Title 43 — Public LandsRelease 119-73

§466 Surveys to correct errors or inequalities in original basis of project

Title 43 › Chapter CHAPTER 12— - RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IX— - CONSTRUCTION CHARGES › § 466

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary can order a detailed survey of any project that existed before December 5, 1924 when poor soil, low water, other physical problems, or when project costs were charged to too small an area make settlers unable to pay construction costs. The Secretary must send the findings and recommendations to Congress. Survey costs are paid from the project's appropriation and are not charged to water users as part of construction or operation and maintenance.

Full Legal Text

Title 43, §466

Public Lands — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

On each project existing prior to December 5, 1924, where, in the opinion of the Secretary, it appears that on account of lack of fertility in the soil, an inadequate water supply, or other physical causes, settlers are unable to pay construction costs, or whenever it appears that the cost of any reclamation project by reason of error or mistake or for any cause has been apportioned or charged upon a smaller area of land than the total area of land under said project, the Secretary is authorized to undertake a comprehensive and detailed survey to ascertain all pertinent facts, and report in each case the result of such survey to the Congress, with his recommendations: Provided, That the cost and expense of each such survey shall be charged to the appropriation for the project on account of which the same is made, but shall not be charged as a part of the construction or operation and maintenance cost payable by the water users under the project.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions The definitions in section 371 of this title apply to this section.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

43 U.S.C. § 466

Title 43 — Public Lands

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73