Title 33 › CHAPTER 12 — RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY › SUBCHAPTER III — ACQUISITION OF LAND AND MATERIALS › § 592
When a public or private person, company, or city needs land or an easement for a Congress-approved river or harbor project—like work to be given to the United States for free or building and running locks, dry docks, dams, or similar things—and cannot buy the land or get a clear title, the Secretary of the Army can have the United States start condemnation (forced-purchase) proceedings to obtain it. The Attorney General must bring and run the case when the Secretary asks. The person or company must pay all costs and any money awarded, and the Secretary can require a bond first.
Full Legal Text
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 592
Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102