PUBLIC LAW 109–451—DEC. 22, 2006
120 STAT. 3349
(7) improvements that can be made to coordinate and integrate the authorities of the agencies with programs evaluated under paragraph (4), including any recommendations to consolidate some or all of the activities of the agencies with respect to rural water supply. (b) CONSULTATION WITH STATES.—Before finalizing the assessment developed under subsection (a), the Secretary shall solicit comments from States with identified rural water needs. (c) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a detailed report on the assessment conducted under subsection (a). SEC. 105. APPRAISAL INVESTIGATIONS.
43 USC 2404.
(a) IN GENERAL.—On request of a non-Federal project entity with respect to a proposed rural water supply project that meets the eligibility criteria published under section 103(c) and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may— (1) receive and review an appraisal investigation that is— (A) developed by the non-Federal project entity, with or without support from the Secretary; and (B) submitted to the Secretary by the non-Federal project entity; (2) conduct an appraisal investigation; or (3) provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, the non-Federal project entity to conduct an appraisal investigation, if the Secretary determines that— (A) the non-Federal project entity is qualified to complete the appraisal investigation in accordance with the criteria published under section 103(c); and (B) using the non-Federal project entity to conduct the appraisal investigation is a cost-effective alternative for completing the appraisal investigation. (b) DEADLINE.—An appraisal investigation conducted under subsection (a) shall be scheduled for completion not later than 2 years after the date on which the appraisal investigation is initiated. (c) APPRAISAL REPORT.—In accordance with subsection (f), after an appraisal investigation is submitted to the Secretary under subsection (a)(1) or completed under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall prepare an appraisal report that— (1) considers— (A) whether the project meets— (i) the appraisal criteria developed under subsection (d); and (ii) the eligibility criteria developed under section 103(c); (B) whether viable water supplies and water rights exist to supply the project, including all practicable water sources such as lower quality waters, nonpotable waters, and water reuse-based water supplies; (C) whether the project has a positive effect on public health and safety; (D) whether the project will meet water demand, including projected future needs;
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