Title 43, Public LandsRelease 119-102
§481 Action to Recover Construction Charges and Penalties
Title 43 › CHAPTER 12 — RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT › SUBCHAPTER IX — CONSTRUCTION CHARGES › § 481
Summary
The Secretary of the Interior can file a lawsuit to recover unpaid construction charges and penalties. If the Secretary does file suit, the power to cancel and forfeit the land entry or water-right application is put on hold until the lawsuit is finished.
Full Legal Text
Title 43, §481
Public Lands, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
If the Secretary of the Interior shall so elect, he may cause suit or action to be brought for the recovery of the amount of the construction charges in default and penalties; but if suit or action be brought, the right to declare a cancellation and forfeiture of the entry or water-right application as provided in section 480 of this title shall be suspended pending such suit or action.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
43 U.S.C. § 481
Title 43, Public Lands
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102