43 USC 2401 - Definitions

Collapse to view only § 2401. Definitions

§ 2401. Definitions
§ 2402. Rural water supply program
§ 2403. Rural water programs assessment
§ 2404. Appraisal investigations
§ 2405. Feasibility studies
§ 2406. Miscellaneous
§ 2407. Reports
§ 2408. Authorization of appropriations
§ 2409. Termination of authority

§ 2401. DefinitionsIn this subchapter:

(1) Construction

(2) Federal reclamation law

(3) Indian

(4) Indian tribe

(5) Non-Federal project entity

(6) Operations, maintenance, and replacement costs

(A) In general

(B) InclusionsThe term “operations, maintenance, and replacement costs” includes—

(i) repairs of a routine nature that maintain a rural water supply project in a well kept condition;

(ii) replacement of worn-out project elements; and

(iii) rehabilitation activities necessary to bring a deteriorated project back to the original condition of the project.

(7) Program

(8) Reclamation States

(9) Rural water supply project

(A) In general

(B) InclusionThe term “rural water supply project” includes—

(i) incidental noncommercial livestock watering and noncommercial irrigation of vegetation and small gardens of less than 1 acre; and

(ii) a project to improve rural water infrastructure, including—(I) pumps, pipes, wells, and other diversions;(II) storage tanks and small impoundments;(III) water treatment facilities for potable water supplies, including desalination facilities;(IV) equipment and management tools for water conservation, groundwater recovery, and water recycling; and(V) appurtenances.

(i) commercial irrigation; or

(ii) major impoundment structures.

(10) Secretary

(11) Tribal organizationThe term “tribal organization” means—

(A) the recognized governing body of an Indian tribe; and

(B) any legally established organization of Indians that is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by the governing body or democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by the organization.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 102, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3346.)

§ 2402. Rural water supply program

(a) In generalThe Secretary, in cooperation with non-Federal project entities and consistent with this subchapter, may carry out a rural water supply program in Reclamation States to—

(1) investigate and identify opportunities to ensure safe and adequate rural water supply projects for domestic, municipal, and industrial use in small communities and rural areas of the Reclamation States;

(2) plan the design and construction, through the conduct of appraisal investigations and feasibility studies, of rural water supply projects in Reclamation States; and

(3) oversee, as appropriate, the construction of rural water supply projects in Reclamation States that are recommended by the Secretary in a feasibility report developed pursuant to section 2405 of this title and subsequently authorized by Congress.

(b) Non-Federal project entity

(c) Eligibility criteriaNot later than 1 year after December 22, 2006, the Secretary shall, consistent with this subchapter, develop and publish in the Federal Register criteria for—

(1) determining the eligibility of a rural community for assistance under the Program; and

(2) prioritizing requests for assistance under the Program.

(d) FactorsThe criteria developed under subsection (c) shall take into account such factors as whether—

(1) a rural water supply project—

(A) serves—

(i) rural areas and small communities; or

(ii) Indian tribes; or

(B) promotes and applies a regional or watershed perspective to water resources management;

(2) there is an urgent and compelling need for a rural water supply project that would—

(A) improve the health or aesthetic quality of water;

(B) result in continuous, measurable, and significant water quality benefits; or

(3) a rural water supply project helps meet applicable requirements established by law; and

(4) a rural water supply project is cost effective.

(e) InclusionsThe Secretary may include—

(1) to the extent that connection provides a reliable water supply, a connection to pre-existing infrastructure (including impoundments and conveyance channels) as part of a rural water supply project; and

(2) notwithstanding the limitation on population under section 2401(9)(A) of this title, a town or community with a population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants in an area served by a rural water supply project if, at the discretion of the Secretary, the town or community is considered to be a critical partner in the rural supply project.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 103, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3347.)

§ 2403. Rural water programs assessment

(a) In general

In consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Indian Health Service, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary shall develop an assessment of—

(1) the status of all rural water supply projects under the jurisdiction of the Secretary authorized but not completed prior to December 22, 2006, including appropriation amounts, the phase of development, total anticipated costs, and obstacles to completion;

(2) the current plan (including projected financial and workforce requirements) for the completion of the projects identified in paragraph (1) within the time frames established under the provisions of law authorizing the projects or the final engineering reports for the projects;

(3) the demand for new rural water supply projects;

(4) rural water programs within other agencies and a description of the extent to which those programs provide support for rural water supply projects and water treatment programs in Reclamation States, including an assessment of the requirements, funding levels, and conditions of eligibility for the programs assessed;

(5) the extent of the demand that the Secretary can meet with the Program;

(6) how the Program will complement authorities already within the jurisdiction of the Secretary and the heads of the agencies with whom the Secretary consults; and

(7) improvements that can be made to coordinate and integrate the authorities of the agencies with programs evaluated under paragraph (4), including any recommendations to consolidate some or all of the activities of the agencies with respect to rural water supply.

(b) Consultation with States

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 104, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3348.)

§ 2404. Appraisal investigations

(a) In generalOn request of a non-Federal project entity with respect to a proposed rural water supply project that meets the eligibility criteria published under section 2402(c) of this title and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may—

(1) receive and review an appraisal investigation that is—

(A) developed by the non-Federal project entity, with or without support from the Secretary; and

(B) submitted to the Secretary by the non-Federal project entity;

(2) conduct an appraisal investigation; or

(3) provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, the non-Federal project entity to conduct an appraisal investigation, if the Secretary determines that—

(A) the non-Federal project entity is qualified to complete the appraisal investigation in accordance with the criteria published under section 2402(c) of this title; and

(B) using the non-Federal project entity to conduct the appraisal investigation is a cost-effective alternative for completing the appraisal investigation.

(b) Deadline

(c) Appraisal reportIn accordance with subsection (f), after an appraisal investigation is submitted to the Secretary under subsection (a)(1) or completed under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall prepare an appraisal report that—

(1) considers—

(A) whether the project meets—

(i) the appraisal criteria developed under subsection (d); and

(ii) the eligibility criteria developed under section 2402(c) of this title;

(B) whether viable water supplies and water rights exist to supply the project, including all practicable water sources such as lower quality waters, nonpotable waters, and water reuse-based water supplies;

(D) whether the project will meet water demand, including projected future needs;

(E) the extent to which the project provides environmental benefits, including source water protection;

(F) whether the project applies a regional or watershed perspective and promotes benefits in the region in which the project is carried out;

(G) whether the project—

(i)(I) implements an integrated resources management approach; or(II) enhances water management flexibility, including providing for—(aa) local control to manage water supplies under varying water supply conditions; and(bb) participation in water banking and markets for domestic and environmental purposes; and

(ii) promotes long-term protection of water supplies;

(H) preliminary cost estimates for the project; and

(I) whether the non-Federal project entity has the capability to pay 100 percent of the costs associated with the operations, maintenance, and replacement of the facilities constructed or developed as part of the rural water supply project; and

(2) provides recommendations on whether a feasibility study should be initiated under section 2405(a) of this title.

(d) Appraisal criteria

(1) In general

(2) Inclusions

(e) Review of appraisal investigation

(1) In general

(2) No satisfaction of criteria

(3) Responsibility of Secretary

(f) Appraisal reportOnce the Secretary has determined that an investigation provides the information necessary under subsection (e), the Secretary shall—

(1) complete the appraisal report required under subsection (c);

(2) make available to the public, on request, the appraisal report prepared under this subchapter; and

(3) promptly publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of the results.

(g) Costs

(1) Federal share

(2) Non-Federal share

(A) In general

(B) Exception

(h) Consultation; identification of funding sourcesIn conducting an appraisal investigation under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall—

(1) consult and cooperate with the non-Federal project entity and appropriate State, tribal, regional, and local authorities;

(2) consult with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies to—

(A) ensure that the proposed rural water supply project does not duplicate a project carried out under the authority of the agency head; and

(B) if a duplicate project is being carried out, identify the authority under which the duplicate project is being carried out; and

(3) identify what funding sources are available for the proposed rural water supply project.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 105, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3349.)

§ 2405. Feasibility studies

(a) In generalOn completion of an appraisal report under section 2404(c) of this title that recommends undertaking a feasibility study and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall—

(1) in cooperation with a non-Federal project entity, carry out a study to determine the feasibility of the proposed rural water supply project;

(2) receive and review a feasibility study that is—

(A) developed by the non-Federal project entity, with or without support from the Secretary; and

(B) submitted to the Secretary by the non-Federal project entity; or

(3)

(A) provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, a non-Federal project entity to conduct a feasibility study, for submission to the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that—

(i) the non-Federal entity is qualified to complete the feasibility study in accordance with the criteria promulgated under subsection (d); and

(ii) using the non-Federal project entity to conduct the feasibility study is a cost-effective alternative for completing the appraisal investigation; or

(B) if the Secretary determines not to provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, a non-Federal project entity under subparagraph (A), provide to the non-Federal project entity notice of the determination, including an explanation of the reason for the determination.

(b) Review of non-Federal feasibility studies

(1) In generalIn conducting a review of a feasibility study submitted under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(A) in accordance with the feasibility factors described in subsection (c) and the criteria promulgated under subsection (d), assess the completeness of the feasibility study; and

(B) if the Secretary determines that a feasibility study is not complete, notify the non-Federal entity of the determination.

(2) Revisions

(1) near- and long-term water demand in the area to be served by the rural water supply project;

(2) advancement of public health and safety of any existing rural water supply project and other benefits of the proposed rural water supply project;

(3) alternative new water supplies in the study area, including any opportunities to treat and use low-quality water, nonpotable water, water reuse-based supplies, and brackish and saline waters through innovative and economically viable treatment technologies;

(4) environmental quality and source water protection issues related to the rural water supply project;

(5) innovative opportunities for water conservation in the study area to reduce water use and water system costs, including—

(A) nonstructural approaches to reduce the need for the project; and

(B) demonstration technologies;

(6) the extent to which the project and alternatives take advantage of economic incentives and the use of market-based mechanisms;

(7)

(A) the construction costs and projected operations, maintenance, and replacement costs of all alternatives; and

(B) the economic feasibility and lowest cost method of obtaining the desired results of each alternative, taking into account the Federal cost-share;

(8) the availability of guaranteed loans for a proposed rural water supply project;

(9) the financial capability of the non-Federal project entity to pay the non-Federal project entity’s proportionate share of the design and construction costs and 100 percent of operations, maintenance, and replacement costs, including the allocation of costs to each non-Federal project entity in the case of multiple entities;

(10) whether the non-Federal project entity has developed an operations, management, and replacement plan to assist the non-Federal project entity in establishing rates and fees for beneficiaries of the rural water supply project that includes a schedule identifying the annual operations, maintenance, and replacement costs that should be allocated to each non-Federal entity participating in the project;

(11)

(A) the non-Federal project entity administrative organization that would implement construction, operations, maintenance, and replacement activities; and

(B) the fiscal, administrative, and operational controls to be implemented to manage the project;

(12) the extent to which assistance for rural water supply is available under other Federal authorities;

(13) the engineering, environmental, and economic activities to be undertaken to carry out the proposed rural water supply project;

(14) the extent to which the project involves partnerships with other State, local, or tribal governments or Federal entities; and

(15) in the case of a project intended for Indian tribes and tribal organizations, the extent to which the project addresses the goal of economic self-sufficiency.

(d) Feasibility study criteria

(1) In general

(2) Inclusions

(e) Feasibility report

(1)1

1 So in original. No par. (2) has been enacted.

In generalAfter completion of appropriate feasibility studies for rural water supply projects that address the factors described in subsection (c) and the criteria promulgated under subsection (d), the Secretary shall—

(A) develop a feasibility report that includes—

(i) a recommendation of the Secretary on—(I) whether the rural water supply project should be authorized for construction; and(II) the appropriate non-Federal share of construction costs, which shall be—(aa) at least 25 percent of the total construction costs; and(bb) determined based on an analysis of the capability-to-pay information considered under subsections (c)(9) and (f); and

(ii) if the Secretary recommends that the project should be authorized for construction—(I) what amount of grants, loan guarantees, or combination of grants and loan guarantees should be used to provide the Federal cost share;(II) a schedule that identifies the annual operations, maintenance, and replacement costs that should be allocated to each non-Federal entity participating in the rural water supply project; and(III) an assessment of the financial capability of each non-Federal entity participating in the rural water supply project to pay the allocated annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs for the rural water supply project;

(B) submit the report to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives;

(D) publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of the results.

(f) Capability-to-pay

(1) In generalIn evaluating a proposed rural water supply project under this section, the Secretary shall—

(A) consider the financial capability of any non-Federal project entities participating in the rural water supply project to pay 25 percent or more of the capital construction costs of the rural water supply project; and

(B) recommend an appropriate Federal share and non-Federal share of the capital construction costs, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) FactorsIn determining the financial capability of non-Federal project entities to pay for a rural water supply project under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall evaluate factors for the project area, relative to the State average, including—

(A) per capita income;

(B) median household income;

(D) the ability of the non-Federal project entity to raise tax revenues or assess fees;

(E) the strength of the balance sheet of the non-Federal project entity; and

(F) the existing cost of water in the region.

(3) Indian tribesIn determining the capability-to-pay of Indian tribe project beneficiaries, the Secretary may consider deferring the collection of all or part of the non-Federal construction costs apportioned to Indian tribe project beneficiaries unless or until the Secretary determines that the Indian tribe project beneficiaries should pay—

(A) the costs allocated to the beneficiaries; or

(B) an appropriate portion of the costs.

(g) Cost-sharing requirement

(1) In general

(2) Form

(3) Financial hardship

(4) Larger communities

(h) Consultation and cooperation

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 106, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3351.)

§ 2406. Miscellaneous

(a) Authority of Secretary

(b) Transfer of projects

(d) Interagency coordination

(e) Multiple Indian tribes

(f) Ownership of facilities

(g) Expedited procedures

(h) Effect on State water law

(1) In general

(2) Compliance required

(i) No additional requirements

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 107, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3355.)

§ 2407. Reports

Beginning in fiscal year 2007, and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2012, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report that describes the number and type of full-time equivalent positions in the Department of the Interior and the amount of overhead costs of the Department of the Interior that are allocated to carrying out this subchapter for the applicable fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 108, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3356.)

§ 2408. Authorization of appropriations

(a) In general

(b) Rural water programs assessment

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 109, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3356.)

§ 2409. Termination of authority

The authority of the Secretary to carry out this subchapter terminates on September 30, 2016.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, § 110, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3356.)