79-S1641 on Aug 2, 1979

OnTheIssues.org EXPLANATION: Let the Army Corps of Engineers decide with state government where to build dams, including signing contracts with state agencies for operating those dams, without getting each dam individually approved by Congress. This applies only when a state is willing to contribute to the costs of the dam construction.

OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY: A bill authorizing the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to plan, design, and construct small hydroelectric power projects not specifically authorized by the Congress.

EXCERPTS FROM BILL:

• Title I: The National Small Hydroelectric Power Development Act:
  Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to allot funds for the planning and design of small hydroelectric projects, when deemed advisable by the Chief of Engineers. Authorizes the Secretary to construct such projects after entering into a written agreement

with a non-Federal public entity concerning the operation, maintenance, electric rates, and repayment of the costs of such projects. Limits the size of and the Federal contribution to any such project.

• Title II: National Water Resources Policy and Development Demonstration Act
  Authorizes the States to request the Water Resources Council for detailed studies of specific water resources needs. Requires the appropriate agencies to submit a detailed report at the conclusion of a study to the Council along with certification by the appropriate Governor that implementation of the project is desirable. Deems a project authorized for implementation 90 days after the Council publishes the summary of the study report, agency recommendations, and the governor's certification. Requires congressional authorization of a project if: (1) an affected Governor objects; or (2) the Federal agency and the Council recommend against implementation of such project.