Title 43, Public LandsRelease 119-102
§466 Surveys to Correct Errors or Inequalities in Original Basis of Project
Title 43 › CHAPTER 12 — RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT › SUBCHAPTER IX — CONSTRUCTION CHARGES › § 466
Summary
The Secretary may order a survey of any project that existed before December 5, 1924, if settlers can't pay construction costs because of poor soil, low water, or other causes, or if project costs were charged to too small an area. He must report results and recommendations to Congress. The survey costs are paid from the project's appropriation but are not charged to water users as construction or operation and maintenance costs.
Full Legal Text
Title 43, §466
Public Lands, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
On each project existing prior to December 5, 1924, where, in the opinion of the Secretary, it appears that on account of lack of fertility in the soil, an inadequate water supply, or other physical causes, settlers are unable to pay construction costs, or whenever it appears that the cost of any reclamation project by reason of error or mistake or for any cause has been apportioned or charged upon a smaller area of land than the total area of land under said project, the Secretary is authorized to undertake a comprehensive and detailed survey to ascertain all pertinent facts, and report in each case the result of such survey to the Congress, with his recommendations: Provided, That the cost and expense of each such survey shall be charged to the appropriation for the project on account of which the same is made, but shall not be charged as a part of the construction or operation and maintenance cost payable by the water users under the project.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Definitions The definitions in section 371 of this title apply to this section.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
43 U.S.C. § 466
Title 43, Public Lands
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102