
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC1301]

 
                         TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
 
        CHAPTER 29--WATER BANK PROGRAM FOR WETLANDS PRESERVATION
 
Sec. 1301. Congressional declaration of policy; authority of 
        Secretary
        
    The Congress finds that it is in the public interest to preserve, 
restore, and improve the wetlands of the Nation, and thereby to conserve 
surface waters, to preserve and improve habitat for migratory waterfowl 
and other wildlife resources, to reduce runoff, soil and wind erosion, 
and contribute to flood control, to contribute to improved water quality 
and reduce stream sedimentation, to contribute to improved subsurface 
moisture, to reduce acres of new land coming into production and to 
retire lands now in agricultural production, to enhance the natural 
beauty of the landscape, and to promote comprehensive and total water 
management planning. The Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter in this 
chapter referred to as the ``Secretary'') is authorized and directed to 
formulate and carry out a continuous program to prevent the serious loss 
of wetlands, and to preserve, restore, and improve such lands, which 
program shall begin on July 1, 1971.

(Pub. L. 91-559, Sec. 2, Dec. 19, 1970, 84 Stat. 1468.)


                               Short Title

    Section 1 of Pub. L. 91-559 provided: ``That this Act [enacting this 
chapter] may be cited as the `Water Bank Act'.''
