---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 U.S.C. § 421a"
title: "43"
title_heading: "Public Lands"
number: "421a"
heading: "Construction of distribution and drainage systems by irrigation districts or public agencies"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/43/421a"
units:
  - "Chapter 12 — Reclamation and Irrigation of Lands by Federal Government"
  - "Subchapter III — Institution and Construction of Projects"
---

# §421a. Construction of distribution and drainage systems by irrigation districts or public agencies


Distribution and drainage systems authorized to be constructed under the Federal reclamation laws may, in lieu of construction by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior (referred to in sections 421a to [421h](/usc/43/421h.md) of this title as the “[Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7)”), be constructed by irrigation districts or other public agencies according to plans and specifications approved by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) as provided in sections 421a to [421h](/usc/43/421h.md) of this title. The drainage systems referred to in sections 421a to [421h](/usc/43/421h.md) of this title are those required for collection and removal of excess irrigation water, either on or below the surface of the ground and do not include enlargement or alteration of existing waterways for disposition or natural runoff.


## Source credit

(July 4, 1955, ch. 271, § 1, 69 Stat. 244; Pub. L. 92–487, Oct. 13, 1972, 86 Stat. 804.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1972—Pub. L. 92–487 substituted provisions relating to construction of distribution and drainage systems, for provisions relating to construction of irrigation systems, and inserted provisions setting forth the type of drainage systems subject to coverage of sections 421a to 421h of this title.