§460l–13 Non-Federal administration of project land and water areas

Summary

If local or state public agencies sign a written promise before a project is approved to run the project lands for recreation or fish and wildlife under the approved plan and to pay at least half of the separable recreation costs, one-quarter of the separable fish and wildlife costs, and at least half of the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs, then the project’s recreation and fish/wildlife benefits are counted in the project’s economic benefits. Costs must be divided fairly among the project’s purposes, and the share charged to recreation or fish/wildlife can’t be more than the benefits from those uses or the least-cost way to provide them. Under that promise, the United States will pay no more than one-half of separable recreation costs, will pay three-quarters of separable fish and wildlife costs, and will pay all joint costs tied to those uses; federal payments do not have to be repaid. The local or state share can be paid in money, land, or facilities, or repaid with interest within 50 years after first use. Repayment may be limited to entrance or user fees if the fee plan will achieve repayment and is reviewed and renegotiated at least every 5 years.