§397 Advances by Government for Completion of Projects Initiated Prior to June 25, 1910

Summary

As of June 25, 1910, the Secretary of the Treasury can transfer up to $20,000,000 to the federal reclamation fund when the Secretary of the Interior asks. The money can be used to finish reclamation projects that began before June 25, 1910, to add needed extensions, to run and maintain those projects, or to protect water rights the United States claims. The transfers must be approved by the President and are taken from Treasury money already available as of that date. Transfers are made only when actually needed to pay for work under existing law, and the amounts moved must be paid back to the Treasury from the reclamation fund as required. No money from this authorization may be spent on any project existing on June 25, 1910 until an Army board of engineer officers named by the President examines it and the President approves it as feasible and worth funding. No funds may be used for projects started after June 25, 1910.