take into account proper charges for depreciation of plant, all expenses for supervision, overhead, workmen’s compensation, general liability insurance, taxes (State and local), interest on capital invested in plant, and such other expenses and charges the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines to be appropriate.

§ 625 Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(58), 65 Stat. 703

§ 626 Prosecution of work when appropriation insufficient

Whenever the appropriations made, or authorized to be made, for the completion of any river and harbor work shall prove insufficient therefor, the Secretary of the Army may, in his discretion, on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, apply the funds so appropriated or authorized to the prosecution of such work. ( July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 8 , 37 Stat. 233 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 627 Application of appropriation when separate works are included therein

Where separate works or items are consolidated in River and Harbor Acts and an aggregate amount is appropriated therefor, any balances remaining to the credit of the separate works or items may be transferred to the credit of the corresponding aggregate amounts appropriated for the consolidated items, and the amounts appropriated or transferred shall, unless otherwise expressed, be expended in securing maintenance and improvement according to the respective projects adopted by Congress, after giving due regard to the respective needs of traffic. The allotments to the respective works consolidated shall be made by the Secretary of the Army upon recommendations by the Chief of Engineers. In case such works or items are consolidated and separate amounts are given with each project, the amounts so named shall be expended upon such separate projects unless, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Army, another allotment or division should be made of the same. Any balances remaining to the credit of the consolidated items shall be carried to the credit of the respective aggregate amounts appropriated for the consolidated items. ( Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 142, § 3 , 38 Stat. 1052 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 628 Expenditure for dredging within harbor lines

No money appropriated for the improvement of rivers and harbors shall be expended for dredging inside of harbor lines duly established. ( July 13, 1892, ch. 158, § 5 , 27 Stat. 111 .)

§ 629 Contract for hire of dredging plant

Whenever it shall become, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army, necessary or desirable to hire a dredging plant or plants for the performance of any of the public work carried on under his direction the said Secretary may, in his discretion, agree for the same, either in the manner customary on March 2, 1907 , or on the basis of an equitable reimbursement for deterioration of plant when in use by the Government, and a reasonable percentage of the total cost of the work. ( Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2509, § 5 , 34 Stat. 1119 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 630 Limitation on expenditure for purchase of dredges

No money authorized to be expended for the acquirement of any dredge or dredges shall be so expended for the purchase of any dredge or dredges from private contractors, which at the time of the proposed purchase can be manufactured at any navy yard or other government-owned factory for a sum less than it can be purchased for from such private contractor. ( Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 5 , 42 Stat. 1042 .)

§ 631 Transfer of property between projects

The Secretary of the Army may direct a temporary transfer of any property employed in the improvement of rivers and harbors whenever, in his judgment, such transfer would secure efficient or economical results, and such adjustment in the way of charges and credits shall be made between the projects affected as may be equitable. ( June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 5 , 32 Stat. 373 ; July 26, 1947, ch. 343 , title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501 .)

§ 632 Omitted

§ 633 Protection, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, or replacement of structures and facilities; contract standards; reasonable costs

Whenever, during the construction or reconstruction of any navigation, flood control, or related water development project under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Engineers determines that any structure or facility owned by an agency of government and utilized in the performance of a governmental function should be protected, altered, reconstructed, relocated, or replaced to meet the requirements of navigation or flood control, or both; or to preserve the safety or integrity of such facility when its safety or usefulness is determined by the Chief of Engineers to be adversely affected or threatened by the project, the Chief of Engineers may, if he deems such action to be in the public interest, enter into a contract providing for (1) the payment from appropriations made for the construction or maintenance of such project, of the reasonable cost of replacing, relocating, or reconstructing such facility to such standard as he deems reasonable but not to exceed the minimum standard of the State or political subdivision for the same type of facility involved, except that if the existing facility exceeds the minimum standard of the State or political subdivision, the Chief of Engineers may provide a facility of comparable standard, or (2) the payment of a lump sum representing the estimated reasonable cost thereof. This section shall not be construed as modifying any existing or future requirement of local cooperation, or as indicating a policy that local interests shall not hereafter be required to assume costs of modifying such facilities. The provisions of this section may be applied to projects hereafter authorized and to those heretofore authorized but not completed as of July 3, 1958 , and notwithstanding the navigation servitude vested in the United States, they may be applied to such structures or facilities occupying the beds of navigable waters of the United States. ( Pub. L. 85–500, title I, § 111 , July 3, 1958 , 72 Stat. 303 ; Pub. L. 89–298, title III, § 309 , Oct. 27, 1965 , 79 Stat. 1094 .)

§ 634 Assistance relating to water supply

The Secretary may provide assistance to municipalities the water supply of which is adversely affected by construction carried out by the Corps of Engineers. ( Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1114 , Oct. 23, 2018 , 132 Stat. 3776 .)

§ 635 Coast Guard anchorages

The Secretary may perform dredging at Federal expense within and adjacent to anchorages established by the Coast Guard pursuant to existing authorities. ( Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title I, § 106 , Dec. 27, 2020 , 134 Stat. 2623 .)

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CHAPTER 12 - RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY

CHAPTER 12 - RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY

Sections (132)

§ 540 Investigations and improvements; control by Department of the Army; wildlife conservation

§ 540a Availability of appropriations for attendance by military personnel at meetings and for printing survey reports

§ 541 Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors; establishment; duties and powers generally

§ 542 Review by Board of Engineers of reports on examinations and surveys and special reports

§ 543 Employment of civil engineers on western and northwestern rivers

§ 544 Repealed. Aug. 19, 1968, Pub. L. 88–448, § 402(a)(9), 78 Stat. 493

§ 544a Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 650

§ 544b Employment of physicians to examine employees; fee or employment basis; validation of prior agreements

§ 544c Minority group participation in construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project; annual report to Congress

§ 545 Preliminary examinations and reports; surveys; contents of report to Congress generally

§ 545a Discontinuance

§ 546 Investigation of stream flow and watersheds; surveys in connection with dams

§ 546a Information as to configuration of shore line

§ 547 Reports as to local benefits of improvement and recommendations as to local cooperation

§ 547a Inclusion of regional economic development benefits in economic analysis for purposes of computing economic justification of project

§ 548 Omitted

§ 549 Repealed. Pub. L. 96–470, title I, § 104(c), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2238

§ 549a Review of navigation, flood control, and water supply projects

§ 549b Inclusion of project or facility in Corps of Engineers workplan

§ 550 Report on water terminal and transfer facilities

§ 551 Policy of Government as to terminal facilities for new projects

§ 552 Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(28), 45 Stat. 988

§ 553 Freight statistics

§ 554 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information to person in local charge of improvement; penalty

§ 555 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information required by Secretary of the Army

§ 555a Petroleum product information

§ 556 Printing reports generally

§ 557 Payment of costs of printing

§ 557a Publication of pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material

§ 557b Sale of publications, charts, or other material; deposit of proceeds

§ 558 Proceeds from sale or transfer of property acquired

§ 558a Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(56), 65 Stat. 703

§ 558b Exchange of land or property

§ 558b–1 Application to authorized works of flood control

§ 558c Rights-of-way over United States land

§ 559 Disposition of rentals for Government plants

§ 560 Contributions from private parties; return of excess

§ 561 Repealed. Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1166(c), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3798

§ 561a Contributions from local interests; reduction to meet lowered cost

§ 562 Channel depths and dimensions defined

§ 562a Project depths for national defense purposes; waterways for general commerce

§ 563 Omitted

§ 564 Repealed. July 3, 1943, ch. 189, § 5, 57 Stat. 374

§ 565 River and harbor improvement by private or municipal enterprise

§ 566 Improvement by or under authority of State of New Jersey

§ 567 Navigation and flood control improvements by Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

§ 567a Flood and pollution control compacts between certain States

§ 567b Pollution of Potomac drainage basin; control by State compacts

§ 567b–1 Amended compact

§ 568 Limitation on power of committee of Congress to consider projects

§ 569 Personal equipment for employees; use of funds for purpose

§ 569a Temporary employment of experts or consultants; compensation

§ 569b Contracts; architect and engineering services; surveying and mapping services

§ 569c Services of volunteers

§ 569d Safety award and promotional materials

§ 569e Use of private sector resources in surveying and mapping

§ 569f Debarment of persons convicted of fraudulent use of “Made in America” labels

§ 570 Default in contract; disposition of amounts collected

§ 571 Crediting reimbursements for lost, stolen, or damaged property

§ 572 Collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor

§ 573 Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 656

§ 574 Omitted

§ 574a Training funds

§ 575 Availability of appropriations for expenses incident to operation of power boats or vessels; expenses defined; certification of expenditures

§ 576 Revolving fund; establishment; availability; reimbursement; transfer of funds; limitation

§ 576a Purchase of passenger motor vehicles by Corps of Engineers

§ 576b Lease authority

§ 576c Corps of Engineers operation of unmanned aircraft systems

§ 577 Small river and harbor improvement projects

§ 577a Small-boat navigation projects; charter fishing craft

§ 577b Cost of operation and maintenance of general navigation features of small boat harbor projects; applicable projects

§ 578 Disposal of surplus property for development of public port or industrial facilities

§ 578a Disposition studies

§ 578b Disposition of projects

§ 579 Repealed. Pub. L. 101–640, title I, § 119(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4630

§ 540 Investigations and improvements; control by Department of the Army; wildlife conservation

§ 540a Availability of appropriations for attendance by military personnel at meetings and for printing survey reports

§ 541 Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors; establishment; duties and powers generally

§ 542 Review by Board of Engineers of reports on examinations and surveys and special reports

§ 543 Employment of civil engineers on western and northwestern rivers

§ 544 Repealed. Aug. 19, 1968, Pub. L. 88–448, § 402(a)(9), 78 Stat. 493

§ 544a Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 650

§ 544b Employment of physicians to examine employees; fee or employment basis; validation of prior agreements

§ 544c Minority group participation in construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project; annual report to Congress

§ 545 Preliminary examinations and reports; surveys; contents of report to Congress generally

§ 545a Discontinuance

§ 546 Investigation of stream flow and watersheds; surveys in connection with dams

§ 546a Information as to configuration of shore line

§ 547 Reports as to local benefits of improvement and recommendations as to local cooperation

§ 547a Inclusion of regional economic development benefits in economic analysis for purposes of computing economic justification of project

§ 548 Omitted

§ 549 Repealed. Pub. L. 96–470, title I, § 104(c), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2238

§ 549a Review of navigation, flood control, and water supply projects

§ 549b Inclusion of project or facility in Corps of Engineers workplan

§ 550 Report on water terminal and transfer facilities

§ 551 Policy of Government as to terminal facilities for new projects

§ 552 Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(28), 45 Stat. 988

§ 553 Freight statistics

§ 554 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information to person in local charge of improvement; penalty

§ 555 Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information required by Secretary of the Army

§ 555a Petroleum product information

§ 556 Printing reports generally

§ 557 Payment of costs of printing

§ 557a Publication of pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material

§ 557b Sale of publications, charts, or other material; deposit of proceeds

§ 558 Proceeds from sale or transfer of property acquired

§ 558a Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(56), 65 Stat. 703

§ 558b Exchange of land or property

§ 558b–1 Application to authorized works of flood control

§ 558c Rights-of-way over United States land

§ 559 Disposition of rentals for Government plants

§ 560 Contributions from private parties; return of excess

§ 561 Repealed. Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1166(c), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3798

§ 561a Contributions from local interests; reduction to meet lowered cost

§ 562 Channel depths and dimensions defined

§ 562a Project depths for national defense purposes; waterways for general commerce

§ 563 Omitted

§ 564 Repealed. July 3, 1943, ch. 189, § 5, 57 Stat. 374

§ 565 River and harbor improvement by private or municipal enterprise

§ 566 Improvement by or under authority of State of New Jersey

§ 567 Navigation and flood control improvements by Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

§ 567a Flood and pollution control compacts between certain States

§ 567b Pollution of Potomac drainage basin; control by State compacts

§ 567b–1 Amended compact

§ 568 Limitation on power of committee of Congress to consider projects

§ 569 Personal equipment for employees; use of funds for purpose

§ 569a Temporary employment of experts or consultants; compensation

§ 569b Contracts; architect and engineering services; surveying and mapping services

§ 569c Services of volunteers

§ 569d Safety award and promotional materials

§ 569e Use of private sector resources in surveying and mapping

§ 569f Debarment of persons convicted of fraudulent use of “Made in America” labels

§ 570 Default in contract; disposition of amounts collected

§ 571 Crediting reimbursements for lost, stolen, or damaged property

§ 572 Collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor

§ 573 Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 656

§ 574 Omitted

§ 574a Training funds

§ 575 Availability of appropriations for expenses incident to operation of power boats or vessels; expenses defined; certification of expenditures

§ 576 Revolving fund; establishment; availability; reimbursement; transfer of funds; limitation

§ 576a Purchase of passenger motor vehicles by Corps of Engineers

§ 576b Lease authority

§ 576c Corps of Engineers operation of unmanned aircraft systems

§ 577 Small river and harbor improvement projects

§ 577a Small-boat navigation projects; charter fishing craft

§ 577b Cost of operation and maintenance of general navigation features of small boat harbor projects; applicable projects

§ 578 Disposal of surplus property for development of public port or industrial facilities

§ 578a Disposition studies

§ 578b Disposition of projects

§ 579 Repealed. Pub. L. 101–640, title I, § 119(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4630

§ 579a Corps budgeting; project deauthorizations; comprehensive backlog report

§ 579b Omitted

§ 579c Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579c–1 Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(f), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733

§ 579c–2 Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(h), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733