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Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-110

§578b Disposition of Projects

Title 33 › CHAPTER 12 — RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY › SUBCHAPTER I — GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 578b

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

When the Secretary studies the disposal of a Corps of Engineers project or a part of one (including studies under section 549a), they must look for changes that would make the environment better. That review can include removing the whole project or just a part of it. The Secretary must run these studies openly. The public must get a chance to give input, and the final studies must be published. If the Secretary finds there is no longer a federal interest and recommends removal, they may use existing authority to remove the project and work with other federal agencies and non‑federal partners to do the removal.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §578b

Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general
In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, or a separable element of such a project, including a disposition study under section 549a of this title, the Secretary shall consider modifications that would improve the overall quality of the environment in the public interest, including removal of the project or separable element of a project.
(b)Disposition study transparency
The Secretary shall carry out disposition studies described in subsection (a) in a transparent manner, including by—
(1)providing opportunities for public input; and
(2)publishing the final disposition studies.
(c)Removal of infrastructure
For disposition studies described in subsection (a) in which the Secretary determines that a Federal interest no longer exists, and makes a recommendation of removal of the project or separable element of a project, the Secretary is authorized, using existing authorities, to pursue removal of the project or separable element of a project in partnership with other Federal agencies and non-Federal entities with appropriate capabilities to undertake infrastructure removal.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

“Secretary” Defined Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, see section 102 of Pub. L. 115–270, set out as a note under section 2201 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 578b

Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110