33 USC 3301 - Definitions

View all text of Chapter 46 [§ 3301 - § 3307]

§ 3301. DefinitionsIn this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) Administrator

(2) Canal structure

(A) In generalThe term “canal structure” means an embankment, wall, or structure along a canal or manmade watercourse that—

(i) constrains water flows;

(ii) is subject to frequent water loading; and

(iii) is an integral part of a flood risk reduction system that protects the leveed area from flood waters associated with hurricanes, precipitation events, seasonal high water, and other weather-related events.

(B) Exclusion

(3) Committee

(4) Floodplain management

(5) Indian tribe

(6) InspectionThe term “inspection” means an actual inspection of a levee—

(A) to establish the global information system location of the levee;

(B) to determine the general condition of the levee; and

(C) to estimate the number of structures and population at risk and protected by the levee that would be adversely impacted if the levee fails or water levels exceed the height of the levee.

(7) Levee

(A) In generalThe term “levee” means a manmade barrier (such as an embankment, floodwall, or other structure)—

(i) the primary purpose of which is to provide hurricane, storm, or flood protection relating to seasonal high water, storm surges, precipitation, or other weather events; and

(ii) that is normally subject to water loading for only a few days or weeks during a calendar year.

(B) InclusionsThe term “levee” includes a levee system, including—

(i) levees and canal structures that—(I) constrain water flows;(II) are subject to more frequent water loading; and(III) do not constitute a barrier across a watercourse; and

(ii) roadway and railroad embankments, but only to the extent that the embankments are integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system.

(i) a roadway or railroad embankment that is not integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system;

(ii) a canal constructed completely within natural ground without any manmade structure (such as an embankment or retaining wall to retain water or a case in which water is retained only by natural ground);

(iii) a canal regulated by a Federal or State agency in a manner that ensures that applicable Federal safety criteria are met;

(iv) a levee or canal structure—(I) that is not a part of a Federal flood damage reduction system;(II) that is not recognized under the National Flood Insurance Program as providing protection from the 1-percent-annual-chance or greater flood;(III) that is not greater than 3 feet high;(IV) the population in the leveed area of which is less than 50 individuals; and(V) the leveed area of which is less than 1,000 acres; or

(v) any shoreline protection or river bank protection system (such as revetments or barrier islands).

(8) Levee featureThe term “levee feature” means a structure that is critical to the functioning of a levee, including—

(A) an embankment section;

(B) a floodwall section;

(D) a pumping station;

(E) an interior drainage work; and

(F) a flood damage reduction channel.

(9) Levee systemThe term “levee system” means 1 or more levee segments, including all levee features that are interconnected and necessary to ensure protection of the associated leveed areas—

(A) that collectively provide flood damage reduction to a defined area; and

(B) the failure of 1 of which may result in the failure of the entire system.

(10) National levee database

(11) Participating program

(12) Regional district

(13) Rehabilitation

(A) In general

(B) Inclusions

(14) Risk

(15) StateThe term “State” means—

(A) a State;

(B) the District of Columbia;

(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.

(16) State levee safety agency

(17) United States

(Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9002, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1288; Pub. L. 113–121, title III, § 3016(b), June 10, 2014, 128 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 114–322, title I, § 1130(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1650; Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8387(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3830.)