SUBCHAPTER I—BOULDER CANYON PROJECT ACT

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Consolidation of Certain Projects; Effect on This Subchapter

Consolidation of Parker and Davis Dam projects as not affecting this subchapter, see note preceding this subchapter.

§617. Colorado River Basin; protection and development; dam, reservoir, and incidental works; water, water power, and electrical energy; eminent domain

For the purpose of controlling the floods, improving navigation, and regulating the flow of the Colorado River, providing for storage and for the delivery of the stored waters thereof for reclamation of public lands and other beneficial uses exclusively within the United States, and for the generation of electrical energy as a means of making the project herein authorized a self-supporting and financially solvent undertaking, the Secretary of the Interior subject to the terms of the Colorado River compact hereinafter mentioned in this chapter, is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain a dam and incidental works in the main stream of the Colorado River at Black Canyon or Boulder Canyon adequate to create a storage reservoir of a capacity of not less than twenty million acre-feet of water and a main canal and appurtenant structures located entirely within the United States connecting the Laguna Dam, or other suitable diversion dam, which the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to construct if deemed necessary or advisable by him upon engineering or economic considerations, with the Imperial and Coachella Valleys in California, the expenditures for said main canal and appurtenant structures to be reimbursable, as provided in the reclamation law, and shall not be paid out of revenues derived from the sale or disposal of water power or electric energy at the dam authorized to be constructed at said Black Canyon or Boulder Canyon, or for water for potable purposes outside of the Imperial and Coachella Valleys: Provided, however, That no charge shall be made for water for the use, storage, or delivery of water for irrigation or water for potable purposes in the Imperial or Coachella Valleys; also to construct and equip, operate, and maintain at or near said dam, or cause to be constructed, a complete plant and incidental structures suitable for the fullest economic development of electrical energy from the water discharged from said reservoir; and to acquire by proceedings in eminent domain, or otherwise, all lands, rights-of-way, and other property necessary for said purposes.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §1, 45 Stat. 1057.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The reclamation law, referred to in text, is defined in section 617k of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Act Apr. 30, 1947, ch. 46, 61 Stat. 56, restored the name Hoover Dam to the dam on the Colorado River in Black Canyon known previously as Boulder Dam, and provided that any law, regulation, document, or record in which that dam is designated or referred to as Boulder Dam shall be held to refer to that dam under and by the name of Hoover Dam.

Construction With Other Laws

Pub. L. 98–381, title I, §103(b), Aug. 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 1334, provided that: "Except as amended by this Act [amending sections 617a and 617b of this title], the Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928 (45 Stat. 1057, as amended, 43 U.S.C. 617 et seq.), as amended and supplemented [this subchapter], shall remain in full force and effect."

Act Aug. 4, 1939, ch. 418, §18, provided that nothing in that act should be construed to amend the Boulder Canyon Project Act (this subchapter). See note set out under section 485j of this title.

Gila project, Arizona, as not amending this subchapter, see section 8 of Act July 30, 1947, ch. 382, 61 Stat. 628, set out as a note under section 613 of this title.

§617a. "Colorado River Dam Fund"

(a) Creation of fund; purpose; receipts and expenditures under control of Secretary of the Interior

There is established a special fund, to be known as the "Colorado River Dam fund" (hereinafter referred to as the "fund"), and to be available, as hereafter provided for, only for carrying out the provisions of this subchapter. All revenues received in carrying out the provisions of this subchapter shall be paid into and expenditures shall be made out of the fund, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior.

(b) Advancements to fund by Secretary of the Treasury; allocation; repayment; interest

The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to advance to the fund, from time to time and within the appropriations therefor, such amounts as the Secretary of the Interior deems necessary for carrying out the provisions of this subchapter..¹ Of this amount the sum of $25,000,000 shall be allocated to flood control and shall be repaid to the United States out of 62½ per centum of revenues, if any, in excess of the amount necessary to meet periodical payments during the period of amortization, as provided in section 617c of this title. If said sum of $25,000,000 is not repaid in full during the period of amortization, then 62½ per centum of all net revenues shall be applied to payment of the remainder. Interest at the rate of 4 per centum per annum accruing during the year upon the amounts so advanced and remaining unpaid shall be paid annually out of the fund, except as herein otherwise provided.

(c) Limitation on use made of advancements

Moneys in the fund advanced under subdivision (b) shall be available only for expenditures for construction and the payment of interest, during construction, upon the amounts so advanced. No expenditures out of the fund shall be made for operation and maintenance except from appropriations therefor.

(d) Unpaid interest on advancements; charge on fund; rate of interest

The Secretary of the Treasury shall charge the fund as of June 30 in each year with such amount as may be necessary for the payment of interest on advances made under subdivision (b) at the rate of 4 per centum per annum accrued during the year upon the amounts so advanced and remaining unpaid, except that if the fund is insufficient to meet the payment of interest the Secretary of the Treasury may, in his discretion, defer any part of such payment, and the amount so deferred shall bear interest at the rate of 4 per centum per annum until paid.

(e) Money in fund in excess of amount needed; certification of fact; disposition

The Secretary of the Interior shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury, at the close of each fiscal year, the amount of money in the fund in excess of the amount necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance, and payment of interest. Upon receipt of each such certificate the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to charge the fund with the amount so certified as repayment of the advances made under subdivision (b), which amount shall be covered into the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §2, 45 Stat. 1057; Pub. L. 98–381, title I, §103(a)(1), Aug. 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 1334.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–381 substituted a period for ", except that the aggregate amount of such advances shall not exceed the sum of $165,000,000" at end of first sentence.

¹ So in original.

§617b. Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums of money as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, not exceeding in the aggregate $242,000,000, of which $77,000,000 (October 1983 price levels) shall be adjusted plus or minus such amounts as may be justified by reason of ordinary fluctuations of construction costs as indicated by engineering cost indices applicable to the type of construction involved herein. Said $77,000,000 represents the additional amount required for the uprating program and the visitor facilities program.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §3, 45 Stat. 1058; Pub. L. 98–381, title I, §103(a)(2), Aug. 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 1334.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Pub. L. 98–381 substituted "$242,000,000, of which $77,000,000 (October 1983 price levels) shall be adjusted plus or minus such amounts as may be justified by reason of ordinary fluctuations of construction costs as indicated by engineering cost indices applicable to the type of construction involved herein. Said $77,000,000 represents the additional amount required for the uprating program and the visitor facilities program" for "$165,000,000".

§617c. Condition precedent to taking effect of provisions

(a) Ratification by interested States of Colorado River compact; agreements for apportionment of waters

This subchapter shall not take effect and no authority shall be exercised under this subchapter and no work shall be begun and no moneys expended on or in connection with the works or structures provided for in this subchapter, and no water rights shall be claimed or initiated thereunder, and no steps shall be taken by the United States or by others to initiate or perfect any claims to the use of water pertinent to such works or structures unless and until (1) the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming shall have ratified the Colorado River compact, mentioned in section 617l of this title, and the President by public proclamation shall have so declared, or (2) if said States fail to ratify the said compact within six months from December 21, 1928, then, until six of said States, including the State of California, shall ratify said compact and shall consent to waive the provisions of the first paragraph of Article XI of said compact, which makes the same binding and obligatory only when approved by each of the seven States signatory thereto, and shall have approved said compact without conditions, save that of such six-State approval, and the President by public proclamation shall have so declared, and, further, until the State of California, by act of its legislature, shall agree irrevocably and unconditionally with the United States and for the benefit of the States of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as an express covenant and in consideration of the passage of this subchapter, that the aggregate annual consumptive use (diversions less returns to the river) of water of and from the Colorado River for use in the State of California, including all uses under contracts made under the provisions of this subchapter and all water necessary for the supply of any rights which existed on December 21, 1928, shall not exceed four million four hundred thousand acre-feet of the waters apportioned to the lower basin States by paragraph (a) of Article III of the Colorado River compact, plus not more than one-half of any excess or surplus waters unapportioned by said compact, such uses always to be subject to the terms of said compact.

The States of Arizona, California, and Nevada are authorized to enter into an agreement which shall provide (1) that of the 7,500,000 acre-feet annually apportioned to the lower basin by paragraph (a) of Article III of the Colorado River compact, there shall be apportioned to the State of Nevada 300,000 acre-feet and to the State of Arizona 2,800,000 acre-feet for exclusive beneficial consumptive use in perpetuity, and (2) that the State of Arizona may annually use one-half of the excess or surplus waters unapportioned by the Colorado River compact, and (3) that the State of Arizona shall have the exclusive beneficial consumptive use of the Gila River and its tributaries within the boundaries of said State, and (4) that the waters of the Gila River and its tributaries, except return flow after the same enters the Colorado River, shall never be subject to any diminution whatever by any allowance of water which may be made by treaty or otherwise to the United States of Mexico but if, as provided in paragraph (c) of Article III of the Colorado River compact, it shall become necessary to supply water to the United States of Mexico from waters over and above the quantities which are surplus as defined by said compact, then the State of California shall and will mutually agree with the State of Arizona to supply out of the main stream of the Colorado River, one-half of any deficiency which must be supplied to Mexico by the lower basin, and (5) that the State of California shall and will further mutually agree with the States of Arizona and Nevada that none of said three States shall withhold water and none shall require the delivery of water, which cannot reasonably be applied to domestic and agricultural uses, and (6) that all of the provisions of said tri-State agreement shall be subject in all particulars to the provisions of the Colorado River compact and (7) said agreement to take effect upon the ratification of the Colorado River compact by Arizona, California, and Nevada.

(b) Agreements for revenues to meet expenses of construction, operation, and maintenance of works

Before any money is appropriated for the construction of said dam or power plant, or any construction work done or contracted for, the Secretary of the Interior shall make provision for revenues by contract, in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, adequate in his judgment to insure payment of all expenses of operation and maintenance of said works incurred by the United States and the repayment, within fifty years from the date of the completion of said works, of all amounts advanced to the fund under subdivision (b) of section 617a of this title for such works together with interest thereon made reimbursable under this subchapter.

Before any money is appropriated for the construction of said main canal and appurtenant structures to connect the Laguna Dam with the Imperial and Coachella Valleys in California, or any construction work is done upon said canal or contracted for, the Secretary of the Interior shall make provision for revenues, by contract or otherwise, adequate in his judgment to insure payment of all expenses of construction, operation, and maintenance of said main canal and appurtenant structures in the manner provided in the reclamation law.

If during the period of amortization the Secretary of the Interior shall receive revenues in excess of the amount necessary to meet the periodical payments to the United States as provided in the contract, or contracts, executed under this subchapter, then, immediately after the settlement of such periodical payments, he shall pay to the State of Arizona 18¾ per centum of such excess revenues and to the State of Nevada 18¾ per centum of such excess revenues.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §4, 45 Stat. 1058.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The reclamation law, referred to in text, is defined in section 617k of this title.

§617d. Contracts for storage and use of waters for irrigation and domestic purposes; generation and sale of electrical energy

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, under such general regulations as he may prescribe, to contract for the storage of water in said reservoir and for the delivery thereof at such points on the river and on said canal as may be agreed upon, for irrigation and domestic uses, and generation of electrical energy and delivery at the switchboard to States, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and private corporations of electrical energy generated at said dam, upon charges that will provide revenue which, in addition to other revenue accruing under the reclamation law and under this subchapter, will in his judgment cover all expenses of operation and maintenance incurred by the United States on account of works constructed under this subchapter and the payments to the United States under subdivision (b) of section 617c of this title. Contracts respecting water for irrigation and domestic uses shall be for permanent service and shall conform to paragraph (a) of section 617c of this title. No person shall have or be entitled to have the use for any purpose of the water stored as aforesaid except by contract made as herein stated.

After the repayments to the United States of all money advanced with interest, charges shall be on such basis and the revenues derived therefrom shall be kept in a separate fund to be expended within the Colorado River Basin as may hereafter be prescribed by the Congress.

General and uniform regulations shall be prescribed by the said Secretary for the awarding of contracts for the sale and delivery of electrical energy, and for renewals under subdivision (b) of this section, and in making such contracts the following shall govern:

(a) Duration of contracts for electrical energy; price of water and electrical energy to yield reasonable returns; readjustments of prices

No contract for electrical energy or for generation of electrical energy shall be of longer duration than fifty years from the date at which such energy is ready for delivery.

Contracts made pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall be made with a view to obtaining reasonable returns and shall contain provisions whereby at the end of fifteen years from the date of their execution and every ten years thereafter, there shall be readjustment of the contract, upon the demand of either party thereto, either upward or downward as to price, as the Secretary of the Interior may find to be justified by competitive conditions at distributing points or competitive centers, and with provisions under which disputes or disagreements as to interpretation or performance of such contract shall be determined either by arbitration or court proceedings, the Secretary of the Interior being authorized to act for the United States in such readjustments or proceedings.

(b) Renewal of contracts for electrical energy

The holder of any contract for electrical energy not in default thereunder shall be entitled to a renewal thereof upon such terms and conditions as may be authorized or required under the then existing laws and regulations, unless the property of such holder dependent for its usefulness on a continuation of the contract be purchased or acquired and such holder be compensated for damages to its property, used and useful in the transmission and distribution of such electrical energy and not taken, resulting from the termination of the supply.

(c) Applicants for purchase of water and electrical energy; preferences

Contracts for the use of water and necessary privileges for the generation and distribution of hydroelectric energy or for the sale and delivery of electrical energy shall be made with responsible applicants therefor who will pay the price fixed by the said Secretary with a view to meeting the revenue requirements herein provided for. In case of conflicting applications, if any, such conflicts shall be resolved by the said Secretary, after hearing, with due regard to the public interest, and in conformity with the policy expressed in the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] as to conflicting applications for permits and licenses, except that preference to applicants for the use of water and appurtenant works and privileges necessary for the generation and distribution of hydroelectric energy, or for delivery at the switchboard of a hydroelectric plant, shall be given, first, to a State for the generation or purchase of electric energy for use in the State, and the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada shall be given equal opportunity as such applicants.

The rights covered by such preference shall be contracted for by such State within six months after notice by the Secretary of the Interior and to be paid for on the same terms and conditions as may be provided in other similar contracts made by said Secretary: Provided, however, That no application of a State or a political subdivision for an allocation of water for power purposes or of electrical energy shall be denied or another application in conflict therewith be granted on the ground that the bond issue of such State or political subdivision necessary to enable the applicant to utilize such water and appurtenant works and privileges necessary for the generation and distribution of hydroelectric energy or the electrical energy applied for, has not been authorized or marketed, until after a reasonable time, to be determined by the said Secretary, has been given to such applicant to have such bond issue authorized and marketed.

(d) Transmission lines for electrical energy; use; rights of way over public and reserved lands

Any agency receiving a contract for electrical energy equivalent to one hundred thousand firm horsepower, or more, may, when deemed feasible by the said Secretary, from engineering and economic considerations and under general regulations prescribed by him, be required to permit any other agency having contracts hereunder for less than the equivalent of twenty-five thousand firm horsepower, upon application to the Secretary of the Interior made within sixty days from the execution of the contract of the agency the use of whose transmission line is applied for, to participate in the benefits and use of any main transmission line constructed or to be constructed by the former for carrying such energy (not exceeding, however, one-fourth the capacity of such line), upon payment by such other agencies of a reasonable share of the cost of construction, operation, and maintenance thereof.

The use is authorized of such public and reserved lands of the United States as may be necessary or convenient for the construction, operation, and maintenance of main transmission lines to transmit said electrical energy.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §5, 45 Stat. 1060.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The reclamation law, referred to in text preceding subsec. (a), is defined in section 617k of this title.

The Federal Power Act, referred to subsec. (c), which was in the original the "Federal Water Power Act", is defined in section 617k of this title. For further details, see note set out under section 617k of this title.

§617e. Uses to be made of dam and reservoir; title in whom; leases, regulations; limitation on authority

The dam and reservoir provided for by section 617 of this title shall be used: First, for river regulation, improvement of navigation, and flood control; second, for irrigation and domestic uses and satisfaction of present perfected rights in pursuance of Article VIII of said Colorado River compact; and third, for power. The title to said dam, reservoir, plant, and incidental works shall forever remain in the United States, and the United States shall, until otherwise provided by Congress, control, manage, and operate the same, except as herein otherwise provided: Provided, however, That the Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion, enter into contracts of lease of a unit or units of any Government-built plant, with right to generate electrical energy, or alternatively, to enter into contracts of lease for the use of water for the generation of electrical energy as herein provided, in either of which events the provisions of section 617d of this title relating to revenue, term, renewals, determination of conflicting applications, and joint use of transmission lines under contracts for the sale of electrical energy, shall apply.

The Secretary of the Interior shall prescribe and enforce rules and regulations conforming with the requirements of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], so far as applicable, respecting maintenance of works in condition of repair adequate for their efficient operation, maintenance of a system of accounting, control of rates and service in the absence of State regulation or interstate agreement, valuation for rate-making purposes, transfers of contracts, contracts extending beyond the lease period, expropriation of excessive profits, recapture and/or emergency use by the United States of property of lessees, and penalties for enforcing regulations made under this subchapter or penalizing failure to comply with such regulations or with the provisions of this subchapter. He shall also conform with other provisions of the Federal Power Act and of the rules and regulations of the Federal Power Commission, which have been devised or which may be hereafter devised, for the protection of the investor and consumer.

The Federal Power Commission is directed not to issue or approve any permits or licenses under said Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] upon or affecting the Colorado River or any of its tributaries, except the Gila River, in the States of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California until this subchapter shall become effective as provided in sections 617c of this title.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §6, 45 Stat. 1061.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Power Act, referred to in text, which was in the original the "Federal Water Power Act", is defined in section 617k of this title. For further details, see note set out under section 617k of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by sections 7151(b), 7171(a), 7172(a), 7291, and 7293 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Executive and administrative functions of Federal Power Commission, with certain reservations, transferred to Chairman of Commission, with authority vested in him to authorize their performance by any officer, employee, or administrative unit under his jurisdiction, by Reorg. Plan No. 9 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§617f. Canals and appurtenant structures; transfer of title; power development

The Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion, when repayments to the United States of all money advanced, with interest, reimbursable hereunder, shall have been made, transfer the title to said canal and appurtenant structures, except the Laguna Dam and the main canal and appurtenant structures down to and including Syphon Drop, to the districts or other agencies of the United States having a beneficial interest therein in proportion to their respective capital investments under such form of organization as may be acceptable to him. The said districts or other agencies shall have the privilege at any time of utilizing by contract or otherwise such power possibilities as may exist upon said canal, in proportion to their respective contributions or obligations toward the capital cost of said canal and appurtenant structures from and including the diversion works to the point where each respective power plant may be located. The net proceeds from any power development on said canal shall be paid into the fund and credited to said districts or other agencies on their said contracts, in proportion to their rights to develop power, until the districts or other agencies using said canal shall have paid thereby and under any contract or otherwise an amount of money equivalent to the operation and maintenance expense and cost of construction thereof.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §7, 45 Stat. 1062.)

§617g. Colorado River compact as controlling authority in construction and maintenance of dam, reservoir, canals, and other works

(a) The United States, its permittees, licensees, and contractees, and all users and appropriators of water stored, diverted, carried, and/or distributed by the reservoir, canals, and other works herein, authorized shall observe and be subject to and controlled by said Colorado River compact in the construction, management, and operation of said reservoir, canals, and other works and the storage, diversion, delivery, and use of water for the generation of power, irrigation, and other purposes, anything in this subchapter to the contrary notwithstanding, and all permits, licenses, and contracts shall so provide.

(b) Also the United States, in constructing, managing, and operating the dam, reservoir, canals, and other works herein authorized in including the appropriation, delivery, and use of water for the generation of power, irrigation, or other uses, and all users of water thus delivered and all users and appropriators of waters stored by said reservoir and/or carried by said canal, including all permittees and licensees of the United States or any of its agencies, shall observe and be subject to and controlled, anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, by the terms of such compact, if any, between the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada, or any two thereof, for the equitable division of the benefits, including power, arising from the use of water accruing to said States, subsidiary to and consistent with said Colorado River compact, which may have been negotiated and approved by said States and to which Congress shall have given its consent and approval on or before January 1, 1929; and the terms of any such compact concluded between said States and approved and consented to by Congress after said date: Provided, That in the latter case such compact shall be subject to all contracts, if any, made by the Secretary of the Interior under section 617d of this title prior to the date of such approval and consent by Congress.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §8, 45 Stat. 1062.)

§617h. Lands capable of irrigation and reclamation by irrigation works; public entry; preferences

Lands found to be practicable of irrigation and reclamation by irrigation works and withdrawn under the Act of March 6, 1946 (43 U.S.C. 617(h)) shall be opened for entry, in tracts varying in size but not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres, as may be determined by the Secretary of the Interior, in accordance with the provisions of the reclamation law, and any such entryman shall pay an equitable share in accordance with the benefits received, as determined by the said Secretary, of the construction cost of said canal and appurtenant structures; said payments to be made in such installments and at such times as may be specified by the Secretary of the Interior, in accordance with the provisions of the said reclamation law, and shall constitute revenue from said project and be covered into the fund herein provided for: Provided, That all persons who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard during World War II, the War with Germany, the War with Spain, or in the suppression of the insurrection in the Philippines, and who have been honorably separated or discharged therefrom or placed in the Regular Army or Naval Reserve, shall have the exclusive preference right for a period of three months to enter said lands, subject, however, to the provisions of section 433 of this title; and also, so far as practicable, preference shall be given to said persons in all construction work authorized by this subchapter: Provided further, That the above exclusive preference rights shall apply to veteran settlers on lands watered from the Gila canal in Arizona the same as to veteran settlers on lands watered from the All-American canal in California: Provided further, That in the event such an entry shall be relinquished at any time prior to actual residence upon the land by the entryman for not less than one year, lands so relinquished shall not be subject to entry for a period of sixty days after the filing and notation of the relinquishment in the local land office, and after the expiration of said sixty-day period such lands shall be open to entry, subject to the preference in this section provided.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §9, 45 Stat. 1063; Mar. 6, 1946, ch. 58, 60 Stat. 36; Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of March 6, 1946 (43 U.S.C. 617(h)), referred to in text, probably means act Mar. 6, 1946, ch. 58, 60 Stat. 36, which amended this section and which authorized all lands of the United States found by the Secretary of the Interior to be practicable of irrigation and reclamation by the irrigation works authorized by the act of Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, 45 Stat. 1057, to be withdrawn from public entry.

The reclamation law, referred to in text, is defined in section 617k of this title.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–579 substituted "Lands found to be practicable of irrigation and reclamation by irrigation works and withdrawn under the Act of March 6, 1946 (43 U.S.C. 617(h))" for "Thereafter, at the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, such lands", and struck out provisions authorizing withdrawal from public entry of all public lands found by Secretary of the Interior to be practicable of irrigation and reclamation by irrigation works authorized under the act of Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, 45 Stat. 1057.

1946—Act Mar. 6, 1946, struck out "or" before "Marine Corps" and inserted "or Coast Guard during World War II" after "Marine Corps," and second proviso.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

References to Naval Reserve, other than references to Naval Reserve regarding the United States Naval Reserve Retired List, deemed to refer to Navy Reserve, see section 515(h) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 10101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792, provided that amendment to this section striking out provision relating to withdrawal of public lands is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

Repeal of Prior Acts Continuing Section

Section 6 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952, repealed Joint Res. Apr. 14, 1952, ch. 204, 66 Stat. 54 as amended by Joint Res. May 28, 1952, ch. 339, 66 Stat. 96; Joint Res. June 14, 1952, ch. 437, 66 Stat. 137; Joint Res. June 30, 1952, ch. 526, 66 Stat. 296, which continued provisions until July 3, 1952. This repeal took effect as of June 16, 1952, by section 7 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952.

§617i. Modification of existing compact relating to Laguna Dam

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as modifying in any manner the existing contract, dated October 23, 1918, between the United States and the Imperial Irrigation District, providing for a connection with Laguna Dam; but the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to enter into contract or contracts with the said district or other districts, persons, or agencies for the construction, in accordance with this subchapter of said canal and appurtenant structures, and also for the operation and maintenance thereof, with the consent of the other users.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §10, 45 Stat. 1063.)

§617j. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §11, 45 Stat. 1063, authorized Secretary of the Interior to make surveys and investigations to determine what lands in Arizona should be included in Parker-Gila Valley reclamation project and required him to make a report to Congress not later than Dec. 10, 1931.

§617k. Definitions

"Political subdivision" or "political subdivisions" as used in this subchapter shall be understood to include any State, irrigation or other district, municipality, or other governmental organization.

"Reclamation law" as used in this subchapter shall be understood to mean that certain Act of Congress of the United States approved June 17, 1902, and the Acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto.

"Maintenance" as used herein shall be deemed to include in each instance provision for keeping the works in good operating condition.

"The Federal Power Act," [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] as used in this subchapter, shall be understood to mean that certain Act of Congress of the United States approved June 10, 1920, and the Acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto.

"Domestic", whenever employed in this subchapter, shall include water uses defined as "domestic" in said Colorado River compact.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §12, 45 Stat. 1064.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

That certain Act of Congress of the United States approved June 17, 1902, referred to in text, is act June 17, 1902, ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388, popularly known as the Reclamation Act, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§371 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 371 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Power Act, referred to in text, was in the original the "Federal Water Power Act", which was redesignated the Federal Power Act by section 791a of Title 16, Conservation. The Federal Power Act is act June 10, 1920, ch. 285, 41 Stat. 1063, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§791a et seq.) of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of Title 16 and Tables.

§617l. Colorado River compact approval

(a) Approval by Congress

The Colorado River compact signed at Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 24, 1922, pursuant to Act of Congress approved August 19, 1921, entitled "An Act to permit a compact or agreement between the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming respecting the disposition and apportionment of the waters of the Colorado River, and for other purposes", is approved by the Congress of the United States, and the provisions of the first paragraph of article 11 of the said Colorado River compact, making said compact binding and obligatory when it shall have been approved by the legislature of each of the signatory States, are waived, and this approval shall become effective when the State of California and at least five of the other States mentioned, shall have approved or may hereafter approve said compact as aforesaid and shall consent to such waiver, as herein provided.

(b) Rights in waters of Colorado River and tributaries; Colorado River compact as controlling

The rights of the United States in or to waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries howsoever claimed or acquired, as well as the rights of those claiming under the United States, shall be subject to and controlled by said Colorado River compact.

(c) Patents, grants, contracts, concessions, etc.; Colorado River compact as controlling

Also all patents, grants, contracts, concessions, leases, permits, licenses, rights-of-way, or other privileges from the United States or under its authority, necessary or convenient for the use of waters of the Colorado River or its tributaries, or for the generation or transmission of electrical energy generated by means of the waters of said river or its tributaries, whether under this subchapter, the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], or otherwise, shall be upon the express condition and with the express covenant that the rights of the recipients or holders thereof to waters of the river or its tributaries, for the use of which the same are necessary, convenient, or incidental, and the use of the same shall likewise be subject to and controlled by said Colorado River compact.

(d) Conditions and covenants referred to herein; nature; how and by whom availed of in litigation

The conditions and covenants referred to herein shall be deemed to run with the land and the right, interest, or privilege therein and water right, and shall attach as a matter of law, whether set out or referred to in the instrument evidencing any such patent, grant, contract, concession, lease, permit, license, right-of-way, or other privilege from the United States or under its authority, or not, and shall be deemed to be for the benefit of and be available to the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, and the users of water therein or thereunder, by way of suit, defense, or otherwise, in any litigation respecting the waters of the Colorado River or its tributaries.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §13, 45 Stat. 1064.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of Congress approved August 19, 1921, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 19, 1921, ch. 72, 42 Stat. 171, which is not classified to the Code.

The Federal Power Act, referred to in subsec. (c), which was in the original the "Federal Water Power Act", is defined in section 617k of this title. For further details, see note set out under section 617k of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Upper Colorado River Basin Compact

The Upper Colorado River Basin Compact signed by the States of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming on October 11, 1948, was approved by Congress Apr. 6, 1949, ch. 48, 63 Stat. 31.

§617m. Reclamation law applicable

This subchapter shall be deemed a supplement to the reclamation law, which said reclamation law shall govern the construction, operation, and management of the works herein authorized, except as otherwise therein provided.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §14, 45 Stat. 1065.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The reclamation law, referred to in text, is defined in section 617k of this title.

§617n. Projects for irrigation, generation of electric power, and other purposes; investigations and reports

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to make investigation and public reports of the feasibility of projects for irrigation, generation of electric power, and other purposes in the States of Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming for the purpose of making such information available to said States and to the Congress and of formulating a comprehensive scheme of control and the improvement and utilization of the water of the Colorado River and its tributaries. The sum of $250,000 is authorized to be appropriated from said Colorado River Dam fund, created by section 617a of this title, for such purposes.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §15, 45 Stat. 1065.)

§617o. Officials of ratifying States; authority to act in advisory capacity; access to records

In furtherance of any comprehensive plan formulated on and after Dec. 21, 1928 for the control, improvement, and utilization of the resources of the Colorado River system and to the end that the project authorized by this subchapter may constitute and be administered as a unit in such control, improvement, and utilization, any commission or commissioner duly authorized under the laws of any ratifying State in that behalf shall have the right to act in an advisory capacity to and in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior in the exercise of any authority under the provisions of sections 617c, 617d, and 617m of this title and shall have at all times access to records of all Federal agencies empowered to act under said sections, and shall be entitled to have copies of said records on request.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §16, 45 Stat. 1065.)

§617p. Claims of United States; priority

Except as provided in title 11, claims of the United States arising out of any contract authorized by this subchapter shall have priority over all others, secured or unsecured.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §17, 45 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, §332, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2679.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–598 inserted introductory phrase "Except as provided in title 11".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–598 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 402(a) of Pub. L. 95–598, set out as an Effective Dates note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.

§617q. Effect on authority of States to control waters within own borders

Nothing herein shall be construed as interfering with such rights as the States had on December 21, 1928, either to the waters within their borders or to adopt such policies and enact such laws as they deem necessary with respect to the appropriation, control, and use of waters within their borders, except as modified by the Colorado River compact or other interstate agreement.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §18, 45 Stat. 1065.)

§617r. Consent given States to negotiate supplemental compacts for development of Colorado River

The consent of Congress is given to the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to negotiate and enter into compacts or agreements, supplemental to and in conformity with the Colorado River compact and consistent with this subchapter for a comprehensive plan for the development of the Colorado River and providing for the storage, diversion, and use of the waters of said river. Any such compact or agreement may provide for the construction of dams, headworks, and other diversion works or structures for flood control, reclamation, improvement of navigation, division of water, or other purposes and/or the construction of power houses or other structures for the purpose of the development of water power and the financing of the same; and for such purposes may authorize the creation of interstate commissions and/or the creation of corporations, authorities, or other instrumentalities.

(a) Such consent is given upon condition that a representative of the United States, to be appointed by the President, shall participate in the negotiations and shall make report to Congress of the proceedings and of any compact or agreement entered into.

(b) No such compact or agreement shall be binding or obligatory upon any of such States unless and until it has been approved by the legislature of each of such States and by the Congress of the United States.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §19, 45 Stat. 1065.)

§617s. Recognition of rights of Mexico to Colorado River waters

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as a denial or recognition of any rights, if any, in Mexico to the use of the waters of the Colorado River system.

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §20, 45 Stat. 1066.)

§617t. Short title

The short title of this subchapter shall be "Boulder Canyon Project Act."

(Dec. 21, 1928, ch. 42, §21, 45 Stat. 1066.)

§617u. Lease of reserved lands in Boulder City, Nevada; disposition of revenues

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and empowered, under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe, to establish rental rates for the lease of reserved lands of the United States situate within the exterior boundaries of Boulder City, Nevada, and, without prior advertising, to enter into leases therefor at not less than rates so established and for periods not exceeding fifty-three years from the date of such leases: Provided, That all revenues which may accrue to the United States under the provisions of such leases shall be deposited in the Treasury and credited to the Colorado River Dam fund established by section 617a of this title.

(June 18, 1940, ch. 395, 54 Stat. 437.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Boulder Canyon Project Act which comprises this subchapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Boulder City Act of 1958

Public Law 85–900, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1726, provided for disposal of certain Federal property in Boulder City for purposes of establishment of a municipal corporation incorporated under laws of Nevada.

§617v. Repealed. Pub. L. 85–900, §17, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1735

Section, act July 31, 1953, ch. 296, title II, 67 Stat. 250, which was not enacted as part of the Boulder Canyon Project Act (which comprises this subchapter), provided for taxation of leaseholds lying within Boulder Canyon Project Reservation and deduction of certain school taxes in Boulder City Union School District.