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Show 101 mission of regular or formal reports on any project or work, unless authorized by law.161 Continuing Authorizations.-The apparent restrictive effect of these provisions is, however, subject to certain qualifications arising from legislation in the nature of continuing authoriza- tions. For example, in connection with a general grant of au- thority for repair of navigation works, Congress provided that, whenever "entire reconstruction" of the work is essential to its efficient and economical operation and maintenance, certain "modifications in plan and location" may be made by the Army Engineers where necessary to provide adequate facilities for existing navigation.152 Also, reference has been made to another such general authorization, the grant of certain authority to contruct bridges on dams.153 In addition, Congress has enacted a number of statutes permitting some discretion in the use of funds for specified types of work. All constitute authorizations for projects, and excepting the first, all are continuing in nature. Each deviates from the general legislative practice of approv- ing work on a project-by-project basis. Continuing Authorizations-Harbor Channels.-Each act appropriating funds for the maintenance and improvement of river and harbor works since 1936 has contained a provision empowering the Secretary, in his discretion and on recommen- dation of the Chief of Engineers based on recommendation by the River and Harbor Board in review of reports authorized by law, to expend sums necessary "for the maintenance of harbor channels provided by a State, municipality, or other public agency, outside of harbor lines and serving essential needs of general commerce and navigation."184 Continuing Authorizations-Snag Removal.-Similarly, a general authorization enacted in 1945 permits the Secretary to allot not to exceed $300,000 from appropriations made for any one fiscal year for improvement of rivers and harbors, "for removing accumulated snags and other debris, and for protecting, clearing, and straightening channels in navigable 151 Act of September 22,1922, § 12, 42 Stat. 1038,1043. m Act of July 5,1884, § 4, 23 Stat. 133,147, as amended, 33 U. S. O. 5. "* See supra, pp. 94-95. 184 Act of May 15,1936, § 1,49 Stat. 1278,1307. |