Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102
§426a Additional Investigations Concerning Erosion of Shores of Coastal and Lake Waters; Payment of Costs; “shores” Defined
Title 33 › CHAPTER 9 — PROTECTION OF NAVIGABLE WATERS AND OF HARBOR AND RIVER IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY › SUBCHAPTER I — IN GENERAL › § 426a
Summary
The Chief of Engineers, through Coastal Engineering Research Center, must study how waves and currents cause erosion, find ways to protect, restore, and develop beaches, and publish findings. The United States pays all costs under sections 426a–426d. "Shores" means shorelines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, and connected estuaries and bays.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §426a
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
In addition to participating in cooperative investigations and studies with agencies of the various States as authorized in section 426 of this title, it shall be the duty of the Chief of Engineers, through the Coastal Engineering Research Center, to make general investigations with a view to preventing erosion of the shores of the United States by waves and currents and determining the most suitable methods for the protection, restoration, and development of beaches; and to publish from time to time such useful data and information concerning the erosion and protection of beaches and shore lines as the Center may deem to be of value to the people of the United States. The cost of the general investigations authorized by sections 426a to 426d of this title shall be borne wholly by the United States. As used in said sections, the word “shores” includes the shore lines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, and estuaries and bays directly connected therewith.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification Coastal Engineering Research Center has been substituted for Beach Erosion Board pursuant to Pub. L. 88–172, § 1, providing in part for the abolition of the Beach Erosion Board, which is set out as a note under section 426 of this title. For transfer of investigatory functions of the Beach Erosion Board to the Coastal Engineering Research Center, see section 426–1 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 426a
Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102