This part sets forth the general policies for planning and carrying out watershed projects under Pub. L. 83-566, 68 Stat. 666 (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) and flood prevention projects under Pub. L. 78-534, 58 Stat. 889 (33 U.S.C. 701b-1).

(a) To assist sponsors in preparing and carrying out watershed plans, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) shall conduct investigations and surveys, with the cooperation and assistance of other Federal agencies, to:

(1) Determine the extent of watershed problems and needs, and

(2) Set forth viable alternative solutions consistent with local, regional, and national objectives, including an alternative solution which makes the greatest net contribution to national economic development.

(b) Alternatives will consist of either land treatment, nonstructural or structural measures, or combinations thereof that will help accomplish one or more of the authorized project purposes.

(c) Authorized project purposes are watershed protection, conservation and proper utilization of land, flood prevention, agricultural water management including irrigation and drainage, public recreation, public fish and wildlife, municipal and industrial water supply, hydropower, water quality management, ground water supply, agricultural pollution control, and other water management.

(d) After a final plan for works of improvement is agreed upon between NRCS and the sponsors and the approval processes are completed, NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance to install the project, subject to the availability of funds and the budgeting and fiscal policies of the President.

(a) General. The purposes and objectives of the programs under Pub. L. 83-566 and Pub. L. 78-534 are the same in most cases. Planning criteria, economic justification, local sponsorship, agency participation, financial assistance, eligible measures, operation and maintenance arrangements for the Pub. L. 78-534 program are consistent with those of the Pub. L. 83-566 program. The differences with the Pub. L. 78-534 program are outlined below.

(b) Initiation. Flood prevention projects are individually authorized by Federal legislation. The state conservationist and the sponsors agree on a plan of action and notify interested parties to solicit their participation. The sponsors keep the public informed and solicit their views and comments.

(c) Subwatershed plans. These plans are administratively approved by the state conservationist. If the plan involves purposes other than flood prevention, clearance must be obtained from the Office of Management and Budget before approval. Financial assistance available differs only in that program funds may be used for the purchase of land rights for single-purpose flood prevention structures and installing land treatment on Federal lands.

(d) Installation. NRCS shall award and administer contracts for the installation of project measures unless the sponsors agree to perform the work. Project agreements between the sponsors and NRCS are not required if the work consists of flood prevention structures built and funded by NRCS.

NRCS will coordinate responsibilities with other water and land resource development agencies on projects that may come under the jurisdictions of various authorities. This will include any land management agencies which may have land which would be affected by project measures. Coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service will be in accordance with section 12 of Pub. L. 83-566 (as amended).

Guidelines for carrying out programs authorized under Pub. L. 83-566 and Pub. L. 78-534 are contained in miscellaneous instructions, manuals, and handbooks issued by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) issued by the Council on Environmental Quality, and in Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies issued by the Water Resources Council. Watershed projects are to be planned and carried out in a way that will conform to conditions mandated by the above and other applicable laws, Executive orders, and codified rules.

The Pub. L. 83-566 and Pub. L. 78-534 programs will be conducted in compliance with all requirements respecting nondiscrimination as contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and in the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (7 CFR Part 15), which provide that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or religion be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted or assisted by the Department of Agriculture.

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs” and 7 CFR Part 3015, Subpart V, “Intergovernmental Review of the Department of Agriculture Programs and Activities.” State processes or directly affected State, areawide, regional and local officials and entities have 60 days for comment starting from the date of submission of the application to the State Single Point of Contact.