View all text of Chapter 50 [§ 3201 - § 3208]
§ 3208. Federal assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects
(a) In general
The Secretary, at the request of and in coordination with affected Indian Tribes, States (including subdivisions and departments of a State), or a public agency organized pursuant to State law, may provide technical or financial assistance for, participate in, and enter into agreements (including agreements with irrigation entities) for—
(1) groundwater recharge projects;
(2) aquifer storage and recovery projects; or
(3) water source substitution for aquifer protection projects.
(b) Limitation
Nothing in this section authorizes additional technical or financial assistance for, or participation in an agreement for, a surface water storage facility to be constructed or expanded.
(c) Requirement
A construction project shall only be eligible for financial assistance under this section if the project meets the conditions for funding under section 3202(a)(2)(C)(ii) of this title.
(d) Cost sharing
Cost sharing for a project funded under this section shall be in accordance with section 3202(b) of this title.
(e) Environmental laws
In providing funding for a project under this section, the Secretary shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, including —
(1) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(2) any obligations for fish, wildlife, or water quality protection in permits or licenses granted by a Federal agency or a State; and
(3) any applicable Federal or State laws (including regulations).
(f) Authorization by Congress for major project construction
A project with a total estimated cost of $500,000,000 or more shall only be eligible for construction funding under this section if the project is authorized for construction by an Act of Congress.
(Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title IX, § 40910, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1126.)