§2401 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used for the rural water supply program so people know what each term means. Construction means putting in new water system parts and improving related existing facilities tied to a rural water project the Secretary recommends. Federal reclamation law means the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902 and the laws that follow it (43 U.S.C. 371 et seq.). Indian means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe, and Indian tribe uses the meaning in 25 U.S.C. 5304. Non‑Federal project entity includes States, regional or local authorities, tribes or tribal groups, and qualifying districts or associations like water conservation or rural water districts. Operations, maintenance, and replacement costs are the expenses needed to keep a project safe and working; they include routine repairs, replacing worn parts, and rehab to restore condition, but do not include construction costs. Program means the rural water supply program under section 2402. Reclamation States are the places named in the first section of the 1902 Act (43 U.S.C. 391). Rural water supply project serves communities of 50,000 people or fewer and can include tribal communities, dispersed homesites, and rural water needs; it covers small livestock watering and noncommercial irrigation of less than 1 acre and infrastructure like pumps, pipes, wells, storage tanks, small impoundments, potable treatment (including desalination), conservation and recycling equipment, and related parts, but does not include commercial irrigation or major impoundment structures. Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. Tribal organization means the tribe’s official governing body or a legally formed Indian group controlled or approved by that governing body or elected by the adult members it serves.