Collapse to view only § 579. Repealed.

§ 540. Investigations and improvements; control by Department of the Army; wildlife conservation

Federal investigations and improvements of rivers, harbors, and other waterways shall be under the jurisdiction of and shall be prosecuted by the Department of the Army under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers, except as otherwise specifically provided by Act of Congress, which said investigations and improvements shall include a due regard for wildlife conservation.

(June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 1, 52 Stat. 802; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 540a. Availability of appropriations for attendance by military personnel at meetings and for printing survey reports

Appropriations in this title 1

1 See References in Text note below.
or appropriations made in this title 1 in subsequent Energy and Water Development Appropriations Acts shall on and after October 2, 1992, be available for expenses of attendance by military personnel at meetings in the manner authorized by section 4110 of title 5, uniforms, and allowances therefor, as authorized by law (5 U.S.C. 5901–5902), and for printing, either during a recess or session of Congress, of survey reports authorized by law, and such survey reports as may be printed during a recess of Congress shall be printed, with illustrations, as documents of the next succeeding session of Congress.

(Pub. L. 102–377, title I, Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1325.)
§ 541. Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors; establishment; duties and powers generally

There shall be organized in the office of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, by detail from time to time from the Corps of Engineers, a board of seven engineer officers, a majority of whom shall be of rank not less than lieutenant colonel, whose duties shall be fixed by the Chief of Engineers, and to whom shall be referred for consideration and recommendation, in addition to any other duties assigned, so far as in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers may be necessary, all reports upon examinations and surveys provided for by Congress, and all projects or changes in projects for works of river and harbor improvement prior to June 13, 1902, or thereafter provided for. And the board shall submit to the Chief of Engineers recommendations as to the desirability of commencing or continuing any and all improvements upon which reports are required. And in the consideration of such works and projects the board shall have in view the amount and character of commerce existing or reasonably prospective which will be benefited by the improvement, and the relation of the ultimate cost of such work, both as to cost of construction and maintenance, to the public commercial interests involved, and the public necessity for the work and propriety of its construction, continuance, or maintenance at the expense of the United States. And such consideration shall be given as time permits to such works as have, prior to June 13, 1902, been provided for by Congress, the same as in the case of new works proposed. The board shall, when it considers the same necessary, and with the sanction and under orders from the Chief of Engineers, make, as a board or through its members, personal examinations of localities. And all facts, information, and arguments which are presented to the board for its consideration in connection with any matter referred to it by the Chief of Engineers shall be reduced to and submitted in writing, and made a part of the records of the office of the Chief of Engineers. It shall further be the duty of said board, upon a request transmitted to the Chief of Engineers by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives, or the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, in the same manner to examine and report through the Chief of Engineers upon any projects adopted, prior to June 13, 1902, by the Government or upon which appropriations have been made, and report upon the desirability of continuing the same or upon any modifications thereof which may be deemed desirable. As used in this section the term “commerce” shall include the use of waterways by seasonal passenger craft, yachts, house boats, fishing boats, motor boats, and other similar water craft, whether or not operated for hire.

The board shall have authority, with the approval of the Chief of Engineers, to rent quarters, if necessary, for the proper transaction of its business, and to employ such civil employees as may, in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers, be required for properly transacting the business assigned to it, and the necessary expenses of the board shall be paid from allotments made by the Chief of Engineers from any appropriations made by Congress for the work or works to which the duties of the board pertain.

(June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 3, 32 Stat. 372; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 4, 37 Stat. 827; Feb. 10, 1932, ch. 26, 47 Stat. 42; Pub. L. 103–437, § 12(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4590.)
§ 542. Review by Board of Engineers of reports on examinations and surveys and special reports

All reports on examinations and surveys authorized by law shall be reviewed by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors as provided for in section 541 of this title, and all special reports ordered by Congress shall, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, be reviewed in like manner by said board; and the said board shall also, on request by resolution of the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate or the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives, submitted to the Chief of Engineers, examine and review the report of any examination or survey made pursuant to any Act or resolution of Congress, and report thereon through the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, who shall submit his conclusions thereon as in other cases: Provided, That in no case shall the board, in its report thus called for by committee resolution, extend the scope of the project contemplated in the original report upon which its examination and review has been requested, or in the provision of law authorizing the original examination or survey.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 4, 37 Stat. 826; Pub. L. 103–437, § 12(b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4590.)
§ 543. Employment of civil engineers on western and northwestern rivers

The Chief of Engineers may, with the approval of the Secretary of the Army, employ such civil engineers, not exceeding five in number, for the purpose of executing the surveys and improvements of western and northwestern rivers, ordered by Congress, as may be necessary to the proper and diligent prosecution of the same; and the persons so employed may be allowed a reasonable compensation for their services, not to exceed the sum of $3,000 a year.

(R.S. § 5253; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 544. Repealed. Aug. 19, 1968, Pub. L. 88–448, § 402(a)(9), 78 Stat. 493
§ 544a. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 650
§ 544b. Employment of physicians to examine employees; fee or employment basis; validation of prior agreements

The Chief of Engineers may authorize the employment of physicians under agreement, to make such physical examinations of employees or prospective employees as he may consider essential, on a fee or regular employment basis, and all agreements entered into prior to March 2, 1945, for such purposes are validated, and the Comptroller General is authorized and directed to allow credit in the accounts of disbursing officers for reasonable payments made prior to March 2, 1945, for such services.

(Mar. 2, 1945, ch. 19, § 5, 59 Stat. 24.)
§ 544c. Minority group participation in construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project; annual report to Congress

The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, is directed to make a maximum effort to assure the full participation of members of minority groups, living in the States participating in the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, in the construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project, including actions to encourage the use, wherever possible, of minority owned firms.

(Pub. L. 94–587, § 185, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2941; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title X, § 1064(e), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 445.)
§ 545. Preliminary examinations and reports; surveys; contents of report to Congress generally
In all cases where preliminary examinations and surveys are authorized a preliminary examination of the river, harbor, or other proposed improvement mentioned shall first be made and a report as to the advisability of its improvement shall be submitted unless a survey or estimate is expressly directed. If upon such preliminary examination the proposed improvement is not deemed advisable, no further action shall be taken thereon without the further direction of Congress; but in case the report shall be favorable to such proposed improvement, or that a survey and estimate should be made to determine the advisability of improvement, the Secretary of the Army is authorized, in his discretion, to cause surveys to be made, and the cost and advisability to be reported to Congress. And such reports containing plans and estimates shall also contain a statement as to the rate at which the work should be prosecuted: Provided, That every report submitted to Congress, in addition to full information regarding the present and prospective commercial importance of the project covered by the report and the benefit to commerce likely to result from any proposed plan of improvement, shall also contain such data as it may be practicable to secure in regard to the following subjects:
(a) The existence and establishment of both private and public terminal and transfer facilities contiguous to the navigable water proposed to be improved, and, if water terminals have been constructed, the general location, description, and use made of the same, with an opinion as to their adequacy and efficiency, whether private or public. If no public terminals have been constructed, or if they are inadequate in number, there shall be included in the report an opinion in general terms as to the necessity, number, and appropriate location of the same, and also the necessary relations of such proposed terminals to the development of commerce.
(b) The development and utilization of water power for industrial and commercial purposes.
(c) Such other subjects as may be properly connected with such project: Provided, That in the investigation and study of these questions consideration shall be given only to their bearing upon the improvement of navigation, to the possibility and desirability of their being coordinated in a logical and proper manner with improvements for navigation to lessen the cost of such improvements and to compensate the Government for expenditures made in the interest of navigation, and to their relation to the development and regulation of commerce: Provided further, That the investigation and study of these questions may, upon review by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors when called for as provided by law, be extended to any work of improvement under way and to any locality the examination and survey of which has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, authorized by Congress.
(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 3, 37 Stat. 825; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 545a. Discontinuance

For preliminary examinations and surveys authorized in previous river and harbor and flood-control Acts, the Secretary of the Army is directed to cause investigations and reports for navigation and allied purposes to be prepared under the supervision of the Chief of Engineers in the form of survey reports, and that preliminary examination reports shall no longer be required to be prepared.

(Pub. L. 85–500, title I, § 105, July 3, 1958, 72 Stat. 300.)
§ 546. Investigation of stream flow and watersheds; surveys in connection with dams

The surveys of navigable streams shall include such stream-flow measurements and other investigations of the watersheds as may be necessary for preparation of plans of improvement and a proper consideration of all uses of the stream affecting navigation, and whenever necessary similar investigations may be made in connection with all navigable streams under improvement. Whenever permission for the construction of dams in navigable streams is granted, or is under consideration by Congress, such surveys and investigations of the sections of the streams affected may be made as are necessary to secure conformity with rational plans for the improvement of the streams for navigation.

(June 25, 1910, ch. 382, § 3, 36 Stat. 669.)
§ 546a. Information as to configuration of shore line

Every report submitted to Congress in pursuance of any provision of law for preliminary examination and survey looking to the improvement of the entrance at the mouth of any river or at any inlet, in addition to other information which the Congress has directed shall be given, shall contain information concerning the configuration of the shore line and the probable effect thereon that may be expected to result from the improvement having particular reference to erosion and/or accretion for a distance of not less than ten miles on either side of the said entrance.

(Aug. 30, 1935, ch. 831, § 5, 49 Stat. 1048.)
§ 547. Reports as to local benefits of improvement and recommendations as to local cooperation

Every report submitted to Congress in pursuance of any provision of law for a survey, in addition to other information which the Congress has directed shall be given, shall contain a statement of special or local benefit which will accrue to localities affected by such improvement and a statement of general or national benefits, with recommendations as to what local cooperation should be required, if any, on account of such special or local benefit.

(June 5, 1920, ch. 252, § 2, 41 Stat. 1010.)
§ 547a. Inclusion of regional economic development benefits in economic analysis for purposes of computing economic justification of project

In the case of any authorized navigation project which has been partially constructed, or is to be constructed, which is located in one or more States, and which serves regional needs, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, may include in any economic analysis which is under preparation on October 22, 1976, such regional economic development benefits as he determines to be appropriate for purposes of computing the economic justification of the project.

(Pub. L. 94–587, § 140, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2930.)
§ 548. Omitted
§ 549. Repealed. Pub. L. 96–470, title I, § 104(c), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2238
§ 549a. Review of navigation, flood control, and water supply projects

The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to review the operation of projects the construction of which has been completed and which were constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the interest of navigation, flood control, water supply, and related purposes, when found advisable due 1

1 So in original. Probably should be “due to”.
the significantly changed physical or economic conditions, and to report thereon to Congress with recommendations on the advisability of modifying the structures or their operation, and for improving the quality of the environment in the overall public interest.

(Pub. L. 91–611, title II, § 216, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1830.)
§ 549b. Inclusion of project or facility in Corps of Engineers workplan
(a) In general
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include in the future workplan of the Corps any authorized project or facility of the Corps of Engineers—
(1) that the Secretary has studied for disposition under an existing authority, including by carrying out a disposition study under section 549a of this title; and
(2) for which a final report by the Director of Civil Works has been completed.
(b) Notification to committees

Upon completion of a final report referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall transmit a copy of the report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1117, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3776.)
§ 550. Report on water terminal and transfer facilities
The Chief of Engineers, United States Army, shall indicate in his annual reports the character of the terminal and transfer facilities existing on every harbor or waterway under maintenance or improvement by the United States, and state whether they are considered adequate for existing commerce. He shall also submit one or more special reports on this subject, as soon as possible after January 18, 1918, including, among other things, the following:
(a) A brief description of such water terminals, including location and the suitability of such terminals to the existing traffic conditions, and whether such terminals are publicly or privately owned, and the terms and conditions under which they may be subjected to public use.
(b) Whether such water terminals are connected by a belt or spur line of railroad with all the railroads serving the same territory or municipality, and whether such connecting railroad is owned by the public and the conditions upon which the same may be used, and also whether there is an interchange of traffic between the water carriers and the railroad or railroads as to such traffic which is carried partly by rail and partly by water to its destination, and also whether improved and adequate highways have been constructed connecting such water terminal with the other lines of highways.
(c) If no water terminals have been constructed by the municipality or other existing public agency there shall be included in his report an expression of opinion in general terms as to the necessity, number, and appropriate location of such a terminal or terminals.
(d) An investigation of the general subject of water terminals, with descriptions and general plans of terminals of appropriate types and construction for the harbors and waterways of the United States suitable for various commercial purposes and adapted to the varying conditions of tides, floods, and other physical characteristics.
(July 18, 1918, ch. 155, § 7, 40 Stat. 911.)
§ 551. Policy of Government as to terminal facilities for new projects

It is declared to be the policy of the Congress that water terminals are essential at all cities and towns located upon harbors or navigable waterways and that at least one public terminal should exist, constructed, owned, and regulated by the municipality or other public agency of the State and open to the use of all on equal terms. The Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, shall give full publicity, as far as may be practicable, to this provision.

(Mar. 2, 1919, ch. 95, § 1, 40 Stat. 1286; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 552. Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(28), 45 Stat. 988
§ 553. Freight statistics

In the collection of statistics relating to traffic, the Corps of Engineers is directed to adopt a uniform system of classification for freight, and upon rivers or inland waterways to collate ton-mileage statistics as far as practicable.

(July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 1, 37 Stat. 223.)
§ 554. Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information to person in local charge of improvement; penalty

Owners, agents, masters, and clerks of vessels arriving at or departing from localities where works of river and harbor improvement are carried on shall furnish, on application of the persons in local charge of the works, a comprehensive statement of vessels, passengers, freight, and tonnage.

Every person or persons offending against the provisions of this section shall, for each and every offense, be liable to a fine of $100, or imprisonment not exceeding two months, to be enforced in any district court in the United States within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may have been committed.

(Feb. 21, 1891, ch. 252, §§ 1, 2, 26 Stat. 766.)
§ 555. Duty of shipowners and officers to furnish information required by Secretary of the Army

Owners, agents, masters, and clerks of vessels and other craft plying upon the navigable waters of the United States, and all individuals and corporations engaged in transporting their own goods upon the navigable waters of the United States, shall furnish such statements relative to vessels, passengers, freight, and tonnage as may be required by the Secretary of the Army: Provided, That this provision shall not apply to those rafting logs except upon a direct request upon the owner to furnish specific information.

Every person or persons offending against the provisions of this section shall, for each and every offense, be liable to a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment not exceeding two months, to be enforced in any district court in the United States within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may have been committed. In addition, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty of up to $2,500, per violation, against any person or entity that fails to provide timely, accurate statements required to be submitted pursuant to this section by the Secretary.

(Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 11, 42 Stat. 1043; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 919(f), Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4193.)
§ 555a. Petroleum product information
(a) Disclosure to States

The Secretary shall disclose petroleum product information to any State taxing agency making a request under subsection (b). Such information shall be disclosed for the purpose of, and only to the extent necessary in, the administration of State tax laws.

(b) Requests for disclosure

Disclosure of information under this section shall be permitted only upon written request by the head of the State taxing agency and only to the representatives of such agency designated in such written request as the individuals who are to inspect or to receive the information on behalf of such agency. Any such representative shall be an employee or legal representative of such agency.

(c) Modes of disclosure
(1) Requests for the disclosure of information under this section, and such disclosure, shall be made in such manner and at such time and place as shall be prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) Information disclosed to any person under this section may be provided in the form of written documents or reproductions of such documents, or by any other mode or means which the Secretary determines necessary or appropriate. A reasonable fee may be prescribed for furnishing such information.
(3) Any reproduction of any document or other matter made in accordance with this subsection shall have the same legal status as the original, and any such reproduction shall, if properly authenticated, be admissible in evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding as if it were the original, whether or not the original is in existence.
(d) Confidentiality of disclosed information
The Secretary shall not disclose information to a State taxing agency of a State under this section unless such State has in effect provisions of law which—
(1) exempt such information from disclosure under a State law requiring agencies of the State to make information available to the public, or
(2) otherwise protect the confidentiality of the information.
Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to prohibit the disclosure by an officer or employee of a State of information to another officer or employer of such State (or political subdivision of such State) to the extent necessary in the administration of State tax laws.
(e) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term—
(1) “petroleum product information” means information relating to petroleum products transported by vessel which is received by the Secretary (A) under section 555 of this title, or (B) under any other legal authority; and
(2) “State taxing agency” means any State agency, body, or commission, or its legal representative, which is charged under the laws of such State with responsibility for the administration of State tax laws.
(f) Omitted
(Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 919, Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4192.)
§ 556. Printing reports generally

The Secretary of the Army shall cause the manuscript of the annual report of the Chief of Engineers and subordinate engineers, relating to the improvement of rivers and harbors, and the report of the Mississippi River Commission to be placed in the hands of the Director of the Government Publishing Office on or before the 15th day of October in each year, and the Director of the Government Publishing Office shall cause said reports to be printed with an accurate and comprehensive index thereof, on or before the first Monday in December in each year, for the use of Congress.

All reports on examinations and surveys which may be prepared during the recess of Congress shall, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Army, be printed by the Director of the Government Publishing Office as documents of the following session of Congress.

(Aug. 11, 1888, ch. 860, § 8, 25 Stat. 424; June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 1, 32 Stat. 367; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 144, § 3, 37 Stat. 826; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(d), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)
§ 557. Payment of costs of printing

The printing of matter relating to river and harbor works, including all reports, compilations, regulations, and so forth, whose preparation is allowable under Department of the Army regulations, shall be done and paid for out of regular annual appropriations for printing and binding for the Department of the Army.

(July 25, 1912, ch. 253, § 13, 37 Stat. 234; July 1, 1916, ch. 209, § 1, 39 Stat. 330; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 557a. Publication of pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to publish information pamphlets, maps, brochures, and other material on river and harbor, flood control, and other civil works activities, including related public park and recreation facilities, under his jurisdiction, as he may deem to be of value to the general public.

(Pub. L. 85–480, § 1, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 279.)
§ 557b. Sale of publications, charts, or other material; deposit of proceeds

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to provide for the sale of any of the material prepared under authority of section 557a of this title; and of publications, charts, or material prepared under his direction pursuant to other legislative authorization or appropriation, and to charge therefor a sum not less than the cost of reproduction. The money received from sales authorized by this section shall be deposited into the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts, except that in any case in which the cost of reproduction has been paid from the revolving fund established pursuant to the Civil Functions Appropriation Act, 1954, the proceeds shall be deposited to the credit of such fund.

(Pub. L. 85–480, § 2, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 279.)
§ 558. Proceeds from sale or transfer of property acquired

When any property which has been heretofore or may be hereafter purchased or acquired for the improvement of rivers and harbors is no longer needed, or is no longer serviceable and is transferred or sold, the proceeds thereof may be credited to the appropriation for the work for which it was acquired.

(June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 5, 32 Stat. 373; Feb. 20, 1931, ch. 235, 46 Stat. 1191; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 4(4), 65 Stat. 709.)
§ 558a. Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(56), 65 Stat. 703
§ 558b. Exchange of land or property

In any case in which it may be necessary or advisable in the execution of an authorized work of river and harbor improvement to exchange land or other property of the Government for private lands or property required for such project, the Secretary of the Army may, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, authorize such exchange upon terms and conditions deemed appropriate by him, and any conveyance of Government land or interests therein necessary to effect such exchange may be executed by the Secretary of the Army: Provided further, That the authority granted to the Secretary of the Army shall not extend to or include lands held or acquired by the Tennessee Valley Authority pursuant to the terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act [16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.]. This section shall apply to any exchanges heretofore deemed advisable in connection with the construction of the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River.

(June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 2, 52 Stat. 804; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 558b–1. Application to authorized works of flood control

Section 558b of this title is made applicable to authorized works of flood control.

(Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 699, § 3, 53 Stat. 1414.)
§ 558c. Rights-of-way over United States land

The Secretary of the Army is authorized and empowered, under such terms and conditions as are deemed advisable by him, to grant easements for rights-of-way for public roads and streets on and across lands acquired by the United States for river and harbor and flood control improvements including, whenever necessary, the privilege of occupying so much of said lands as may be necessary for the piers, abutments, and other portions of a bridge structure: Provided, That such rights-of-way shall be granted only upon a finding by the Secretary of the Army that the same will be in the public interest and will not substantially injure the interest of the United States in the property affected thereby: Provided further, That all or any part of such rights-of-way may be annulled and forfeited by the Secretary of the Army for failure to comply with the terms or conditions of any grant hereunder or for nonuse or for abandonment of rights granted under the authority hereof: Provided further, That the authority granted to the Secretary of the Army shall not extend to or include lands held or acquired by the Tennessee Valley Authority pursuant to the terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act [16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.].

(June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 10, 52 Stat. 808; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 559. Disposition of rentals for Government plants

Amounts paid after August 8, 1917, by private parties or other agencies for rental of plant owned by the Government in connection with the prosecution of river and harbor works shall be deposited in each case to the credit of the appropriation to which the plant belongs.

(Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 13, 40 Stat. 268.)
§ 560.

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to receive from private parties such funds as may be contributed by them to be expended in connection with funds appropriated by the United States for any authorized work of public improvement of rivers and harbors whenever such work and expenditure may be considered by the Chief of Engineers as advantageous to the interests of navigation: Provided, That when contributions heretofore or hereafter made by local interests for river and harbor improvements, in accordance with specific requirements or under general authority of Congress, are in excess of the actual cost of the work contemplated and properly chargeable to such contributions, such excess contributions may, with the approval of the Secretary of the Army, be returned to the proper representatives of the contributing interests, unless the provision of law under which the contribution is made requires that the entire contribution be retained by the United States.

(Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 142, § 4, 38 Stat. 1053; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 561. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1166(c), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3798
§ 561a. Contributions from local interests; reduction to meet lowered cost

When the authorization of a project of river and harbor improvement requires that local interests shall contribute a specific sum of money toward its cost, the Secretary of the Army, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, may reduce the sum to be contributed to an amount which shall be in the same ratio to the amount of the required contribution as the actual cost of the work to which said contribution is applicable bears to its original estimated cost as set forth in the project document.

(Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 216, 47 Stat. 1545; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 562. Channel depths and dimensions defined

In the preparation of projects under this and subsequent river and harbor acts and after the project becomes operational, unless otherwise expressed, the channel depths referred to shall be understood to signify the depth at mean lower low water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in tidal waters tributary to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and at mean lower low water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in tidal waters tributary to the Pacific coast and the mean depth for a continuous period of fifteen days of the lowest water, as defined by the Department of Commerce for nautical charts and tidal predictions, in the navigation season of any year in rivers and nontidal channels, and and 1

1 So in original.
after the project becomes operational the channel dimensions specified shall be understood to admit of such increase at the entrances, bends, sidings, and turning places as may be necessary to allow of the free movement of boats.

(Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 142, § 5, 38 Stat. 1053; Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 224, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4837.)
§ 562a. Project depths for national defense purposes; waterways for general commerce

The Chief of Engineers, under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, is hereby authorized to maintain authorized river and harbor projects in excess of authorized project depths where such excess depths have been provided by the United States for defense purposes and whenever the Chief of Engineers determines that such waterways also serve essential needs of general commerce.

(Pub. L. 90–483, title I, § 117, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 737.)
§ 563. Omitted
§ 564. Repealed. July 3, 1943, ch. 189, § 5, 57 Stat. 374
§ 565. River and harbor improvement by private or municipal enterprise

Any person or persons, corporations, municipal or private, who desire to improve any navigable river, or any part thereof, at their or its own expense and risk may do so upon the approval of the plans and specifications of said proposed improvement by the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Engineers of the Army. The plan of said improvement must conform with the general plan of the Government improvements, must not impede navigation, and no toll shall be imposed on account thereof, and said improvement shall at all times be under the control and supervision of the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Engineers.

(June 13, 1902, ch. 1079, § 1, 32 Stat. 371; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 566. Improvement by or under authority of State of New Jersey

Authority is given to the State of New Jersey, or, through it, to any commission, individual, corporation, or municipality, singly or collectively, designated by the legislature of said State, or by a commission appointed or authorized by said legislature, to improve the channels on the New Jersey seacoast, or any portion of said coast, or the waters adjacent thereto, lying between thirty-eight degrees fifty-six minutes and forty degrees twenty minutes north latitude, by dredging, or by the construction of piers, jetties, or breakwaters, or other river and harbor work of any description or nature adapted to attain the ends now pursued by the United States Government for the advantage of said coast or the relief of commerce: Provided, That such operations shall not encroach upon those portions of said coast, or the channels adjacent thereto, for which the United States Government may undertake similar work according to its own plans: And provided, That the plans for said work shall be placed on file with the Chief of Engineers of the Department of the Army for thirty days, during which time he is authorized to disapprove said plans and forbid such work if, in his judgment, the improvements when completed will interfere with navigation or with any works of the United States Government commenced or proposed to be made: Provided further, That no tolls or other charges upon commerce shall be imposed by those making such improvements: And provided further, That this section shall not be construed as affecting in any way the jurisdiction and control of the Federal Government over any waters that may be improved in pursuance of the provisions thereof, nor as exempting such waters from the operation of the laws heretofore or hereafter enacted by Congress for the preservation and protection of navigable waters. The right to alter, amend, or repeal this section is expressly reserved.

(June 30, 1906, ch. 3923, §§ 1, 2, 34 Stat. 800; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 567. Navigation and flood control improvements by Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

Congress consents that the States of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, or any two of them, may enter into any agreement or agreements with each other to aid in improving navigation and to prevent and control floods on boundary waters of said States and the waters tributary thereto. And said States, or any two of them, may agree with each other upon any project or projects for the purpose of making such improvements, and upon the amount of money to be contributed by each to carry out such projects. The Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed to make a survey of any project proposed, as aforesaid, by said States, or any two of them, to determine the feasibility and practicability thereof and the expenses of carrying the same into effect and what share of such expenses should be borne by the respective States, local interests, or by the National Government. If the Secretary of the Army approves any such projects, he may authorize the States to make such improvements at their own expense, but under his supervision.

(Aug. 8, 1917, ch. 49, § 5, 40 Stat. 266; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 567a. Flood and pollution control compacts between certain States

The consent of the Congress of the United States is given to the States of Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio, or any two or more of them, to negotiate and enter into agreements or compacts for conserving and regulating the flow, lessening flood damage, removing sources of pollution of the waters thereof, or making other public improvements on any rivers or streams whose drainage basins lie within any two or more of the said States.

No such compact or agreement shall be binding or obligatory upon any State a party thereto unless and until it has been approved by the legislatures of each of the States whose assent is contemplated by the terms of the compact or agreement and by the Congress.

(June 8, 1936, ch. 542, §§ 1, 2, 49 Stat. 1490.)
§ 567b. Pollution of Potomac drainage basin; control by State compacts

The consent of Congress is given to the States of Maryland and West Virginia and the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia to enter into the compact to create a Potomac Valley Conservancy District and to establish an Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin: Provided, That nothing contained in such compact shall be construed as impairing or in any manner affecting any right or jurisdiction of the United States in and over the region which forms the subject of this compact.

(July 11, 1940, ch. 579, 54 Stat. 748.)
§ 567b–1. Amended compact

The consent of Congress is hereby given to the States of Maryland and West Virginia and the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia to adopt the aforementioned amendments and enter into the amended compact hereinbefore recited and every part and article thereof: Provided, That nothing contained in such amended compact shall be construed as impairing or in any manner affecting any right or jurisdiction of the United States in and over the region which forms the subject of this compact: And provided further, That the consent herein given does not extend to section (F)(2) of article II of the amended compact.

(Pub. L. 91–407, § 1, Sept. 25, 1970, 84 Stat. 860.)
§ 568. Limitation on power of committee of Congress to consider projects
(Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 427, § 9, 42 Stat. 1043.)
§ 569. Personal equipment for employees; use of funds for purpose

Funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated for rivers and harbors to be expended under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army shall be available for expenditure in the purchase of such personal equipment for employees as in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers are essential for the efficient prosecution of the works.

(Jan. 21, 1927, ch. 47, § 5(b), 44 Stat. 1021; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 569a. Temporary employment of experts or consultants; compensation

The Chief of Engineers is authorized to procure the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof in connection with civil functions of the Corps of Engineers without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5: Provided, That individuals so engaged may be paid at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate for GS–18 for each day of their services.

(July 3, 1930, ch. 847, § 6, 46 Stat. 948; May 17, 1950, ch. 188, title I, § 105, 64 Stat. 168; Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 104, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1819.)
§ 569b. Contracts; architect and engineering services; surveying and mapping services

Contracts for architect and engineering services, and surveying and mapping services, shall be awarded by the Chief of Engineers in accordance with title IX of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.1

1 See References in Text note below.

(Pub. L. 98–63, title I, July 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 311.)
§ 569c. Services of volunteers

The United States Army Chief of Engineers may accept the services of volunteers and provide for their incidental expenses, including expenses relating to uniforms, transportation, lodging, and the subsistence of those volunteers, to carry out any activity of the Army Corps of Engineers except policy-making or law or regulatory enforcement. Such volunteers shall not be employees of the United States Government except for the purposes of (1) chapter 171 of title 28, relating to tort claims, and (2) chapter 81 of title 5, relating to compensation for work injuries.

(Pub. L. 98–63, title I, July 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 312; Pub. L. 113–121, title I, § 1047(d), June 10, 2014, 128 Stat. 1256.)
§ 569d. Safety award and promotional materials
(a) Promotion of safety program
(1) Procurement of promotional materials

The Secretary is authorized to procure materials that, in the judgment of the Secretary, are necessary to promote the Corps of Engineers safety program.

(2) Distribution of materials to employees

The items purchased pursuant to this subsection shall be distributed to employees of the Corps of Engineers to advance the goals of the safety program.

(b) Employee recognition

The Secretary is authorized to incur necessary expenses for the honorary recognition of the outstanding safety performance of employees of the Corps of Engineers. Such recognition may be in the form of certificates, plaques, cash, or other forms of awards.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $350,000 for each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1992, for carrying out the purposes of this section.

(Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 210, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4830.)
§ 569e. Use of private sector resources in surveying and mapping

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall make use of private sector resources in carrying out surveying and mapping activities in the Civil Works Program of the Corps of Engineers.

(Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 212, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4831.)
§ 569f. Debarment of persons convicted of fraudulent use of “Made in America” labels

If the Secretary determines that a person has been convicted of intentionally affixing a label bearing a “Made in America” inscription to any product sold in or shipped to the United States which is not made in the United States and which is used in a civil works project of the Secretary, the Secretary shall debar the person from contracting with the Federal Government for a period of not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years. For purposes of this section, the term “debar” has the meaning that term has under section 4654(c) of title 10.

(Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 226, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4838; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, § 1702(l)(6), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2160.)
§ 570. Default in contract; disposition of amounts collected

Any amounts collected from defaulting contractors or their sureties under contracts entered into in connection with river and harbor or flood-control work prosecuted by the Engineer Department, whether collected in cash or by deduction from amounts otherwise due such contractors, hereafter shall be credited in each case to the appropriation under which the contract was made.

(Aug. 30, 1935, ch. 831, § 8, 49 Stat. 1048.)
§ 571. Crediting reimbursements for lost, stolen, or damaged property

Any amounts collected from any person, persons, or corporations as a reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged property, purchased in connection with river and harbor or flood-control work prosecuted under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engineers, whether collected in cash or by deduction from amounts otherwise due such person, persons, or corporations, hereafter shall be credited in each case to the appropriation that bore the cost of purchase, repair, or replacement of the lost, stolen, or damaged property.

(June 20, 1938, ch. 535, § 4, 52 Stat. 805; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 572. Collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor

On and after July 30, 1948, direct allotments from appropriations for the maintenance and improvement of existing river and harbor works, or from other available appropriations, may be made by the Secretary of the Army for the collection and removal of drift in Baltimore Harbor and its tributary waters, and this work shall be carried out as a separate and distinct project.

(June 30, 1948, ch. 771, title I, § 102, 62 Stat. 1173.)
§ 573. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 656
§ 574. Omitted
§ 574a. Training funds
(a) In general

The Secretary may include individuals not employed by the Department of the Army in training classes and courses offered by the Corps of Engineers in any case in which the Secretary determines that it is in the best interest of the Federal Government to include those individuals as participants.

(b) Expenses
(1) In general

An individual not employed by the Department of the Army attending a training class or course described in subsection (a) shall pay the full cost of the training provided to the individual.

(2) Payments
Payments made by an individual for training received under paragraph (1), up to the actual cost of the training—
(A) may be retained by the Secretary;
(B) shall be credited to an appropriations account used for paying training costs; and
(C) shall be available for use by the Secretary, without further appropriation, for training purposes.
(3) Excess amounts

Any payments received under paragraph (2) that are in excess of the actual cost of training provided shall be credited as miscellaneous receipts to the Treasury of the United States.

(Pub. L. 110–114, title II, § 2016, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1076.)
§ 575. Availability of appropriations for expenses incident to operation of power boats or vessels; expenses defined; certification of expenditures

On and after July 31, 1947, no appropriation under the Corps of Engineers shall be available for any expenses incident to operating any power-driven boat or vessel on other than Government business, and that Government business shall be construed to include transportation, lodging, and subsistence on inspection trips of Federal and State officials, having a public interest in authorized or proposed improvements for river and harbor and flood control, and any expenses incurred therefor shall be chargeable to river and harbor and flood control appropriations heretofore or hereafter made under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Chief of Engineers: Provided, That such expenditures shall be certified by the Division Engineer as necessary and proper expenditures.

(July 31, 1947, ch. 411, § 1, 61 Stat. 688.)
§ 576. Revolving fund; establishment; availability; reimbursement; transfer of funds; limitation
(a) Revolving fund

For establishment of a revolving fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation, for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of the plant and equipment of the Corps of Engineers used in civil works functions, including acquisition of plant and equipment, maintenance, repair, and purchase, operation, and maintenance of not to exceed four aircraft at any one time, temporary financing of services finally chargeable to appropriations for civil works functions, and the furnishing of facilities and services for military functions of the Department of the Army and other Government agencies and private persons, as authorized by law. In addition, the Secretary of the Army is authorized to provide capital for the fund by capitalizing the present inventories, plant and equipment of the civil works functions of the Corps of Engineers. The fund shall be credited with reimbursements or advances for the cost of equipment, facilities, and services furnished, at rates which shall include charges for overhead and related expenses, depreciation of plant and equipment, and accrued leave: Provided, That on July 1, 1953, (1) the fund shall assume the assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Plant accounts, as carried on the records of the Corps of Engineers as of June 30, 1953, under the appropriations for “Maintenance and improvement of existing river and harbor works”, “Flood control, general”, and “Flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries”, and (2) there shall be transferred from said appropriations to the fund amounts equivalent to the unexpended cash balances of the Plant accounts on June 30, 1953: Provided further, That the total capital of said fund shall not exceed $140,000,000.

(b) Prohibition
(1) In general

No funds may be expended or obligated from the revolving fund described in subsection (a) to newly construct, or perform a major renovation on, a building for use by the Corps of Engineers unless specifically authorized by law.

(2) Statutory construction
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to—
(A) change any authority provided under subchapter I of chapter 169 of title 10; 1
1 See References in Text note below.
or
(B) change the use of funds under subsection (a) for purposes other than those described in paragraph (1).
(c) Transmission to Congress of prospectus
To secure consideration for an authorization under subsection (b), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representative and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a prospectus of the proposed construction or major renovation of a building that includes—
(1) a brief description of the building;
(2) the location of the building;
(3) an estimate of the maximum cost to be provided by the revolving fund for the building to be constructed or renovated;
(4) the total size of the building after the proposed construction or major renovation;
(5) the number of personnel proposed to be housed in the building after the construction or major renovation;
(6) a statement that other suitable space owned by the Federal Government is not available;
(7) a statement of rents and other housing costs currently being paid for the tenants proposed to be housed in the building; and
(8) the size of the building currently housing the tenants proposed to be housed in the building.
(d) Provision of building project surveys
(1) In general

If requested by resolution by the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Secretary shall create a building project survey for the construction or major renovation of a building described in subsection (b).

(2) Report

Within a reasonable time after creating a building project survey under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the survey that includes the information required to be included in a prospectus under subsection (c).

(e) Major renovation defined

In this section, the term “major renovation” means a renovation or alteration of a building for use by the Corps of Engineers with a total expenditure of more than $20,000,000.

(July 27, 1953, ch. 245, § 101, 67 Stat. 199; Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1160, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1667.)
§ 576a. Purchase of passenger motor vehicles by Corps of Engineers

On and after March 4, 1933, the provisions of section 1343 of title 31 shall be construed as applying to the Corps of Engineers as to the purchase of motor-propelled passenger-carrying vehicles.

(Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 281, title II, § 1, 47 Stat. 1599.)
§ 576b. Lease authority

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may lease space available in buildings for which funding for construction or purchase was provided from the revolving fund established by the 1st section of the Civil Functions Appropriations Act, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 576; 67 Stat. 199), under such terms and conditions as are acceptable to the Secretary. The proceeds from such leases shall be credited to the revolving fund for the purposes set forth in such Act.

(Pub. L. 104–303, title II, § 213, Oct. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 3684.)
§ 576c. Corps of Engineers operation of unmanned aircraft systems
(a) In general
The Secretary shall designate an individual, within the headquarters office of the Corps of Engineers, who shall serve as the coordinator and principal approving official for developing the process and procedures by which the Corps of Engineers—
(1) operates and maintains small unmanned aircraft (as defined in section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 1
1 See References in Text note below.
note)) systems in support of civil works and emergency response missions of the Corps of Engineers; and
(2) acquires, applies for, and receives any necessary Federal Aviation Administration authorizations for such operations and systems.
(b) Requirements

A small unmanned aircraft system acquired, operated, or maintained for carrying out the missions specified in subsection (a) shall be operated in accordance with regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration as a civil aircraft or public aircraft, at the discretion of the Secretary, and shall be exempt from regulations of the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army, governing such system.

(c) Limitation

A small unmanned aircraft system acquired, operated, or maintained by the Corps of Engineers is excluded from use by the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army, for any mission of the Department of Defense other than a mission specified in subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1124, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1647.)
§ 577. Small river and harbor improvement projects
(a) Allotment from appropriations for construction

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to allot from any appropriations hereafter made for rivers and harbors not to exceed $62,500,000 for any one fiscal year for the construction of small river and harbor improvement projects not specifically authorized by Congress which will result in substantial benefits to navigation and which can be operated consistently with appropriate and economic use of the waters of the Nation for other purposes, when in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers such work is advisable, if benefits are in excess of the cost.

(b) Limitation on allotment

Not more than $10,000,000 shall be allotted for the construction of a project under this section at any single locality and the amount allotted shall be sufficient to complete the Federal participation in the project under this section.

(c) Lands, easements, and rights-of-way; indemnification; assurances of local cooperation

Local interests shall provide without cost to the United States all necessary lands, easements and rights-of-way for all projects to be constructed under the authority of this section. In addition, local interests may be required to hold and save the United States free from damages that may result from the construction and maintenance of the project and may be required to provide such additional local cooperation as the Chief of Engineers deems appropriate. A State, county, municipality or other responsible local entity shall give assurance satisfactory to the Chief of Engineers that such conditions of cooperation as are required will be accomplished.

(d) Sharing of costs by non-Federal interests

Non-Federal interests may be required to share in the cost of the project to the extent that the Chief of Engineers deems that such cost should not be borne by the Federal Government in view of the recreational or otherwise special or local nature of the project benefits.

(e) Completeness of project

Each project for which money is allotted under this section shall be complete in itself and not commit the United States to any additional improvement to insure its successful operation, other than routine maintenance, and except as may result from the normal procedure applying to projects authorized after submission of survey reports, and projects constructed under the authority of this section shall be considered as authorized projects.

(f) Low water access navigation channels from existing channel of Mississippi River

This section shall apply to, but not be limited to, the provision of low water access navigation channels from the existing channel of the Mississippi River to harbor areas heretofore or now established and located along the Mississippi River.

(Pub. L. 86–645, title I, § 107, July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 486; Pub. L. 89–298, title III, § 310(a), Oct. 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 1095; Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 112(a), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1821; Pub. L. 94–587, § 133(a), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2928; Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 915(d), Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4191; Pub. L. 110–114, title II, § 2022, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1078; Pub. L. 113–121, title I, § 1030(b), June 10, 2014, 128 Stat. 1231; Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1157(b), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3794.)
§ 577a. Small-boat navigation projects; charter fishing craft

The Chief of Engineers, for the purpose of determining Federal and non-Federal cost sharing, relating to proposed construction of small-boat navigation projects, shall consider charter fishing craft as commercial vessels.

(Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 119, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1822.)
§ 577b. Cost of operation and maintenance of general navigation features of small boat harbor projects; applicable projects

The cost of operation and maintenance of the general navigation features of small boat harbor projects shall be borne by the United States. This section shall apply to any such project authorized (A) under section 201 of the Flood Control Act of 1965 [42 U.S.C. 1962d–5], (B) under section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960 [33 U.S.C. 577], (C) between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1970, under authority of this Act, and to projects heretofore authorized in accordance with the policy set forth in the preceding sentence and to such projects authorized in this Act or which are hereafter authorized.

(Pub. L. 91–611, title I, § 103, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1819; Pub. L. 93–251, § 6, Mar. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 15.)
§ 578. Disposal of surplus property for development of public port or industrial facilities
(a) Conveyance by Secretary of the Army

Whenever the Secretary of the Army, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, determines that notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 1 to 11 of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41, with respect to disposal of surplus real property, (1) the development of public port or industrial facilities on land which is part of a water resource development project under his jurisdiction will be in the public interest; (2) that such development will not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the project; and (3) that disposition of the property for these purposes under this section will serve the objectives of the project within which the land is located, he may convey the land by quitclaim deed to a State, political subdivision thereof, port district, port authority, or other body created by the State or through a compact between two or more States for the purpose of developing or encouraging the development of such facilities. In any case, where two or more political subdivisions thereof, or bodies created by, a State or group of States, seek to obtain the same land, the Secretary of the Army shall give preference to that political subdivision or body whose intended use of land will, in his opinion, best promote the purposes for which the project involved was authorized.

(b) Purchase price; conditions, reservations or restrictions

Any conveyance authorized by this section shall be made at the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary of the Army, upon condition that the property shall be used for one of the purposes stated in the subsection (a) of this section only, and subject to such other conditions, reservations or restrictions as the Secretary may determine to be necessary for the development, maintenance, or operation of the project or otherwise in the public interest.

(c) Notice of proposed conveyance

Prior to the conveyance of any land under the provisions of this section, the Secretary of the Army shall, in the manner he deems reasonable, give public notice of the proposed conveyance and afford an opportunity to interested eligible bodies in the general vicinity of the land to apply for its purchase.

(d) Delegation of authority

The Secretary of the Army may delegate any authority conferred upon him by this section to any officer or employee of the Department of the Army. Any such officer or employee shall exercise the authority so delegated under rules and regulations approved by the Secretary.

(e) Deposit of proceeds

The proceeds from any conveyance made under the provisions of this section shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

(Pub. L. 86–645, title I, § 108, July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 486.)
§ 578a. Disposition studies
(a) In general

In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, including a disposition study under section 549a of this title or an assessment under section 6002 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–121; 128 Stat. 1349), the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the property concerned has economic, cultural, historic, or recreational significance or impacts at the national, State, or local level.

(b) Completion of assessment and inventory

Not later than 1 year after December 16, 2016, the Secretary shall complete the assessment and inventory required under section 6002(a) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–121; 128 Stat. 1349).

(Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1165, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1670.)
§ 578b. Disposition of projects
(a) In general

In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, or a separable element of such a project, including a disposition study under section 549a of this title, the Secretary shall consider modifications that would improve the overall quality of the environment in the public interest, including removal of the project or separable element of a project.

(b) Disposition study transparency
The Secretary shall carry out disposition studies described in subsection (a) in a transparent manner, including by—
(1) providing opportunities for public input; and
(2) publishing the final disposition studies.
(c) Removal of infrastructure

For disposition studies described in subsection (a) in which the Secretary determines that a Federal interest no longer exists, and makes a recommendation of removal of the project or separable element of a project, the Secretary is authorized, using existing authorities, to pursue removal of the project or separable element of a project in partnership with other Federal agencies and non-Federal entities with appropriate capabilities to undertake infrastructure removal.

(Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1168, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3798.)
§ 579. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–640, title I, § 119(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4630
§ 579a. Corps budgeting; project deauthorizations; comprehensive backlog report
(a) Funds to be obligated for construction to avoid deauthorization

Any project authorized for construction by this Act shall not be authorized after the last day of the 5-year period beginning on November 17, 1986, unless during such period funds have been obligated for construction, including planning and designing, of such project.

(b) Transmission to Congress of list of unconstructed projects or separable elements authorized but not receiving obligations during 10 fiscal years preceding transmission; two-year updates of list
(1) Not later than one year after November 17, 1986, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a list of unconstructed projects, or unconstructed separable elements of projects, which have been authorized, but have received no obligations during the 10 full fiscal years preceding the transmittal of such list. A project or separable element included in such list is not authorized after December 31, 1989, if funds have not been obligated for construction of such project or element after November 17, 1986, and before December 31, 1989.
(2)Comprehensive construction backlog and operation and maintenance report.—
(A)In general.—The Secretary, once every 2 years, shall compile and publish—
(i) a complete list of all projects and separable elements of projects of the Corps of Engineers that are authorized for construction but have not been completed;
(ii) a complete list of all feasibility studies of the Corps of Engineers that Congress has authorized the Secretary to carry out for which a Report of the Chief of Engineers has not been issued;
(iii) a complete list of all environmental infrastructure projects authorized by Congress under section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (106 Stat. 4835); and
(iv) a list of major Federal operation and maintenance needs of projects and properties under the control of the Corps of Engineers.
(B)Required information.—The Secretary shall include on each list developed under clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A) for each feasibility study, project, and separable element on that list—
(i) the date of authorization of the feasibility study, project, or separable element, including any subsequent modifications to the original authorization;
(ii) the original budget authority for the feasibility study, project, or separable element;
(iii) a brief description of the feasibility study, project, or separable element;
(iv) the estimated date of completion of the feasibility study, project, or separable element, assuming all capability is fully funded;
(v) the estimated total cost of completion of the feasibility study, project, or separable element;
(vi) the amount of funds spent on the feasibility study, project, or separable element, including Federal and non-Federal funds;
(vii) the amount of appropriations estimated to be required in each fiscal year during the period of construction to complete the project or separable element by the date specified under clause (iv);
(viii) the location of the feasibility study, project, or separable element;
(ix) a statement from the non-Federal interest for the project or separable element indicating the non-Federal interest’s capability to provide the required local cooperation estimated to be required for the project or separable element in each fiscal year during the period of construction;
(x) the benefit-cost ratio of the project or separable element, calculated using the discount rate specified by the Office of Management and Budget for purposes of preparing the President’s budget pursuant to chapter 11 of title 31;
(xi) the benefit-cost ratio of the project or separable element, calculated using the discount rate utilized by the Corps of Engineers for water resources development project planning pursuant to section 1962d–17 of title 42; and
(xii) the last fiscal year in which the project or separable element incurred obligations.
(C)Required operation and maintenance information.—The Secretary shall include on the list developed under subparagraph (A)(iv), for each project and property under the control of the Corps of Engineers on that list—
(i) the authority under which the project was authorized or the property was acquired by the Corps of Engineers;
(ii) a brief description of the project or property;
(iii) an estimate of the Federal costs to meet the major operation and maintenance needs at the project or property; and
(iv) an estimate of unmet or deferred operation and maintenance needs at the project or property.
(D)Publication.—
(i)In general.—For fiscal year 2020, and once every 2 years thereafter, in conjunction with the President’s annual budget submission to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, the Secretary shall submit a copy of the lists developed under subparagraph (A) to—(I) the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and(II) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(ii)Public availability.—The Secretary shall make a copy of the lists available on a publicly accessible website site 1
1 So in original.
in a manner that is downloadable, searchable, and sortable.
(Pub. L. 99–662, title X, § 1001, Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4201; Pub. L. 101–640, title I, § 119(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4630; Pub. L. 104–303, title II, § 228(a), Oct. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 3703; Pub. L. 106–109, § 8(d), Nov. 24, 1999, 113 Stat. 1496; Pub. L. 110–114, title II, § 2046, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 113–121, title VI, § 6001(b), June 10, 2014, 128 Stat. 1345; Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1154(a), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3791; Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2732.)
§ 579b. Omitted
§ 579c. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733
§ 579c–1. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(f), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733
§ 579c–2. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(h), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733
§ 579d. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(e), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733
§ 579d–1. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 360(g), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2733
§ 579d–2. Deauthorization of inactive projects
(a) PurposesThe purposes of this section are—
(1) to identify water resources development projects, and separable elements of projects, authorized by Congress that are no longer viable for construction due to—
(A) a lack of local support;
(B) a lack of available Federal or non-Federal resources; or
(C) an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible;
(2) to create an expedited and definitive process for Congress to deauthorize water resources development projects and separable elements that are no longer viable for construction; and
(3) to allow the continued authorization of water resources development projects and separable elements that are viable for construction.
(b) Proposed deauthorization list
(1) Preliminary list of projects
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall develop a preliminary list of each water resources development project, or separable element of a project, authorized for construction before November 8, 2007, for which—
(i) planning, design, or construction was not initiated before the date of enactment of this Act; or
(ii) planning, design, or construction was initiated before the date of enactment of this Act, but for which no funds, Federal or non-Federal, were obligated for planning, design, or construction of the project or separable element of the project during the current fiscal year or any of the 10 preceding fiscal years.
(B) Use of comprehensive construction backlog and operation and maintenance report

The Secretary may develop the preliminary list from the comprehensive construction backlog and operation and maintenance reports developed pursuant to section 579a(b)(2) of this title.

(2) Preparation of proposed deauthorization list
(A) Proposed list and estimated deauthorization amountThe Secretary shall—
(i) prepare a proposed list of projects for deauthorization comprised of a subset of projects and separable elements identified on the preliminary list developed under paragraph (1) that are projects or separable elements described in subsection (a)(1), as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii) include with such proposed list an estimate, in the aggregate, of the Federal cost to complete such projects.
(B) Determination of Federal cost to complete

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Federal cost to complete shall take into account any allowances authorized by section 2280 of this title, as applied to the most recent project schedule and cost estimate.

(3) Public comment and consultation
(A) In general

The Secretary shall solicit comments from the public and the Governors of each applicable State on the proposed deauthorization list prepared under paragraph (2)(A).

(B) Comment period

The public comment period shall be 90 days.

(4) Preparation of final deauthorization list
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall prepare a final deauthorization list by—
(i) considering any comments received under paragraph (3); and
(ii) revising the proposed deauthorization list prepared under paragraph (2)(A) as the Secretary determines necessary to respond to such comments.
(B) AppendixThe Secretary shall include as part of the final deauthorization list an appendix that—
(i) identifies each project or separable element on the proposed deauthorization list that is not included on the final deauthorization list; and
(ii) describes the reasons why the project or separable element is not included on the final deauthorization list.
(c) Submission of final deauthorization list to Congress for congressional review; publication
(1) In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the close of the comment period under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary shall—
(A) submit the final deauthorization list and appendix prepared under subsection (b)(4) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; and
(B) publish the final deauthorization list and appendix in the Federal Register.
(2) Exclusions

The Secretary shall not include in the final deauthorization list submitted under paragraph (1) any project or separable element with respect to which Federal funds for planning, design, or construction are obligated after the development of the preliminary list under subsection (b)(1)(A) but prior to the submission of the final deauthorization list under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection.

(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8301(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3776
(e) Special rules
(1) Post-authorization studies

A project or separable element of a project may not be identified on the proposed deauthorization list developed under subsection (b), or the final deauthorization list developed under subsection (c), if the project or separable element received funding for a post-authorization study during the current fiscal year or any of the 10 preceding fiscal years.

(2) Treatment of project modifications

For purposes of this section, if an authorized water resources development project or separable element of the project has been modified by an Act of Congress, the date of the authorization of the project or separable element shall be deemed to be the date of the most recent such modification.

(f) Deauthorization of antiquated projects
(1) In general

Any water resources development project, or separable element of a project, authorized for construction prior to November 17, 1986, for which construction has not been initiated prior to December 27, 2020, or for which funds have not been obligated for construction in the 10-year period prior to December 27, 2020, is hereby deauthorized.

(2) IdentificationNot later than 60 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall issue to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that identifies—
(A) the name of each project, or separable element of a project, deauthorized by paragraph (1); and
(B) the estimated current value of each such project or separable element of a project.
(g) Economic and environmental review of inactive water resources development projectsThe Secretary or the non-Federal interest may not carry out any authorized water resources development project, or separable element of such project, for which construction has not been initiated in the 20-year period following the date of the authorization of such project or separable element, until—
(1) the Secretary provides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a post-authorization change report that updates the economic and environmental analysis of the project or separable element; and
(2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate take appropriate action to address any modifications to the economic and environmental analysis for the project or separable element of the project contained in the post-authorization change report.
(h) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Post-authorization change report

The term “post-authorization change report” has the meaning given such term in section 2282e(d) of this title.

(2) Post-authorization studyThe term “post-authorization study” means—
(A) a feasibility report developed under section 2282 of this title;
(B) a feasibility study, as defined in section 2215(d) of this title; or
(C) a review conducted under section 549a of this title, including an initial appraisal that—
(i) demonstrates a Federal interest; and
(ii) requires additional analysis for the project or separable element.
(Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title III, § 301, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2699; Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8301, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3775.)
§ 579e. Access to real estate data
(a) In general

Using available funds, the Secretary shall make publicly available, including on a publicly accessible website, information on all Federal real estate assets in the United States that are owned, operated, or managed by, or in the custody of, the Corps of Engineers.

(b) Requirements
(1) In general
The real estate information made available under subsection (a) shall include—
(A) existing standardized real estate plat descriptions of assets described in subsection (a); and
(B) existing geographic information systems and geospatial information associated with such assets.
(2) Collaboration

In making information available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of General Services. Such information may be made available, in whole or in part, in the Federal real property database published under section 21 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–287), as determined appropriate by the Administrator of General Services. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring the Administrator of General Services to add additional data elements or features to such Federal real property database if such additions are impractical or would add additional costs to such database.

(c) Limitation

Nothing in this section shall compel or authorize the disclosure of data or other information determined by the Secretary to be confidential, privileged, national security information, personal information, or information the disclosure of which is otherwise prohibited by law.

(d) Timing

The Secretary shall ensure that the implementation of subsection (a) occurs as soon as practicable.

(e) Effect on other laws

Nothing in this section shall be construed as modifying, or exempting the Corps of Engineers from, the requirements of the Federal real property database published under section 21 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–287).

(Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1107, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3773.)
§ 579f. Budgetary evaluation metrics and transparency; public participation
(a) Omitted
(b) Budgetary evaluation metrics and transparencyBeginning in fiscal year 2020, in the formulation of the annual budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, the President shall ensure that such budget request—
(1) aligns the assessment of the potential benefit-cost ratio for budgeting water resources development projects with that used by the Corps of Engineers during project plan formulation and evaluation pursuant to section 1962d–17 of title 42; and
(2) demonstrates the transparent criteria and metrics utilized by the President in the evaluation and selection of water resources development projects included in such budget request.
(c) Public participationIn the development of, or any proposed major substantive modification to, a proposed budget for water resources development projects, the Secretary, through each District shall, not less frequently than annually—
(1) provide to non-Federal interests and other interested stakeholders information on the proposed budget for projects or substantive modifications to project budgets within each District’s jurisdiction;
(2) hold multiple public meetings to discuss the budget for projects within each District’s jurisdiction; and
(3) provide to non-Federal interests the opportunity to collaborate with District personnel for projects within each District’s jurisdiction—
(A) to support information sharing; and
(B) to the maximum extent practicable, to share in concept development and decisionmaking to achieve complementary or integrated solutions to problems.
(Pub. L. 115–270, title I, § 1154, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3791.)