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Show 578 pleting.448 In the aggregate, therefore, these special funds do not answer the fiscal problem respecting new projects and programs. Necessity for Appropriations.-For a time, expenditures from the Reclamation Fund were permissible without appropriation action.449 But Congress in 1914 prohibited expenditures "ex- cept out of appropriations." 450 The construction of Boulder Canyon Project was dependent upon appropriations to the Colorado River Dam Fund.461 And for specified purposes, receipts of the Colorado River Development Fund are "author- ized to be appropriated." 452 On the other hand, without ap- propriation action, the Tennessee Valley Authority is author- ized to reserve a portion of the proceeds from its operations for use for specified purposes, previously set forth.453 Finally, the need for appropriation action varies with respect to the other resource funds we have mentioned.454 Fiscal-Year Financing.-A number of rules of general ap- plicability should first be noted. Except where modified, they govern important aspects of the financing of water-resource projects and reflect the effect of the appropriation process. For example, no federal agency may "involve the Govern- ment in any contract or other obligation for the future pay- ment of money in excess of" appropriations unless authorized by law.455 Nor may a contract or purchase on behalf of the 448 For example, certain administrative and investigative expenses are chargeable to the Reclamation Fund but may not "be charged as a part of the reimbursable construction or operation and maintenance costs." Act of December 5, 1924, § 4, subsection O, 43 Stat. 672, 704, as amended, 43 U. S. O. 377. 449 See supra, pp. 198-199. 450 Act of August 13,1914, § 16, 38 Stat. 686, 690, 43 U. S. C. 414. 451 Act of December 21, 1928, § 2(b), 45 Stat. 1057, 43 U. S. O. 617a(b). 482 Act of July 19, 1940, § 2(d), 54 Stat. 774, 775, 43 U. S. 0. 618a(d). 453 See supra, pp. 575-576. 454 Thus, appropriation action is required in the case of the Taylor Grazing Act fund, but not as to the fund for maintenance of roads and trails within national forests. See supra, n. 444, p. 577. 463 R. S. § 3679, from Act of July 12,1870, § 7,16 Stat. 230, 251, as amended, 31 U. S. C 665. |