16 USC 590z-3 – Settlement of projects on agricultural basis
(a) Rehabilitation; stabilization of agricultural economy; maximum utilization of funds
In connection with the construction or operation and maintenance of projects undertaken pursuant to the authority of this subchapter, and in order to further in the Great Plains and arid and semiarid areas of the United States an effective rehabilitation program, stabilization of the agricultural economy and maximum utilization of funds spent for relief purposes, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, pursuant to cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior, (1) to arrange for the settlement of the projects on a sound agricultural basis, and insofar as practicable, the location thereon of persons in need; (2) to extend guidance and advice to settlers thereon in matters of farm practice, soil conservation, and efficient land use; (3) to acquire agricultural lands within the boundaries of such projects, with titles and at prices satisfactory to him; and (4) to arrange for the improvement of lands within the project boundaries, including clearing, leveling, and preparing them for distribution of irrigation water. Contracts between the United States and water users or water users’ organizations for the lease or purchase of, or the improvement of, lands within such projects shall provide for annual or semiannual payments to the United States, of the number and amounts fixed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The lease, purchase, or improvement contracts for each tract of land shall provide in the aggregate for the return, in not to exceed fifty years from the date the land is first settled upon, of the costs incurred by the United States in acquiring and improving such tract of land with funds appropriated under authority of section 590z-10(2) of this title, except administrative expenses incurred in the District of Columbia, together with interest on unpaid balances of said costs at not less than 3 per centum per annum. Such lease, purchase, or improvement contracts shall also provide for the fulfillment of such obligations related to reimbursable construction costs and operation and maintenance charges as may be applicable to such lands in accordance with the repayment contract or contracts required by section 590z-2 of this title.
(b) Utilization of other agencies
Terms Used In 16 USC 590z-3
- Appropriation: The provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes. The formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: authorization
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
- reimbursable construction costs: as used in this subchapter means that part of the costs of investigating, constructing, and operating and maintaining the project, which are allocated by the Secretary to irrigation, and which are met by expenditures of moneys therefor appropriated under the authority of section 590z-10(1) of this title, plus such amounts as the President, under section 590z(1) of this title, may determine to be reimbursable: Provided, That administrative expenses incurred in the District of Columbia in connection with the investigation construction, or operation and maintenance of a project shall not be included in the reimbursable construction costs nor shall they be charged to the water users in any way. See 16 USC 590z-2
- Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
- State: means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United States. See 1 USC 7
For the purposes of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture may utilize (1) in such manner as the President may direct, services, labor, materials, or other property, including money, supplied by the Work Projects Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Office of Indian Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, or any other Federal agency to the extent that the President, upon the report and recommendations of the Secretary of Agriculture, finds that the same should be supplied in assistance of such improvement work, and for which the United States shall be reimbursed in such amounts as the President may fix for each project; and (2) such services, labor, materials, easements, or other property, including money, as may be contributed by any State or political subdivision thereof State agency, municipal corporation, or other organization, or individuals. Moneys received and accepted under (2) of this subsection shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes for which contributed in like manner as if said sums had been specifically appropriated for said purposes.
(c) Advertisement for purchases or services
Where the aggregate amount involved does not exceed $300, the provisions of section 6101 of title 41 shall not apply to any purchase or service authorized for the Department of Agriculture under this subchapter or under the 1940 water conservation appropriation.