§509a Project Beneficiaries

Summary

When the Bureau of Reclamation decides a facility needs to be changed, the Secretary must send project beneficiaries a written notice that explains why the change is needed, how it will be done, and what rules apply. The Secretary must also let beneficiaries take part in planning, design, and construction and must set and share timelines for that consultation. Before sending the reports required under section 509, the Secretary must consider any written alternatives beneficiaries submit on time, reply in writing about what, if anything, will be done, and include that reply in the section 509 reports. The Secretary may waive one or more of these notice, consultation, or alternative steps if doing them would harm dam safety or security.