Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73not60

§701i Elimination From Protection of Areas Subject to Evacuation

Title 33 › Chapter 15— FLOOD CONTROL › § 701i

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

If building levees or flood walls would cost a lot less by moving people out of part or all of the area, the Chief of Engineers can change the project to leave that area unprotected. Up to the amount saved, the Chief can spend the money or give it to another federal agency to pay for evacuating and helping the people who were moved. The Chief can also make agreements with States, local governments, or the people involved to carry out the evacuation and recovery and reimburse them for their actual costs.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §701i

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

In any case where the construction cost of levees or flood walls included in any authorized project can be substantially reduced by the evacuation of a portion or all of the area proposed to be protected and by the elimination of that portion or all of the area from the protection to be afforded by the project, the Chief of Engineers may modify the plan of said project so as to eliminate said portion or all of the area: Provided, That a sum not substantially exceeding the amount thus saved in construction cost may be expended by the Chief of Engineers, or in his discretion may be transferred to any other appropriate Federal agency for expenditure, toward the evacuation of the locality eliminated from protection and the rehabilitation of the persons so evacuated: And provided further, That the Chief of Engineers may, if he so desires, enter into agreement with States, local agencies, or the individuals concerned for the accomplishment by them, of such evacuation and rehabilitation and for their reimbursement from said sum for expenditures actually incurred by them for this purpose.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 701i

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60