Collapse to view only § 831k. Transmission lines; construction or lease; sale of power over other than Government lines; rates when sold for resale at profit

§ 831. Creation; short title

For the purpose of maintaining and operating the properties now owned by the United States in the vicinity of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in the interest of the National defense and for agricultural and industrial development, and to improve navigation in the Tennessee River and to control the destructive flood waters in the Tennessee River and Mississippi River Basins, there is created a body corporate by the name of the “Tennessee Valley Authority” (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”). The Board of Directors first appointed shall be deemed the incorporators, and the incorporation shall be held to have been effected from the date of the first meeting of the Board. This chapter may be cited as the “Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933.”

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 1, 48 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831a. Membership, operation, and duties of the Board of Directors
(a) Membership
(1) Appointment
(2) Chairman
(b) QualificationsTo be eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board, an individual—
(1) shall be a citizen of the United States;
(2) shall have management expertise relative to a large for-profit or nonprofit corporate, government, or academic structure;
(3) shall not be an employee of the Corporation;
(4) shall make full disclosure to Congress of any investment or other financial interest that the individual holds in the energy industry; and
(5) shall affirm support for the objectives and missions of the Corporation, including being a national leader in technological innovation, low-cost power, and environmental stewardship.
(c) RecommendationsIn appointing members of the Board, the President shall—
(1) consider recommendations from such public officials as—
(A) the Governors of States in the service area;
(B) individual citizens;
(C) business, industrial, labor, electric power distribution, environmental, civic, and service organizations; and
(D) the congressional delegations of the States in the service area; and
(2) seek qualified members from among persons who reflect the diversity, including the geographical diversity, and needs of the service area of the Corporation.
(d) Terms
(1) In general
(2) Vacancies
(e) Quorum
(1) In general
(2) Vacancies
(f) Compensation
(1) In generalA member of the Board shall be entitled to receive—
(A) a stipend of—
(i) $45,000 per year; or
(ii)(I) in the case of the chairman of any committee of the Board created by the Board, $46,000 per year; or(II) in the case of the chairman of the Board, $50,000 per year; and
(B) travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in Government service under section 5703 of title 5.
(2) Adjustments in stipends
(g) Duties
(1) In generalThe Board shall—
(A) establish the broad goals, objectives, and policies of the Corporation that are appropriate to carry out this chapter;
(B) develop long-range plans to guide the Corporation in achieving the goals, objectives, and policies of the Corporation and provide assistance to the chief executive officer to achieve those goals, objectives, and policies;
(C) ensure that those goals, objectives, and policies are achieved;
(D) approve an annual budget for the Corporation;
(E) adopt and submit to Congress a conflict-of-interest policy applicable to members of the Board and employees of the Corporation;
(F) establish a compensation plan for employees of the Corporation in accordance with subsection (i);
(G) approve all compensation (including salary or any other pay, bonuses, benefits, incentives, and any other form of remuneration) of all managers and technical personnel that report directly to the chief executive officer (including any adjustment to compensation);
(H) ensure that all activities of the Corporation are carried out in compliance with applicable law;
(I) create an audit committee, composed solely of Board members independent of the management of the Corporation, which shall—
(i) in consultation with the inspector general of the Corporation, recommend to the Board an external auditor;
(ii) receive and review reports from the external auditor of the Corporation and inspector general of the Corporation; and
(iii) make such recommendations to the Board as the audit committee considers necessary;
(J) create such other committees of Board members as the Board considers to be appropriate;
(K) conduct such public hearings as it deems appropriate on issues that could have a substantial effect on—
(i) the electric ratepayers in the service area; or
(ii) the economic, environmental, social, or physical well-being of the people of the service area;
(L) establish the electricity rates charged by the Corporation; and
(M) engage the services of an external auditor for the Corporation.
(2) Meetings
(h) Chief executive officer
(1) Appointment
(2) Qualifications
(A) In generalTo serve as chief executive officer of the Corporation, a person—
(i) shall have senior executive-level management experience in large, complex organizations;
(ii) shall not be a current member of the Board or have served as a member of the Board within 2 years before being appointed chief executive officer; and
(iii) shall comply with the conflict-of-interest policy adopted by the Board.
(B) Expertise
(3) Tenure
(i) Compensation plan
(1) In general
(2) Annual survey
(3) Considerations
(4) Positions at or below level IV
(5) Positions above level IV
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 2, as added Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 601, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2963; amended Pub. L. 110–161, div. C, title IV, § 401, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1971.)
§ 831b. Officers and employees; wages of laborers and mechanics; application of employees’ compensation provisions
(a) Appointment by the chief executive officer
(b) Wage rates
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 3, 48 Stat. 59; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 225(a), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 206; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 602, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831b–1. Acceptance of services of volunteers

The Tennessee Valley Authority may on and after September 29, 1989, accept the services of volunteers and, from any funds available to it, provide for their incidental expenses to carry out any activity of the Tennessee Valley Authority except policymaking or law or regulatory enforcement. Such volunteers shall not be deemed employees of the United States Government, except for the purposes of chapter 81 of title 5 relating to compensation for work injuries, and shall not be deemed employees of the Tennessee Valley Authority except for the purposes of tort claims to the same extent as a regular employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority would be under identical circumstances.

(Pub. L. 101–101, title IV, Sept. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 665.)
§ 831c. Corporate powers generally; eminent domain; construction of dams, transmission lines, etc.Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the Corporation—
(a) Shall have succession in its corporate name.
(b) May sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(c) May adopt and use a corporate seal, which shall be judicially noticed.
(d) May make contracts, as herein authorized.
(e) May adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws.
(f) May purchase or lease and hold such real and personal property as it deems necessary or convenient in the transaction of its business, and may dispose of any such personal property held by it.

The Board shall select a treasurer and as many assistant treasurers as it deems proper: Provided, That any member of said Board may be removed from office at any time by a concurrent resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

(g) Shall have such powers as may be necessary or appropriate for the exercise of the powers herein specifically conferred upon the Corporation.
(h) Shall have power in the name of the United States of America to exercise the right of eminent domain, and in the purchase of any real estate or the acquisition of real estate by condemnation proceedings, the title to such real estate shall be taken in the name of the United States of America, and thereupon all such real estate shall be entrusted to the Corporation as the agent of the United States to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
(i) Shall have power to acquire real estate for the construction of dams, reservoirs, transmission lines, power houses, and other structures, and navigation projects at any point along the Tennessee River, or any of its tributaries, and in the event that the owner or owners of such property shall fail and refuse to sell to the Corporation at a price deemed fair and reasonable by the Board, then the Corporation may proceed to exercise the right of eminent domain, and to condemn all property that it deems necessary for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and all such condemnation proceedings shall be had pursuant to the provisions and requirements hereinafter specified, with reference to any and all condemnation proceedings: Provided, That nothing contained herein or elsewhere in this chapter shall be construed to deprive the Corporation of the rights conferred by sections 3114, 3115, and 3118 of title 40.
(j) Shall have power to construct such dams, and reservoirs, in the Tennessee River and its tributaries, as in conjunction with Wilson Dam, and Norris, Wheeler, and Pickwick Landing Dams, now under construction, will provide a nine-foot channel in the said river and maintain a water supply for the same, from Knoxville to its mouth, and will best serve to promote navigation on the Tennessee River and its tributaries and control destructive flood waters in the Tennessee and Mississippi River drainage basins; and shall have power to acquire or construct power houses, power structures, transmission lines, navigation projects, and incidental works in the Tennessee River and its tributaries, and to unite the various power installations into one or more systems by transmission lines.
(k) Shall have power in the name of the United States—
(a) to convey by deed, lease, or otherwise, any real property in the possession of or under the control of the Corporation to any person or persons, for the purpose of recreation or use as a summer residence, or for the operation on such premises of pleasure resorts for boating, fishing, bathing, or any similar purpose;
(b) to convey by deed, lease, or otherwise, the possession and control of any such real property to any corporation, partnership, person, or persons for the purpose of erecting thereon docks and buildings for shipping purposes or the manufacture or storage thereon of products for the purpose of trading or shipping in transportation: Provided, That no transfer authorized herein in (b) shall be made without the approval of Congress: And provided further, That said corporation, without further action of Congress, shall have power to convey by deed, lease, or otherwise, to the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, a tract or tracts of land at or near Decatur, Alabama, and to the Commercial Barge Lines, Inc., a tract or tracts of land at or near Guntersville, Alabama;
(c) to transfer any part of the possession and control of the real estate now in possession of and under the control of said Corporation to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States: Provided, however, That no land shall be conveyed, leased, or transferred, upon which there is located any permanent dam, hydroelectric power plant, or munitions plant heretofore or hereafter built by or for the United States or for the Authority, except that this prohibition shall not apply to the transfer of Nitrate Plant Numbered 1, at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, or to Waco Quarry: And provided further, That no transfer authorized herein in (a) or (c) except leases for terms of less than twenty years, shall be made without the approval of the President of the United States, if the property to be conveyed exceeds $500 in value; and
(d) to convey by warranty deed, or otherwise, lands, easements, and rights-of-way to States, counties, municipalities, school districts, railroad companies, telephone, telegraph, water, and power companies, where any such conveyance is necessary in order to replace any such lands, easements, or rights-of-way to be flooded or destroyed as the result of the construction of any dam or reservoir now under construction by the Corporation, or subsequently authorized by Congress, and easements and rights-of-way upon which are located transmission or distribution lines. The Corporation shall also have power to convey or lease Nitrate Plant Numbered 1, at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Waco Quarry, with the approval of the Department of the Army and the President.
(l) Shall have power to advise and cooperate in the readjustment of the population displaced by the construction of dams, the acquisition of reservoir areas, the protection of watersheds, the acquisition of rights-of-way, and other necessary acquisitions of land, in order to effectuate the purposes of the chapter; and may cooperate with Federal, State, and local agencies to that end.
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 4, 48 Stat. 60; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, §§ 1–3, 13, 49 Stat. 1075, 1076, 1080; July 18, 1941, ch. 309, 55 Stat. 599; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 225(b), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 206; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831c–1. Bridges endangered or damaged by dams, etc.; compensation of and contracts with owner for protection, replacement, etc.
(a) Structures on Tennessee River or tributaries
(b) Suit on contracts
(Nov. 21, 1941, ch. 480, 55 Stat. 773; Pub. L. 90–524, Sept. 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 876.)
§ 831c–2. Civil actions for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death
(a) Exclusiveness of remedy
(1) An action against the Tennessee Valley Authority for injury or loss of property, or personal injury or death arising or resulting from the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority while acting within the scope of this office or employment is exlusive 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “exclusive”.
of any other civil action or proceeding by reason of the same subject matter against the employee or his estate whose act or omission gave rise to the claim. Any other civil action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the same subject matter against the employee or his estate is precluded without regard to when the act or omission occurred.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not extend or apply to a cognizable action against an employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority for money damages for a violation of the Constitution of the United States.
(b) Representation and removal
(1) Upon certification by the Tennessee Valley Authority that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose, any civil action or proceeding heretofore or hereafter commenced upon such claim in a United States district court shall be deemed an action against the Tennessee Valley Authority pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 831c(b) and the Tennessee Valley Authority shall be substituted as the party defendant.
(2) Upon certification by the Tennessee Valley Authority that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose, any civil action or proceeding commenced upon such claim in a State court shall be removed without bond at any time before trial by the Tennessee Valley Authority to the district court of the United States for the district and division embracing the place wherein it is pending. Such action shall be deemed an action brought against the Tennessee Valley Authority under the provisions of this title 2
2 See References in Text note below.
and all references thereto, and the Tennessee Valley Authority shall be substituted as the party defendant. This certification of the Tennessee Valley Authority shall conclusively establish scope of office or employment for purposes of removal.
(3) In the event that the Tennessee Valley Authority has refused to certify scope of office or employment under this section, the employee may at any time before trial petition the court to find and certify that the employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment. Upon such certification by the court, such action shall be deemed an action brought against the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Tennessee Valley Authority shall be substituted as the party defendant. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the Tennessee Valley Authority in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In the event the petition is filed in a civil action or proceeding pending in a State court, the action or proceeding may be removed without bond by the Tennessee Valley Authority to the district court of the United States for the district and division embracing the place in which it is pending. If, in considering the petition, the district court determines that the employee was not acting within the scope of his office or employment, the action or proceeding shall be remanded to the State court.
(4) Upon certification, any actions subject to paragraph (1), (2), or (3) shall proceed in the same manner as any action against the Tennessee Valley Authority and shall be subject to the limitations and exceptions applicable to those actions.
(Pub. L. 100–694, § 9(a), (b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4566.)
§ 831c–3. Law enforcement
(a) Designation of law enforcement agents
(b) Duties and powers
(1) Duties
(2) PowersIn the performance of duties described in paragraph (1), a law enforcement agent designated under subsection (a) may—
(A) make arrests without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in the agent’s presence, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if the agent has probable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such a felony;
(B) execute any warrant or other process issued by a court or officer of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of any Federal law or regulation issued pursuant to law in connection with the investigation of an offense described in subparagraph (A);
(C) conduct an investigation of an offense described in subparagraph (A) in the absence of investigation of the offense by any Federal law enforcement agency having investigative jurisdiction over the offense or with the concurrence of that agency; and
(D) carry firearms in carrying out any activity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
(c) Area of jurisdictionA law enforcement agent designated under subsection (a) shall be authorized to exercise the law enforcement duties and powers described in subsection (b)—
(1) on any lands or facilities owned or leased by the corporation or within such adjoining areas in the vicinities of such lands or facilities as may be determined by the Board under subsection (e); and
(2) on other lands or facilities—
(A) when the person to be arrested is in the process of fleeing from such lands, facilities, or adjoining areas to avoid arrest;
(B) in conjunction with the protection of property or officials or employees of the corporation on or within lands or facilities other than those owned or leased by the corporation; or
(C) in cooperation with other Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies.
(d) Federal investigative jurisdiction and State civil and criminal jurisdiction not preemptedNothing in this section shall be construed to—
(1) limit or restrict the investigative jurisdiction of any Federal law enforcement agency; or
(2) affect any right of a State or a political subdivision thereof to exercise civil and criminal jurisdiction on or within lands or facilities owned or leased by the corporation.
(e) Determination of adjoining areas
(1) In general
(2) Notice
(f) Qualifications and training
(g) Relation to other law
(h) Relationship with Attorney General
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 4A, as added Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXII, § 320929, Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2133; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831d. Directors; maintenance and operation of plant for production, sale, and distribution of fertilizer and power
The Board is authorized—
(a) To contract with commercial producers for the production of such fertilizers or fertilizer materials as may be needed in the Government’s program of development and introduction in excess of that produced by Government plants. Such contracts may provide either for outright purchase of materials by the Board or only for the payment of carrying charges on special materials manufactured at the board’s 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “Board’s”.
request for its program.
(b) To arrange with farmers and farm organizations for large-scale practical use of the new forms of fertilizers under conditions permitting an accurate measure of the economic return they produce.
(c) To cooperate with National, State, district, or county experimental stations or demonstration farms, with farmers, landowners, and associations of farmers or landowners, for the use of new forms of fertilizer or fertilizer practices during the initial or experimental period of their introduction, and for promoting the prevention of soil erosion by the use of fertilizers and otherwise.
(d) The Board, in order to improve and cheapen the production of fertilizer, is authorized to manufacture and sell fixed nitrogen, fertilizer, and fertilizer ingredients at Muscle Shoals by the employment of existing facilities, by modernizing existing plants, or by any other process or processes that in its judgment shall appear wise and profitable for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen or the cheapening of the production of fertilizer.ise and profitable for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen or the cheapening of the production of fertilizer.
(e) Under the authority of this chapter the Board may make donations or sales of the product of the plant or plants operated by it to be fairly and equitably distributed through the agency of county demonstration agents, agricultural colleges, or otherwise as the Board may direct, for experimentation, education, and introduction of the use of such products in cooperation with practical farmers so as to obtain information as to the value, effect, and best methods of their use.
(f) The Board is authorized to make alterations, modifications, or improvements in existing plants and facilities, and to construct new plants.
(g) In the event it is not used for the fixation of nitrogen for agricultural purposes or leased, then the Board shall maintain in stand-by condition nitrate plant numbered 2, or its equivalent, for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, for the production of explosives in the event of war or a national emergency, until the Congress shall by joint resolution release the Board from this obligation, and if any part thereof be used by the Board for the manufacture of phosphoric acid or potash, the balance of nitrate plant numbered 2 shall be kept in stand-by condition.
(h) To establish, maintain, and operate laboratories and experimental plants, and to undertake experiments for the purpose of enabling the Corporation to furnish nitrogen products for military purposes, and nitrogen and other fertilizer products for agricultural purposes in the most economical manner and at the highest standard of efficiency.
(i) To request the assistance and advice of any officer, agent, or employee of any executive department or of any independent office of the United States, to enable the Corporation the better to carry out its powers successfully, and as far as practicable shall utilize the services of such officers, agents, and employees, and the President shall, if in his opinion the public interest, service, or economy so require, direct that such assistance, advice, and service be rendered to the Corporation, and any individual that may be by the President directed to render such assistance, advice, and service shall be thereafter subject to the orders, rules, and regulations of the Board: Provided, That any invention or discovery made by virtue of and incidental to such service by an employee of the Government of the United States serving under this section, or by any employee of the Corporation, together with any patents which may be granted thereon, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Corporation, which is authorized to grant such licenses thereunder as shall be authorized by the Board: Provided further, That the Board may pay to such inventor such sum from the income from sale of licenses as it may deem proper.
(j) Upon the requisition of the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Navy to manufacture for and sell at cost to the United States explosives or their nitrogenous span.
(k) Upon the requisition of the Secretary of the Army, the Corporation shall allot and deliver without charge to the Department of the Army so much power as shall be necessary in the judgment of said Department for use in operation of all locks, lifts, or other facilities in aid of navigation.
(l) To produce, distribute, and sell electric power, as herein particularly specified.
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 5, 48 Stat. 61; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 4, 49 Stat. 1076; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501; July 3, 1952, ch. 570, § 2(a), 66 Stat. 334; Pub. L. 86–137, § 3, Aug. 6, 1959, 73 Stat. 285; Pub. L. 94–412, title V, § 501(d), Sept. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1258; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831e. Officers and employees; nonpolitical appointment; removal for violation

In the appointment of officials and the selection of employees for said Corporation, and in the promotion of any such employees or officials, no political test or qualification shall be permitted or given consideration, but all such appointments and promotions shall be given and made on the basis of merit and efficiency. Any member of said Board who is found by the President of the United States to be guilty of a violation of this section shall be removed from office by the President of the United States, and any appointee of said Board who is found by the Board to be guilty of a violation of this section shall be removed from office by said Board.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 6, 48 Stat. 63; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831f. Control of plants and property vested in Corporation; transfer of other property to Corporation
In order to enable the Corporation to exercise the powers and duties vested in it by this chapter—
(a) The exclusive use, possession, and control of the United States nitrate plants numbered 1 and 2, including steam plants, located, respectively, at Sheffield, Alabama, and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, together with all real estate and buildings connected therewith, all tools and machinery, equipment, accessories, and materials belonging thereto, and all laboratories and plants used as auxiliaries thereto; the fixed-nitrogen research laboratory, the Waco limestone quarry, in Alabama, and Dam Numbered 2, located at Muscle Shoals, its power house, and all hydroelectric and operating appurtenances (except the locks), and all machinery, lands, and buildings in connection therewith, and all appurtenances thereof, and all other property to be acquired by the Corporation in its own name or in the name of the United States of America, are intrusted to the Corporation for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) The President of the United States is authorized to provide for the transfer to the Corporation of the use, possession, and control of such other real or personal property of the United States as he may from time to time deem necessary and proper for the purposes of the Corporation as herein stated.
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 7, 48 Stat. 63.)
§ 831g. Principal office of Corporation; books; directors’ oath
(a) Location
(b) Account books
(c) Oath of office
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 8, 48 Stat. 63; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831h. Annual financial statement; purchases and contracts; audit by Comptroller General
(a) Financial statement and report
(b) Bids
(c) Audits
(d) Administrative accounts and business documents
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 9, 48 Stat. 63; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 14, 49 Stat. 1080; Nov. 21, 1941, ch. 485, 55 Stat. 775; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, § 1 (32), 68 Stat. 968; Pub. L. 93–356, § 5, July 25, 1974, 88 Stat. 390; Pub. L. 94–273, § 5(1), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 98–191, § 9(d), Dec. 1, 1983, 97 Stat. 1332; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), (b), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831h–1. Operation of dams primarily for promotion of navigation and controlling floods; generation and sale of electricity

The Board is directed in the operation of any dam or reservoir in its possession and control to regulate the stream flow primarily for the purposes of promoting navigation and controlling floods. So far as may be consistent with such purposes, the Board is authorized to provide and operate facilities for the generation of electric energy at any such dam for the use of the Corporation and for the use of the United States or any agency thereof, and the Board is further authorized, whenever an opportunity is afforded, to provide and operate facilities for the generation of electric energy in order to avoid the waste of water power, to transmit and market such power as in this chapter provided, and thereby, so far as may be practicable, to assist in liquidating the cost or aid in the maintenance of the projects of the Authority.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 9a, as added Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 5, 49 Stat. 1076.)
§ 831h–2. Repealed. Pub. L. 86–137, § 1, Aug. 6, 1959, 73 Stat. 280
§ 831h–3. Recreational access
(a) Definition of floating cabinIn this section, the term “floating cabin” means a watercraft or other floating structure—
(1) primarily designed and used for human habitation or occupation; and
(2) not primarily designed or used for navigation or transportation on water.
(b) Recreational accessThe Board may allow the use of a floating cabin if—
(1) the floating cabin is maintained by the owner to reasonable health, safety, and environmental standards, as required by the Board;
(2) the Corporation has authorized the use of recreational vessels on the waters; and
(3) the floating cabin was located on waters under the jurisdiction of the Corporation as of December 16, 2016.
(c) Fees
(d) Continued recreational use
(1) In generalWith respect to a floating cabin located on waters under the jurisdiction of the Corporation on December 16, 2016, the Board—
(A) may not require the removal of the floating cabin—
(i) in the case of a floating cabin that was granted a permit by the Corporation before December 16, 2016, for a period of 15 years beginning on such date; and
(ii) in the case of a floating cabin not granted a permit by the Corporation before December 16, 2016, for a period of 5 years beginning on such date; and
(B) shall approve and allow the use of the floating cabin on waters under the jurisdiction of the Corporation at such time and for such duration as—
(i) the floating cabin meets the requirements of subsection (b); and
(ii) the owner of the floating cabin has paid any fee assessed pursuant to subsection (c).
(2) Savings provisions
(A) Nothing in this subsection restricts the ability of the Corporation to enforce reasonable health, safety, or environmental standards.
(B) This section applies only to floating cabins located on waters under the jurisdiction of the Corporation.
(e) New construction
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 9b, as added Pub. L. 114–322, title IV, § 5003, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1886.)
§ 831i. Sale of surplus power; preferences; experimental work; acquisition of existing electric facilities

The Board is empowered and authorized to sell the surplus power not used in its operations, and for operation of locks and other works generated by it, to States, counties, municipalities, corporations, partnerships, or individuals, according to the policies hereinafter set forth; and to carry out said authority, the Board is authorized to enter into contracts for such sale for a term not exceeding twenty years, and in the sale of such current by the Board it shall give preference to States, counties, municipalities, and cooperative organizations of citizens or farmers, not organized or doing business for profit, but primarily for the purpose of supplying electricity to its own citizens or members: Provided, That all contracts made with private companies or individuals for the sale of power, which power is to be resold for a profit, shall contain a provision authorizing the Board to cancel said contract upon five years’ notice in writing, if the Board needs said power to supply the demands of States, counties, or municipalities. In order to promote and encourage the fullest possible use of electric light and power on farms within reasonable distance of any of its transmission lines the Board in its discretion shall have power to construct transmission lines to farms and small villages that are not otherwise supplied with electricity at reasonable rates, and to make such rules and regulations governing such sale and distribution of such electric power as in its judgment may be just and equitable: Provided further, That the Board is authorized and directed to make studies, experiments, and determinations to promote the wider and better use of electric power for agricultural and domestic use, or for small or local industries, and it may cooperate with State governments, or their subdivisions or agencies, with educational or research institutions, and with cooperatives or other organizations, in the application of electric power to the fuller and better balanced development of the resources of the region: Provided further, That the Board is authorized to include in any contract for the sale of power such terms and conditions, including resale rate schedules, and to provide for such rules and regulations as in its judgment may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and in case the purchaser shall fail to comply with any such terms and conditions, or violate any such rules and regulations, said contract may provide that it shall be voidable at the election of the Board: Provided further, That in order to supply farms and small villages with electric power directly as contemplated by this section, the Board in its discretion shall have power to acquire existing electric facilities used in serving such farms and small villages: And provided further, That the terms “States”, “counties”, and “municipalities” as used in this chapter shall be construed to include the public agencies of any of them unless the context requires a different construction.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 10, 48 Stat. 64; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 6, 49 Stat. 1076.)
§ 831j. Equitable distribution of surplus power among States and municipalities; improvement in production of fertilizer

It is declared to be the policy of the Government so far as practical to distribute and sell the surplus power generated at Muscle Shoals equitably among the States, counties, and municipalities within transmission distance. This policy is further declared to be that the projects herein provided for shall be considered primarily as for the benefit of the people of the section as a whole and particularly the domestic and rural consumers to whom the power can economically be made available, and accordingly that sale to and use by industry shall be a secondary purpose, to be utilized principally to secure a sufficiently high load factor and revenue returns which will permit domestic and rural use at the lowest possible rates and in such manner as to encourage increased domestic and rural use of electricity. It is further declared to be the policy of the Government to utilize the Muscle Shoals properties so far as may be necessary to improve, increase, and cheapen the production of fertilizer and fertilizer ingredients by carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 11, 48 Stat. 64.)
§ 831k. Transmission lines; construction or lease; sale of power over other than Government lines; rates when sold for resale at profit

In order to place the Board upon a fair basis for making such contracts and for receiving bids for the sale of such power, it is expressly authorized, either from appropriations made by Congress or from funds secured from the sale of such power, or from funds, secured by the sale of bonds hereafter provided for, to construct, lease, purchase, or authorize the construction of transmission lines within transmission distance from the place where generated, and to interconnect with other systems. The Board is also authorized to lease to any person, persons, or corporation the use of any transmission line owned by the Government and operated by the Board, but no such lease shall be made that in any way interferes with the use of such transmission line by the Board: Provided, That if any State, county, municipality, or other public or cooperative organization of citizens or farmers, not organized or doing business for profit, but primarily for the purpose of supplying electricity to its own citizens or members, or any two or more of such municipalities or organizations, shall construct or agree to construct and maintain a properly designed and built transmission line to the Government reservation upon which is located a Government generating plant, or to a main transmission line owned by the Government or leased by the Board and under the control of the Board, the Board is authorized and directed to contract with such State, county, municipality, or other organization, or two or more of them, for the sale of electricity for a term not exceeding thirty years; and in any such case the Board shall give to such State, county, municipality, or other organization ample time to fully comply with any local law now in existence or hereafter enacted providing for the necessary legal authority for such State, county, municipality, or other organization to contract with the Board for such power: Provided further, That all contracts entered into between the Corporation and any municipality or other political subdivision or cooperative organization shall provide that the electric power shall be sold and distributed to the ultimate consumer without discrimination as between consumers of the same class, and such contract shall be voidable at the election of the Board if a discriminatory rate, rebate, or other special concession is made or given to any consumer or user by the municipality or other political subdivision or cooperative organization: And provided further, That as to any surplus power not so sold as above provided to States, counties, municipalities, or other said organizations, before the Board shall sell the same to any person or corporation engaged in the distribution and resale of electricity for profit, it shall require said person or corporation to agree that any resale of such electric power by said person or corporation shall be made to the ultimate consumer of such electric power at prices that shall not exceed a schedule fixed by the Board from time to time as reasonable, just, and fair; and in case of any such sale, if an amount is charged the ultimate consumer which is in excess of the price so deemed to be just, reasonable, and fair by the Board, the contract for such sale between the Board and such distributor of electricity shall be voidable at the election of the Board: And provided further, That the Board is authorized to enter into contracts with other power systems for the mutual exchange of unused excess power upon suitable terms, for the conservation of stored water, and as an emergency or break-down relief.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 12, 48 Stat. 65; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831k–1. Extension of credit to States, municipalities and nonprofit organizations to assist in operation of existing facilities

In order (1) to facilitate the disposition of the surplus power of the Corporation according to the policies set forth in this chapter; (2) to give effect to the priority herein accorded to States, counties, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations in the purchase of such power by enabling them to acquire facilities for the distribution of such power; and (3) at the same time to preserve existing distribution facilities as going concerns and avoid duplication of such facilities, the Board is authorized to advise and cooperate with and assist, by extending credit for a period of not exceeding five years to, States, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations situated within transmission distance from any dam where such power is generated by the Corporation in acquiring, improving, and operating (a) existing distribution facilities and incidental works, including generating plants; and (b) interconnecting transmission lines; or in acquiring any interest in such facilities, incidental works, and lines.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 12a, as added Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 7, 49 Stat. 1076.)
§ 831l. Financial assistance to States and local governments in lieu of taxation; apportionment; limitation on contracts for sale of power to municipalities; report to Congress

In order to render financial assistance to those States and local governments in which the power operations of the Corporation are carried on and in which the Corporation has acquired properties previously subject to State and local taxation, the Board is authorized and directed to pay to said States, and the counties therein, for each fiscal year, beginning July 1, 1940, the following percentages of the gross proceeds derived from the sale of power by the Corporation for the preceding fiscal year as hereinafter provided, together with such additional amounts as may be payable pursuant to the provisions hereinafter set forth, said payments to constitute a charge against the power operations of the Corporation: For the fiscal year (beginning July 1) 1940, 10 per centum; 1941, 9 per centum; 1942, 8 per centum; 1943, 7½ per centum; 1944, 7 per centum; 1945, 6½ per centum; 1946, 6 per centum; 1947, 5½ per centum; 1948 and each fiscal year thereafter, 5 per centum. “Gross proceeds”, as used in this section, is defined as the total gross proceeds derived by the Corporation from the sale of power for the preceding fiscal year, excluding power used by the Corporation or sold or delivered to any other department or agency of the Government of the United States for any purpose other than the resale thereof. The payments herein authorized are in lieu of taxation, and the Corporation, its property, franchises and income, are expressly exempted from taxation in any manner or form by any State, county, municipality, or any subdivision or district thereof.

The payment for each fiscal year shall be apportioned among said States in the following manner: One-half of said payment shall be apportioned by paying to each State the percentage thereof which the gross proceeds of the power sales by the Corporation within said State during the preceding fiscal year bears to the total gross proceeds from all power sales by the Corporation during the preceding fiscal year; the remaining one-half of said payment shall be apportioned by paying to each State the percentage thereof which the book value of the power property held by the Corporation within said State at the end of the preceding fiscal year bears to the total book value of all such property held by the Corporation on the same date. The book value of power property shall include that portion of the investment allocated or estimated to be allocable to power: Provided, That the minimum annual payment to each State (including payments to counties therein) shall not be less than an amount equal to the two-year average of the State and local ad valorem property taxes levied against power property purchased and operated by the Corporation in said State and against that portion of reservoir lands related to dams constructed by or on behalf of the United States Government and held or operated by the Corporation and allocated or estimated to be allocable to power. The said two-year average shall be calculated for the last two tax years during which said property was privately owned and operated or said land was privately owned: Provided further, That the minimum annual payment to each State in which the Corporation owns and operates power property (including payments to counties therein) shall not be less than $10,000 in any case: Provided further, That the corporation 1

1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
shall pay directly to the respective counties the two-year average of county ad valorem property taxes (including taxes levied by taxing districts within the respective counties) upon power property and reservoir lands allocable to power, determined as above provided, and all payments to any such county within a State shall be deducted from the payment otherwise due to such State under the provisions of this section. The determination of the Board of the amounts due hereunder to the respective States and counties shall be final.

The payments above provided shall in each case be made to the State or county in equal monthly installments beginning not later than July 31, 1940.

Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the authority of the Corporation in its contracts for the sale of power to municipalities, to permit or provide for the resale of power at rates which may include an amount to cover tax-equivalent payments to the municipality in lieu of State, county, and municipal taxes upon any distribution system or property owned by the municipality, or any agency thereof, conditioned upon a proper distribution by the municipality of any amounts collected by it in lieu of State or county taxes upon any such distribution system or property; it being the intention of Congress that either the municipality or the State in which the municipality is situated shall provide for the proper distribution to the State and county of any portion of tax equivalent so collected by the municipality in lieu of State or county taxes upon any such distribution system or pro

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 13, 48 Stat. 66; June 26, 1940, ch. 432, § 39, 54 Stat. 626; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831m. Allocation and charge of value and cost of plants to particular objects; cost accounting; reports of costs of operation; sale of surplus power at profit

The Board shall make a thorough investigation as to the present value of Dam Numbered 2, and the steam plants at nitrate plant numbered 1, and nitrate plant numbered 2, and as to the cost of Cove Creek Dam, for the purpose of ascertaining how much of the value or the cost of said properties shall be allocated and charged up to (1) flood control, (2) navigation, (3) fertilizer, (4) national defense, and (5) the development of power. The findings thus made by the Board, when approved by the President of the United States, shall be final, and such findings shall thereafter be used in all allocation of value for the purpose of keeping the book value of said properties. In like manner, the cost and book value of any dams, steam plants, or other similar improvements hereafter constructed and turned over to said Board for the purpose of control and management shall be ascertained and allocated. The Board shall, on or before January 1, 1937, file with Congress a statement of its allocation of the value of all such properties turned over to said Board, and which have been completed prior to the end of the preceding fiscal year, and shall thereafter in its annual report to Congress file a statement of its allocation of the value of such properties as have been completed during the preceding fiscal year.

For the purpose of accumulating data useful to the Congress in the formulation of legislative policy in matters relating to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy and the production of chemicals necessary to national defense and useful in agriculture, and to the Federal Power Commission and other Federal and State agencies, and to the public, the Board shall keep complete accounts of its costs of generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy and shall keep a complete account of the total cost of generating and transmission facilities constructed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation, and of producing such chemicals, and a description of the major components of such costs according to such uniform systems of accounting for public utilities as the Federal Power Commission has, and if it have none, then it is empowered and directed to prescribe such uniform system of accounting, together with records of such other physical data and operating statistics of the Authority as may be helpful in determining the actual cost and value of services, and the practices, methods, facilities, equipment, appliances, and standards and sizes, types, location, and geographical and economic integration of plants and systems best suited to promote the public interest, efficiency, and the wider and more economical use of electric energy. Such data shall be reported to the Congress by the Board from time to time, with appropriate analyses and recommendations, and, so far as practicable, shall be made available to the Federal Power Commission and other Federal and State agencies which may be concerned with the administration of legislation relating to the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy and chemicals useful to agriculture. It is declared to be the policy of this chapter that, in order, as soon as practicable, to make the power projects self-supporting and self-liquidating, the surplus power shall be sold at rates which, in the opinion of the Board, when applied to the normal capacity of the Authority’s power facilities, will produce gross revenues in excess of the cost of production of said power and in addition to the statement of the cost of power at each power station as required by section 831h of this title, the Board shall file with each annual report, a statement of the total cost of all power generated by it at all power stations during each year, the average cost of such power per kilowatt hour, the rates at which sold, and to whom sold, and copies of all contracts for the sale of power.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 14, 48 Stat. 66; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 8, 49 Stat. 1077.)
§ 831m–1. Tennessee Valley Authority least-cost planning program
(a) In general
(b) Conduct of program
(1) In general
(2) Planning and selection process
The planning and selection process referred to in paragraph (1) shall—
(A) take into account necessary features for system operation, including diversity, reliability, dispatchability, and other factors of risk;
(B) take into account the ability to verify energy savings achieved through energy conservation and efficiency and the projected durability of such savings measured over time; and
(C) treat demand and supply resources on a consistent and integrated basis.
(3) “System cost” defined
(c) Participation by distributors
(1) In general
In conducting a least-cost planning program under subsection (a), the Tennessee Valley Authority shall—
(A) provide an opportunity for distributors of the Tennessee Valley Authority to recommend cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities, rate structure incentives, and renewable energy proposals for inclusion in such program; and
(B) encourage and assist such distributors in the planning and implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency options.
(2) Assistance
(d) Public review and comment
(e) Exemption from certain requirements
(Pub. L. 102–486, title I, § 113, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2798.)
§ 831n. Bonds for future construction; amount, terms, and conditions

In the construction of any future dam, steam plant, or other facility, to be used in whole or in part for the generation or transmission of electric power the Board is authorized and empowered to issue on the credit of the United States and to sell serial bonds not exceeding $50,000,000 in amount, having a maturity not more than fifty years from the date of issue thereof, and bearing interest not exceeding 3½ per centum per annum. Said bonds shall be issued and sold in amounts and prices approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, but all such bonds as may be so issued and sold shall have equal rank. None of said bonds shall be sold below par, and no fee, commission, or compensation whatever shall be paid to any person, firm, or corporation for handling, negotiating the sale, or selling the said bonds. All of such bonds so issued and sold shall have all the rights and privileges accorded by law to Panama Canal bonds, authorized by section 8 of the Act of June 28, 1902, chapter 1302, as amended by the Act of December 21, 1905 (ch. 3, sec. 1, 34 Stat. 5). All funds derived from the sale of such bonds shall be paid over to the Corporation.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 15, 48 Stat. 66; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831n–1. Bonds to carry out provisions of section 831k–1; amount, terms, and conditions

With the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Corporation is authorized to issue bonds not to exceed in the aggregate $50,000,000 outstanding at any one time, which bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds to carry out the provisions of section 831k–1 of this title. Such bonds shall be in such forms and denominations, shall mature within such periods not more than fifty years from the date of their issue, may be redeemable at the option of the Corporation before maturity in such manner as may be stipulated therein, shall bear such rates of interest not exceeding 3½ per centum per annum, shall be subject to such terms and conditions, shall be issued in such manner and amount, and sold at such prices, as may be prescribed by the Corporation, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury: Provided, That such bonds shall not be sold at such prices or on such terms as to afford an investment yield to the holders in excess of 3½ per centum per annum. Such bonds shall be fully and unconditionally guaranteed both as to interest and principal by the United States, and such guaranty shall be expressed on the face thereof, and such bonds shall be lawful investments, and may be accepted as security, for all fiduciary, trust, and public funds, the investment or deposit of which shall be under the authority or control of the United States or any officer or officers thereof. In the event that the Corporation should not pay upon demand, when due, the principal of, or interest on, such bonds, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the holder the amount thereof, which is authorized to be appropriated out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and thereupon to the extent of the amount so paid the Secretary of the Treasury shall succeed to all the rights of the holders of such bonds. The Secretary of the Treasury, in his discretion, is authorized to purchase any bonds issued hereunder, and for such purpose the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public-debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities hereafter issued under chapter 31 of title 31, and the purposes for which securities may be issued under such chapter are extended to include any purchases of the Corporation’s bonds hereunder. The Secretary of the Treasury may, at any time, sell any of the bonds of the Corporation acquired by him under this section. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of the Treasury of the bonds of the Corporation shall be treated as public-debt transactions of the United States. With the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Corporation shall have power to purchase such bonds in the open market at any time and at any price. No bonds shall be issued hereunder to provide funds or bonds necessary for the performance of any proposed contract negotiated by the Corporation under the authority of section 831k–1 of this title until the proposed contract shall have been submitted to and approved by the Federal Power Commission. When any such proposed contract shall have been submitted to the said Commission, the matter shall be given precedence and shall be in every way expedited and the Commission’s determination of the matter shall be final. The authority of the Corporation to issue bonds hereunder shall expire at the end of five years from the date when this section as amended herein becomes law, except that such bonds may be issued at any time after the expiration of said period to provide bonds or funds necessary for the performance of any contract entered into by the Corporation, prior to the expiration of said period, under the authority of section 831k–1 of this title.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 15a, as added Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 9, 49 Stat. 1078.)
§ 831n–2. Bonds; limitation of issuance under sections 831n and 831n–1

No bonds shall be issued by the Corporation after the date of enactment of this section under section 831n or 831n–1 of this title.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 15b, as added July 26, 1939, ch. 366, 53 Stat. 1083.)
§ 831n–3. Use of funds; limitation of issuance
With the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury the Corporation is authorized, after the date of enactment of this section, to issue bonds not to exceed in the aggregate $61,500,000. Such bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds which may be used for the following purposes only:
(1) Not to exceed $46,000,000 may be used for the purchase of electric utility properties of the Tennessee Electric Power Company and Southern Tennessee Power Company, as contemplated in the contract between the Corporation and the Commonwealth and Southern Corporation and others, dated as of May 12, 1939.
(2) Not to exceed $6,500,000 may be used for the purchase and rehabilitation of electric utility properties of the Alabama Power Company and Mississippi Power Company in the following named counties in northern Alabama and northern Mississippi: The counties of Jackson, Madison, Limestone, Lauderdale, Colbert, Lawrence, Morgan, Marshall, De Kalb, Cherokee, Cullman, Winston, Franklin, Marion, and Lamar in northern Alabama, and the counties of Calhoun, Chickasaw, Monroe, Clay, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Webster, Noxubee, Winston, Neshoba, and Kemper in northern Mississippi.
(3) Not to exceed $3,500,000 may be used for rebuilding, replacing, and repairing electric utility properties purchased by the Corporation in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section.
(4) Not to exceed $3,500,000 may be used for constructing electric transmission lines, substations, and other electrical facilities necessary to connect the electric utility properties purchased by the Corporation in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section with the electric power system of the Corporation.
(5) Not to exceed $2,000,000 may be used for making loans under section 831k–1 of this title to States, counties, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to enable them to purchase any electric utility properties referred to in the contract between the Corporation and the Commonwealth and Southern Corporation and others, dated as of

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 15c, as added July 26, 1939, ch. 366, 53 Stat. 1083.)
§ 831n–4. Bonds for financing power program
(a) Authorization; amount; use of proceeds; restriction on contracts for sale or delivery of power; exchange power arrangements; payment of principal and interest; bond contracts
(b) Bonds not obligations of or guaranteed by United States; apportionment of proceeds
(c) Sale; terms and conditions; method; limitation on amount; statement in annual report
(d) Lawful investment; exemption from taxation
(e) Payment of excess power proceeds into Treasury; deferral
(f) Rates for sale of power; application of net proceeds
(g) Power property; lease and lease-purchase agreements
(h) Congressional declaration of intent
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 15d, as added Pub. L. 86–137, § 1, Aug. 6, 1959, 73 Stat. 280; amended Pub. L. 86–157, Aug. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 338; Pub. L. 89–537, Aug. 12, 1966, 80 Stat. 346; Pub. L. 91–446, Oct. 14, 1970, 84 Stat. 915; Pub. L. 94–139, § 1, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 750; Pub. L. 94–273, §§ 2(30), 35(a), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 376, 380; Pub. L. 96–97, Oct. 31, 1979, 93 Stat. 730.)
§ 831o. Completion of unfinished plants authorized

The Board, whenever the President deems it advisable, is empowered and directed to complete Dam Numbered 2 at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and the steam plant at nitrate plant numbered 2, in the vicinity of Muscle Shoals, by installing in Dam Numbered 2 the additional power units according to the plans and specifications of said dam, and the additional power unit in the steam plant at nitrate plant numbered 2.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 16, 48 Stat. 67; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831p. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 648
§ 831q. Eminent domain; contracts for relocation of railroads, highways, industrial plants, etc.

In order to enable and empower the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Board to carry out the authority conferred in this chapter, in the most economical and efficient manner, he or it is authorized and empowered in the exercise of the powers of national defense in aid of navigation, and in the control of the flood waters of the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, constituting channels of interstate commerce, to exercise the right of eminent domain for all purposes of this chapter, and to condemn all lands, easements, rights of way, and other area necessary in order to obtain a site for said Cove Creek Dam, and the flowage rights for the reservoir of water above said dam, and to negotiate and conclude contracts with States, counties, municipalities, and all State agencies and with railroads, railroad corporations, common carriers, and all public utility commissions and any other person, firm, or corporation, for the relocation of railroad tracks, highways, highway bridges, mills, ferries, electric-light plants, and any and all other properties, enterprises, and projects whose removal may be necessary in order to carry out the provisions of this chapter. When said Cove Creek Dam, transmission line, and power house shall have been completed, the possession, use, and control thereof shall be intrusted to the Corporation for use and operation in connection with the general Tennessee Valley project, and to promote flood control and navigation in the Tennessee River.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 18, 48 Stat. 67; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831r. Patents; access to Patent and Trademark Office and right to copy patents; compensation to patentees

The Corporation, as an instrumentality and agency of the Government of the United States for the purpose of executing its constitutional powers, shall have access to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the purpose of studying, ascertaining, and copying all methods, formula, and scientific information (not including access to pending applications for patents) necessary to enable the Corporation to use and employ the most efficacious and economical process for the production of fixed nitrogen, or any essential ingredient of fertilizer, or any method of improving and cheapening the production of hydroelectric power, and any owner of a patent whose patent rights may have been thus in any way copied, used, infringed, or employed by the exercise of this authority by the Corporation shall have as the exclusive remedy a cause of action against the Corporation to be instituted and prosecuted on the equity side of the appropriate district court of the United States, for the recovery of reasonable compensation for such infringement. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall furnish to the Corporation, at its request and without payment of fees, copies of documents on file in his office: Provided, That the benefits of this section shall not apply to any art, machine, method of manufacture, or composition of matter, discovered or invented by such employee during the time of his employment or service with the Corporation or with the Government of the United States.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 19, 48 Stat. 68; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title IV, § 4732(b)(7)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–583.)
§ 831s. Possession by Government in time of war; damages to contract holders

The Government of the United States reserves the right, in case of war or national emergency declared by Congress, to take possession of all or any part of the property described or referred to in this chapter for the purpose of manufacturing explosives or for other war purposes; but, if this right is exercised by the Government, it shall pay the reasonable and fair damages that may be suffered by any party whose contract for the purchase of electric power or fixed nitrogen or fertilizer ingredients is violated, after the amount of the damages has been fixed by the United States Court of Federal Claims in proceedings instituted and conducted for that purpose under rules prescribed by the court.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 20, 48 Stat. 68; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, § 161(2), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, § 902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)
§ 831t. Offenses; fines and punishment
(a) Larceny, embezzlement and conversion
(b) False entry, report or statement
(c) Conspiracy to defraud
(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 21, 48 Stat. 68.)
§ 831u. Surveys; cooperation with States or other agencies

To aid further the proper use, conservation, and development of the natural resources of the Tennessee River drainage basin and of such adjoining territory as may be related to or materially affected by the development consequent to this chapter, and to provide for the general welfare of the citizens of said areas, the President is authorized, by such means or methods as he may deem proper within the limits of appropriations made therefor by Congress, to make such surveys of and general plans for said Tennessee basin and adjoining territory as may be useful to the Congress and to the several States in guiding and controlling the extent, sequence, and nature of development that may be equitably and economically advanced through the expenditure of public funds, or through the guidance or control of public authority, all for the general purpose of fostering an orderly and proper physical, economic, and social development of said areas; and the President is further authorized in making said surveys and plans to cooperate with the States affected thereby, or subdivisions or agencies of such States, or with cooperative or other organizations, and to make such studies, experiments, or demonstrations as may be necessary and suitable to that end.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 22, 48 Stat. 69.)
§ 831v. Legislation to carry out purposes of chapter; recommendation by President

The President shall, from time to time, as the work provided for in section 831u of this title progresses, recommend to Congress such legislation as he deems proper to carry out the general purposes stated in said section, and for the especial purpose of bringing about in said Tennessee drainage basin and adjoining territory in conformity with said general purposes (1) the maximum amount of flood control; (2) the maximum development of said Tennessee River for navigation purposes; (3) the maximum generation of electric power consistent with flood control and navigation; (4) the proper use of marginal lands; (5) the proper method of reforestation of all lands in said drainage basin suitable for reforestation; and (6) the economic and social well-being of the people living in said river basin.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 23, 48 Stat. 69.)
§ 831w. Acquisition of real or personal property; payment by delivery of power; sale or lease of vacant land for industrial purposes

For the purpose of securing any rights of flowage, or obtaining title to or possession of any property, real or personal, that may be necessary or may become necessary, in the carrying out of any of the provisions of this chapter, the President of the United States for a period of three years from May 18, 1933, is authorized to acquire title in the name of the United States to such rights or such property, and to provide for the payment for same by directing the Board to contract to deliver power generated at any of the plants now owned or hereafter owned or constructed by the Government or by said Corporation, such future delivery of power to continue for a period not exceeding thirty years. Likewise, for one year after May 18, 1933, the President is further authorized to sell or lease any parcel or part of any vacant real estate now owned by the Government in said Tennessee River Basin, to persons, firms, or corporations who shall contract to erect thereon factories or manufacturing establishments, and who shall contract to purchase of said Corporation electric power for the operation of any such factory or manufacturing establishment. No contract shall be made by the President for the sale of any of such real estate as may be necessary for present or future use on the part of the Government for any of the purposes of this chapter. Any such contract made by the President of the United States shall be carried out by the Board: Provided, That no such contract shall be made that will in any way abridge or take away the preference right to purchase power given in this chapter to States, counties, municipalities, or farm organizations: Provided further, That no lease shall be for a term to exceed fifty years: Provided further, That any sale shall be on condition that said land shall be used for industrial purposes only.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 24, 48 Stat. 69; Pub. L. 108–447, div. C, title VI, § 603(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2966.)
§ 831x. Condemnation proceedings; institution by Corporation; venue

The Corporation may cause proceedings to be instituted for the acquisition by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights-of-way which, in the opinion of the Corporation, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The proceedings shall be instituted in the United States district court for the district in which the land, easement, right-of-way, or other interest, or any part thereof, is located, and such court shall have full jurisdiction to divest the complete title to the property sought to be acquired out of all persons or claimants and vest the same in the United States in fee simple, and to enter a decree quieting the title thereto in the United States of America.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 25, 48 Stat. 70; July 12, 1952, ch. 700, 66 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 90–536, § 1, Sept. 28, 1968, 82 Stat. 885.)
§ 831y. Net proceeds over expense payable into Treasury

Commencing July 1, 1936, the proceeds for each fiscal year derived by the Board from the sale of power or any other products manufactured by the Corporation, and from any other activities of the Corporation including the disposition of any real or personal property, shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States on March 31 of each year, save and except such part of such proceeds as in the opinion of the Board shall be necessary for the Corporation in the operation of dams and reservoirs, in conducting its business in generating, transmitting, and distributing electric energy and in manufacturing, selling, and distributing fertilizer and fertilizer ingredients. A continuing fund of $1,000,000 is also excepted from the requirements of this section and may be withheld by the Board to defray emergency expenses and to insure continuous operation: Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the use by the Board, after June 30, 1936, of proceeds accruing prior to July 1, 1936, for the payment of obligations lawfully incurred prior to such latter date.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 26, 48 Stat. 71; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 10, 49 Stat. 1079; Pub. L. 94–273, § 35(b), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 380.)
§ 831y–1. Approval of plans by Board as condition precedent to construction and operation; restraining action without approval; other laws unaffected

The unified development and regulation of the Tennessee River system requires that no dam, appurtenant works, or other obstruction, affecting navigation, flood control, or public lands or reservations shall be constructed, and thereafter operated or maintained across, along, or in the said river or any of its tributaries until plans for such construction, operation, and maintenance shall have been submitted to and approved by the Board; and the construction, commencement of construction, operation, or maintenance of such structures without such approval is prohibited. When such plans shall have been approved, deviation therefrom either before or after completion of such structures is prohibited unless the modification of such plans has previously been submitted to and approved by the Board.

In the event the Board shall, within sixty days after their formal submission to the Board, fail to approve any plans or modifications, as the case may be, for construction, operation, or maintenance of any such structures on the Little Tennessee River, the above requirements shall be deemed satisfied, if upon application to the Secretary of the Army, with due notice to the Corporation, and hearing thereon, such plans or modifications are approved by the said Secretary of the Army as reasonably adequate and effective for the unified development and regulation of the Tennessee River system.

Such construction, commencement of construction, operation, or maintenance of any structures or parts thereof in violation of the provisions of this section may be prevented, and the removal or discontinuation thereof required by the injunction or order of any district court exercising jurisdiction in any district in which such structures or parts thereof may be situated, and the Corporation is authorized to bring appropriate proceedings to this end.

The requirements of this section shall not be construed to be a substitute for the requirements of any other law of the United States or of any State, now in effect or hereafter enacted, but shall be in addition thereto, so that any approval, license, permit, or other sanction now or hereafter required by the provisions of any such law for the construction, operation, or maintenance of any structures whatever, except such as may be constructed, operated, or maintained by the Corporation, shall be required, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 26a, as added Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 11, 49 Stat. 1079; amended July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 831z. Authorization of appropriations

All appropriations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter are authorized.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 27, 48 Stat. 71.)
§ 831aa. Laws repealed

All acts or parts of acts in conflict with this chapter are repealed, so far as they affect the operations contemplated by this chapter.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 28, 48 Stat. 71.)
§ 831bb. Reservation of right to amend or repeal

The right to alter, amend, or repeal this chapter is expressly declared and reserved, but no such amendment or repeal shall operate to impair the obligation of any contract made by said Corporation under any power conferred by this chapter.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 29, 48 Stat. 72.)
§ 831cc. Separability

The sections of this chapter are declared to be separable, and in the event any one or more sections of this chapter be held to be unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of other sections of this chapter.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 30, 48 Stat. 72; Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 15, 49 Stat. 1081.)
§ 831dd. Liberal construction of chapter; sale of surplus lands

This chapter shall be liberally construed to carry out the purposes of Congress to provide for the disposition of and make needful rules and regulations respecting Government properties entrusted to the Authority, provide for the national defense, improve navigation, control destructive floods, and promote interstate commerce and the general welfare, but no real estate shall be held except what is necessary in the opinion of the Board to carry out plans and projects actually decided upon requiring the use of such land: Provided, That any land purchased by the Authority and not necessary to carry out plans and projects actually decided upon shall be sold by the Authority as agent of the United States, after due advertisement, at public auction to the highest bidder.

(May 18, 1933, ch. 32, § 31, as added Aug. 31, 1935, ch. 836, § 12, 49 Stat. 1080.)
§ 831ee. Essential stewardship activities

For essential stewardship activities for which appropriations were provided to the Tennessee Valley Authority in Public Law 104–206, such sums as are necessary in fiscal year 1999 and thereafter, to be derived only from one or more of the following sources: nonpower fund balances and collections; investment returns of the nonpower program; applied programmatic savings in the power and nonpower programs; savings from the suspension of bonuses and awards; savings from reductions in memberships and contributions; increases in collections resulting from nonpower activities, including user fees; or increases in charges to private and public utilities both investor and cooperatively owned, as well as to direct load customers: Provided, That such funds are available to fund the stewardship activities under this section, notwithstanding sections 11, 14, 15, 29 [16 U.S.C. 831j, 831m, 831n, 831bb], or other provisions of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act [16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.], as amended, or provisions of the TVA power bond covenants: Provided further, That the savings from, and revenue adjustments to, the TVA budget in fiscal year 1999 and thereafter shall be sufficient to fund the aforementioned stewardship activities such that the net spending authority and resulting outlays for these activities shall not exceed $0 in fiscal year 1999 and thereafter.

(Pub. L. 105–62, title IV, Oct. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1338.)