A bill to amend and supplement the Federal reclamation laws, and for other purposes.

Summary

Title I: Applies the provisions of this title to irrigation districts which contract with the Secretary of the Interior after enactment, and to districts which amend existing contracts with the Secretary to conform with such provisions. Prohibits the Secretary from delivering project water under a contract for the irrigation of privately owned lands in excess of 960 acres of class I land. Permits contract delivery of such water to leased lands in excess of 960 acres, but only for full price. Sets forth circumstances under which corporations with more than 18 individual shareholders shall be eligible for project water delivery. Requires landowners and lessees receiving project water to certify to the Secretary that they are in compliance with provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary, upon the request of any district for the application of acreage limitations, to determine the equivalency of irrigable lands within the district. Conditions the delivery of project water to lands in excess of ownership limitations upon the owners' agreement with the Secretary to dispose of excess lands. Requires the price of project water delivery to be sufficient to cover operation and maintenance costs. Title II: States that residency on or near lands receiving project water is not required. Exempts landholdings receiving benefits from certain water resource projects constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers from the acreage limitations and other provisions of Federal reclamation laws. Lists the types of ownership and lands for which acreage limitations shall not apply. States that an individual religious or religious charitable organization which owns, operates, or leases lands within a district shall be treated as a person under this Act. Provides that project water temporarily made available from reclamation facilities in excess of ordinary quantities may be used for water quality, irrigation, municipal, or industrial purposes only to the extent covered by a contract for the use of such project water. Authorizes any party to a contract to sue the United States to adjudicate, confirm, validate or decree the contractual rights regarding any contract executed pursuant to Federal reclamation laws. Provides for the extension of time under recordable contracts to dispose of excess lands when the Secretary withholds the processing or approval of such disposition. Limits to ten years any restriction prohibiting the delivery of project water for the production of excess basic agricultural commodities in reclamation project service areas. Amends the Small Reclamation Projects Act to restrict certain water contract requirements to privately owned land in excess of 960 irrigable acres (currently applies requirements to any such land of more than 160 irrigable acres). Sets forth penalties for violations of Federal reclamation laws. Makes permanent the provision of project water to lessees of State-owned irrigable land (currently, permits such provision only until 1995). Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to direct the Secretary to provide public notice and invite comments by interested persons before entering into or amending repayment contracts for the delivery of project water for irrigation purposes.

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Documents

4 official files

• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 16 July 1982

  Open at official source

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 6 May 1982

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• Reported to House with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 15 March 1982

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 10 February 1982

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