33 USC 2232 - Construction of water resources development projects by non-Federal interests

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 03, 2024

§ 2232.

Construction of water resources development projects by non-Federal interests

(a)

Water resources development project defined

In this section, the term “water resources development project” means a project recommendation that results from—

(1)

a feasibility report, as such term is defined in section 2282d(f) 1

 See References in Text note below.

of this title;

(2)

a completed feasibility study developed under section 2231 of this title; or

(3)

a final feasibility study for water resources development and conservation and other purposes that is specifically authorized by Congress to be carried out by the Secretary.

(b)

Authority

(1)

In general

A non-Federal interest may carry out a federally authorized water resources development project, or separable element thereof—

(A)

in accordance with a plan approved by the Secretary for the project or separable element; and

(B)

subject to any conditions that the Secretary may require, including any conditions specified under section 2231(c)(3) of this title.

(2)

Conditions

Before carrying out a water resources development project, or separable element thereof, under this section, a non-Federal interest shall—

(A)

obtain any permit or approval required in connection with the project or separable element under Federal or State law, except as provided in paragraph (3); and

(B)

ensure that a final environmental impact statement or environmental assessment, as appropriate, for the project or separable element has been filed.

(3)

Permit exception

(A)

In general

(B)

Written agreement

(C)

Certifications

(4)

Data sharing

(A)

In general

(B)

Deadline

(C)

Limitation

(c)

Studies and engineering

(1)

In general

(2)

No waiver

(3)

Limitation

(4)

Impartial decisionmaking

(d)

Credit or reimbursement

(1)

General rule

Subject to paragraph (3), a project or separable element of a project carried out by a non-Federal interest under this section shall be eligible for credit or reimbursement for the Federal share of work carried out on a project or separable element of a project if—

(A)

before initiation of construction of the project or separable element—

(i)

the Secretary approves the plans for construction of the project or separable element of the project by the non-Federal interest;

(ii)

the Secretary determines, before approval of the plans, that the project or separable element of the project is feasible; and

(iii)

the non-Federal interest enters into a written agreement with the Secretary under section 1962d–5b of title 42, including an agreement to pay the non-Federal share, if any, of the cost of operation and maintenance of the project; and

(B)

the Secretary determines that all Federal laws and regulations applicable to the construction of a water resources development project, and any conditions identified under subsection (b)(1)(B), were complied with by the non-Federal interest during construction of the project or separable element of the project.

(2)

Application of credit

The Secretary may apply credit toward—

(A)

the non-Federal share of authorized separable elements of the same project; or

(B)

subject to the requirements of this section and section 2223 of this title, at the request of the non-Federal interest, the non-Federal share of a different water resources development project.

(3)

Requirements

The Secretary may only apply credit or provide reimbursement under paragraph (1) if—

(A)

Congress has authorized construction of the project or separable element of the project;

(B)

the Secretary certifies that the project has been constructed in accordance with—

(i)

all applicable permits or approvals; and

(ii)

this section; and

(C)

in the case of reimbursement, appropriations are provided by Congress for such purpose.

(4)

Monitoring

The Secretary shall regularly monitor and audit any water resources development project, or separable element of a water resources development project, constructed by a non-Federal interest under this section to ensure that—

(A)

the construction is carried out in compliance with the requirements of this section; and

(B)

the costs of the construction are reasonable.

(5)

Discrete segments

(A)

In general

The Secretary may authorize credit or reimbursement under this subsection for carrying out a discrete segment of a federally authorized water resources development project, or separable element thereof, before final completion of the project or separable element if—

(i)

except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary determines that the discrete segment satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (4) in the same manner as the project or separable element; and

(ii)

notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A)(ii), the Secretary determines, before the approval of the plans under paragraph (1)(A)(i), that the discrete segment is technically feasible and environmentally acceptable.

(B)

Determination

Credit or reimbursement may not be made available to a non-Federal interest pursuant to this paragraph until the Secretary determines that—

(i)

the construction of the discrete segment for which credit or reimbursement is requested is complete; and

(ii)

the construction is consistent with the authorization of the applicable water resources development project, or separable element thereof, and the plans approved under paragraph (1)(A)(i).

(C)

Written agreement

(i)

In general

As part of the written agreement required under paragraph (1)(A)(iii), a non-Federal interest to be eligible for credit or reimbursement under this paragraph shall—

(I)

identify any discrete segment that the non-Federal interest may carry out; and

(II)

agree to the completion of the water resources development project, or separable element thereof, with respect to which the discrete segment is a part and establish a timeframe for such completion.

(ii)

Remittance

(D)

Discrete segment defined

In this paragraph, the term “discrete segment” means a physical portion of a water resources development project to be carried out, or separable element thereof—

(i)

described by a non-Federal interest in a written agreement required under paragraph (1)(A)(iii); and

(ii)

that the non-Federal interest can operate and maintain, independently and without creating a hazard, in advance of final completion of the water resources development project, or separable element thereof.

(e)

Notification of committees

(f)

Operation and maintenance

(1)

Assumption of maintenance

Whenever a non-Federal interest carries out improvements to a federally authorized harbor or inland harbor, the Secretary shall be responsible for operation and maintenance in accordance with section 2211(b) of this title if—

(A)

before construction of the improvements—

(i)

the Secretary determines that the improvements are feasible and consistent with the purposes of this subchapter; and

(ii)

the Secretary and the non-Federal interest execute a written agreement relating to operation and maintenance of the improvements;

(B)

the Secretary certifies that the project or separable element of the project is constructed in accordance with applicable permits and appropriate engineering and design standards; and

(C)

the Secretary does not find that the project or separable element is no longer feasible.

(2)

Federal financial participation in the costs of a locally preferred plan.

(Pub. L. 99–662, title II, § 204, Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4099; Pub. L. 101–640, title III, § 303, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4634; Pub. L. 113–121, title I, § 1014(b)(1), June 10, 2014, 128 Stat. 1220; Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1127, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1648; Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1153, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3789; Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title I, § 105(a), (b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2622.)

cite as: 33 USC 2232