Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73

§2296 Acquisition of recreation lands

Title 33 › Chapter CHAPTER 36— - WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER V— - GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 2296

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

If a water project was approved to be built before, on, or after November 17, 1986, but had not started by that date, and the project needs land for recreation, the recreation land must be bought at the same time as the other land needed for the project. The Secretary may get real property for public parks and recreation as part of any water project by legal taking (eminent domain), purchase, gift, swap, or other methods. The Secretary may also acquire land that is not next to the main part of the project.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §2296

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In the case of any water resources project which is authorized to be constructed by the Secretary before, on, or after November 17, 1986, construction of which has not commenced before November 17, 1986, and which involves the acquisition of lands or interests in lands for recreation purposes, such lands or interests shall be acquired along with the acquisition of lands and interests in lands for other project purposes.

(b)The Secretary is authorized to acquire real property by condemnation, purchase, donation, exchange, or otherwise, as a part of any water resources development project for use for public park and recreation purposes, including but not limited to, real property not contiguous to the principal part of the project.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 2296

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73