Source: https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=1138934
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 20:52:33+00:00

Document:
552 allocations. On the other hand, provision is made for repay- able and returnable allocations to irrigation, power, and mu- nicipal water supply or other miscellaneous purposes.803 Interest in Lands.-By statute of general application, it is required that no money may be expended on land purchased for the purpose of erecting public buildings "until the written opinion of the Attorney General shall be had in favor of the validity of the title."804 A more recent general requirement, however, permits earlier expenditure of appropriated funds, the taking of possession, and construction of public works upon fulfillment of prescribed conditions.305 Upon fulfillment of dif- ferent conditions, the Secretary of the Army is authorized to take immediate possession of lands needed for authorized navi- gation improvements or flood-control projects, and proceed with the authorized work.308 Also, it has been held that, in con- demnation proceedings under the Reclamation Act, it is not necessary that damages be assessed and paid before taking of possession.307 In connection with land acquisition, the obtain- ing of exclusive jurisdiction in the United States has not been required since 1940.308 In the case of Army Engineer flood-control projects, pro- vision is made for consent of the state to acquisition of lands if the benefits are in other states.309 But this provision does not apply in the case of dam and reservoir projects.310 As a 803 See supra, pp. 194-195. 804 R. S. §355, from J. Res. No. 6, September 11, 1841, 5 Stat. 468, as amended, 40 U. S. 0. 255. 805 Act of February 26,1931, § 5, 46 Stat. 1421, 1422, 40 U. S. O. 258e. 806 Act of July 18,1918, § 5, 40 Stat. 904, 911, 33 U. S. O. 594; Act of August 18,1941, § 6, 55 Stat. 638, 650, 33 U. S. 0. 701c-2. 307 United States v. O'Neill, 198 Fed. 677, 683 (D. C. Colo. 1912). See also 5 Comp. Gen. 907 (1926). Findings by the Secretary of the Interior respecting acquisition of lands and water rights are stipulated in the form of a condition precedent to construction of projects under the Water Conservation and Utilization Act. Act of October 14, 1940, § 3(b), 54 Stat. 1119, 1121, as amended, 16 U. S. C. 590z-l(b). 808 Act of October 9, 1940, 54 Stat. 1080, 1083, see 40 U. S. C. 255. 809 Act of June 22,1936, § 3, 49 Stat. 1570,1571, as amended, 33 U. S. C. 701c. 310 Act of June 28, 1938, § 2, 52 Stat. 1215, as amended, 33 U. S. C. 701c-l.

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