OCR Text |
Show 256 national policy. With its many supplements and amend- ments, this Act constitutes Reclamation Law. Under the su- pervision of the Secretary of the Interior, activities under Rec- lamation Law are performed by the Bureau of Reclamation. By the 1902 Act, the Secretary is directed to make exami- nations and surveys for the location of irrigation works. The scope of these investigations was broadened from time to time and especially by the 1939 Reclamation Project Act. Today, facts are collected concerning project feasibility, including cost estimates and cost allocations, and general economic and en- gineering matters. Provision is made for cooperation with international and interstate agencies, federal and state agencies, and interdepartmental and intradepartmental agencies. It has been provided since 1902 that reports on surveys and examinations be submitted to Congress. In the 1939 Act, provision is made for the automatic authori- zation of projects upon submission of a report and prescribed findings to the President and Congress. Such authorization was made contingent, in 1944, on approval of plans and pro- posals by "affected" states and the Secretary of the Army. It was originally considered that the revolving Reclamation Fund would finance new irrigation works. The Fund was es- tablished by the 1902 Act by reserving, setting aside, and ap- propriating moneys received from the disposal of public lands in the 16 Western States and Territories named in the Act. It has since been augmented by income from various other sources. Repayment of construction costs into the Reclamation Fund was a basic principle of the 1902 Act. With modifications, it has persisted ever since. In recent years, some project costs have been made nonreimbursable. These include allocations to navigation, flood control, and preservation and propagation of fish and wildlife. Power revenues are used to return part of the irrigation costs. Under the 1939 Act, the irrigation water-users' obligation is limited to whatever part of the con- struction costs may be allocated to irrigation and assigned for repayment by them. Under the 1939 Act, there must be a repayment contract with an organization satisfactory in form and powers to the Secre- |