Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

33 U.S.C. § 2281

Matters to be addressed in planning

(a)

In general

Enhancing national economic development (including benefits to particular regions of the Nation not involving the transfer of economic activity to such regions from other regions), the quality of the total environment (including preservation and enhancement of the environment), the well-being of the people of the United States, the prevention of loss of life, and the preservation of cultural and historical values shall be addressed in the formulation and evaluation of water resources projects to be carried out by the Secretary, and the associated benefits and costs, both quantifiable and unquantifiable, and information regarding potential loss of human life that may be associated with flooding and coastal storm events, shall be displayed in the benefits and costs of such projects.

(b)

Assessments

For all feasibility reports for water resources projects completed after , the Secretary shall assess whether—
(1)
the water resources project and each separable element is cost-effective; and
(2)
the water resources project complies with Federal, State, and local laws (including regulations) and public policies.

Pub. L. 99–662, title IX, § 904100 Stat. 4185Pub. L. 101–640, title III, § 315104 Stat. 4641Pub. L. 104–303, title II, § 231110 Stat. 3704Pub. L. 110–114, title II, § 2033(a)121 Stat. 1084(, , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 110–1142007— designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

Pub. L. 104–3031996— inserted “and information regarding potential loss of human life that may be associated with flooding and coastal storm events,” after “unquantifiable,”.

Pub. L. 101–6401990— inserted “(including preservation and enhancement of the environment)” after “environment”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rural Project Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Pub. L. 102–580, title II, § 214106 Stat. 4831Pub. L. 104–316, title I, § 117110 Stat. 3835, , , directed Comptroller General, not later than 18 months after , to report to Congress with specific legislative and other recommendations on improving the equitable distribution of water resources development projects in rural areas, prior to repeal by , , .