Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters
Chapter 46 — National Levee Safety Program
§ 3301. Definitions
Statutory text
In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
Administrator
The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Canal structure
In general
The term “canal structure” means an embankment, wall, or structure along a canal or manmade watercourse that—
constrains water flows;
is subject to frequent water loading; and
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.
Exclusion
The term “canal structure” does not include a barrier across a watercourse.
Committee
The term “committee” means the Committee on Levee Safety established by section 3302(a) of this title.
Floodplain management
The term “floodplain management” means the operation of a community program of corrective and preventative measures for reducing flood damage.
Indian tribe
The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
Inspection
The term “inspection” means an actual inspection of a levee—
to establish the global information system location of the levee;
to determine the general condition of the levee; and
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.
Levee
In general
The term “levee” means a manmade barrier (such as an embankment, floodwall, or other structure)—
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
that is normally subject to water loading for only a few days or weeks during a calendar year.
Inclusions
The term “levee” includes a levee system, including—
levees and canal structures that—
constrain water flows;
are subject to more frequent water loading; and
do not constitute a barrier across a watercourse; and
roadway and railroad embankments, but only to the extent that the embankments are integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system.
Exclusions
The term “levee” does not include—
a roadway or railroad embankment that is not integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system;
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);
a canal regulated by a Federal or State agency in a manner that ensures that applicable Federal safety criteria are met;
a levee or canal structure—
that is not a part of a Federal flood damage reduction system;
that is not recognized under the National Flood Insurance Program as providing protection from the 1-percent-annual-chance or greater flood;
that is not greater than 3 feet high;
the population in the leveed area of which is less than 50 individuals; and
the leveed area of which is less than 1,000 acres; or
any shoreline protection or river bank protection system (such as revetments or barrier islands).
Levee feature
The term “levee feature” means a structure that is critical to the functioning of a levee, including—
an embankment section;
a floodwall section;
a closure structure;
a pumping station;
an interior drainage work; and
a flood damage reduction channel.
Levee system
The 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—
that collectively provide flood damage reduction to a defined area; and
the failure of 1 of which may result in the failure of the entire system.
National levee database
The term “national levee database” means the levee database established under section 3303 of this title.
Participating program
The term “participating program” means a levee safety program developed by a State, regional district, or Indian tribe that includes the minimum components necessary for recognition by the Secretary.
Regional district
The term “regional district” means a subdivision of a State government, or a subdivision of multiple State governments, that is authorized to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain projects for the purpose of flood damage reduction.
Rehabilitation
In general
The term “rehabilitation” means the repair, replacement, reconstruction, removal of a levee, or reconfiguration of a levee system, including a setback levee, that is carried out to reduce flood risk, increase resiliency to extreme weather events, or meet national levee safety guidelines.
Inclusions
The term “rehabilitation” includes improvements to a levee in conjunction with any repair, replacement, reconstruction, or reconfiguration.
Risk
The term “risk” means a measure of the probability and severity of undesirable consequences.
State
The term “State” means—
a State;
the District of Columbia;
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
any other territory or possession of the United States.
State levee safety agency
The term “State levee safety agency” means the agency of a State that has regulatory authority over the safety of any non-Federal levee in the State.
United States
The term “United States”, when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States.
Legislative history
Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.
National Levee Safety Act of 2007
Pub. L. 110–114 title IX § 9002 · 121 Stat. 1041
Enacted · 33 U.S.C. § 3301
Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9002, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1288
Source evidence
Code source credit
Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9002, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1288Enacted provision · exact public law section
SEC. 9002. DEFINITIONS. In this title, the following definitions apply: (1) Committee.— The term “committee” means the Committee on Levee Safety established by section 9003(a). (2) Inspection.— The 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. (3) Levee.— (A) In general.— The term “levee” means an embankment, including floodwalls— (i) the primary purpose of which is to provide hurricane, storm, and flood protection relating to seasonal high water, storm surges, precipitation, and other weather events; and (ii) that normally is subject to water loading for only a few days or weeks during a year. (B) Inclusion.— The term includes structures along canals that constrain water flows and are subject to more frequent water loadings but that do not constitute a barrier across a watercourse. (4) State.— The term “State” means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (5) State levee safety agency.— The term “State levee safety agency” means the agency of a State that has regulatory authority over the safety of any non-Federal levee in the State. (6) United states.— The term “United States”, when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States.Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014
Pub. L. 113–121 § 3016(b)(1) · 128 Stat. 1193
Added · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(1)(6)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1)–(3), added pars. (1), (2), (4), and (5)
Redesignated · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(1)(6)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1)–(3), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (3) and (6), respectively. Former pars. (3), (4), (5), and (6) redesignated (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (1) to (6). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1)–(3), added pars. (1), (2), (4), and (5), and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (3) and (6), respectively. Former pars. (3), (4), (5), and (6) redesignated (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), as paragraphs (3), (6), (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively;Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014
Pub. L. 113–121 § 3016(b)(4) · 128 Stat. 1193
Added · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(7)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(4), added par. (7)
Struck · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(7)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(4), struck out former par. (7) which defined “levee”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (7). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(4), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which defined “levee”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(4) by striking paragraph (7) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the following: “(7) Levee.— “(A) In general.— The 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) Inclusions.— The 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. “(C) Exclusions.— The term ‘levee’ does not include— “(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 feature.— The term ‘levee feature’ means a structure that is critical to the functioning of a levee, including— “(A) an embankment section; “(B) a floodwall section; “(C) a closure structure; “(D) a pumping station; “(E) an interior drainage work; and “(F) a flood damage reduction channel. “(9) Levee system.— The 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.— The term ‘national levee database’ means the levee database established under section 9004. “(11) Participating program.— The term ‘participating program’ means a levee safety program developed by a State or Indian tribe that includes the minimum components necessary for recognition by the Secretary. “(12) Rehabilitation.— The term ‘rehabilitation’ means the repair, replacement, reconstruction, removal of a levee, or reconfiguration of a levee system, including a setback levee, that is carried out to reduce flood risk or meet national levee safety guidelines. “(13) Risk.— The term ‘risk’ means a measure of the probability and severity of undesirable consequences.” .Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014
Pub. L. 113–121 § 3016(b)(1) · 128 Stat. 1193
Redesignated · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(7)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), redesignated par. (3) as (7)
Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), redesignated par. (3) as (7).Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), as paragraphs (3), (6), (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively;Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014
Pub. L. 113–121 § 3016(b)(1) · 128 Stat. 1193
Added · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(8)(16)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), (4), added pars. (8) to (13)
Redesignated · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(8)(16)
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), (4), redesignated pars. (4) to (6) as (14) to (16), respectively
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (8) to (16). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), (4), added pars. (8) to (13) and redesignated pars. (4) to (6) as (14) to (16), respectively.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), as paragraphs (3), (6), (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively;Water Resources Development Act of 2016
Pub. L. 114–322 § 1130(a)(1) · 130 Stat. 1628
Substituted · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(11)
Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(1), substituted “State, regional district, or Indian tribe” for “State or Indian tribe”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (11). Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(1), substituted “State, regional district, or Indian tribe” for “State or Indian tribe”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) in paragraph (11) by striking “State or Indian tribe” and inserting “State, regional district, or Indian tribe”;Water Resources Development Act of 2016
Pub. L. 114–322 § 1130(a)(2) · 130 Stat. 1628
Added · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(12)(17)
Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(2), (3), added par. (12)
Redesignated · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(12)(17)
Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(2), (3), redesignated former pars. (12) to (16) as (13) to (17), respectively
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (12) to (17). Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(2), (3), added par. (12) and redesignated former pars. (12) to (16) as (13) to (17), respectively.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (16) as paragraphs (13) through (17), respectively; andWater Resources Development Act of 2022
Pub. L. 117–263 div. H title LXXXI § 8387(a) · 136 Stat. 2395
Amended · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(13)
Pub. L. 117–263 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A)
Inserted · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(13)
Pub. L. 117–263 inserted heading
Inserted · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(13)
Pub. L. 117–263 inserted “, increase resiliency to extreme weather events,” after “flood risk”
Added · 33 U.S.C. § 3301(13)
Pub. L. 117–263 added subpar. (B)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (13). Pub. L. 117–263 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and inserted heading, inserted “, increase resiliency to extreme weather events,” after “flood risk”, and added subpar. (B).Enacted provision · exact public law section
(a) Definition of Rehabilitation.— Section 9002(13) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (33 U.S.C. 3301(13)) is amended— (1) by striking “The term” and inserting the following: “(A) In general.— The term” ; (2) by inserting “, increase resiliency to extreme weather events,” after “flood risk”; and (3) by adding at the end the following: “(B) Inclusions.— The term ‘rehabilitation’ includes improvements to a levee in conjunction with any repair, replacement, reconstruction, or reconfiguration.” .
15 of 15 references resolved to an enrolled provision
Editorial Notes
Amendments2014–2022 · 3 rounds
2022
Par. (13). Pub. L. 117–263 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and inserted heading, inserted “, increase resiliency to extreme weather events,” after “flood risk”, and added subpar. (B).
2016
Par. (11). Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(1), substituted “State, regional district, or Indian tribe” for “State or Indian tribe”.
Pars. (12) to (17). Pub. L. 114–322, § 1130(a)(2), (3), added par. (12) and redesignated former pars. (12) to (16) as (13) to (17), respectively.
2014
Pars. (1) to (6). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1)–(3), added pars. (1), (2), (4), and (5), and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (3) and (6), respectively. Former pars. (3), (4), (5), and (6) redesignated (7), (14), (15), and (16), respectively.
Par. (7). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(4), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which defined “levee”.
Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), redesignated par. (3) as (7).
Pars. (8) to (16). Pub. L. 113–121, § 3016(b)(1), (4), added pars. (8) to (13) and redesignated pars. (4) to (6) as (14) to (16), respectively.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9001(a), formerly § 9001, , 121 Stat. 1288, renumbered § 9001(a) and amended by Pub. L. 113–121, title III, § 3016(a)(1), (2), , 128 Stat. 1289, provided that: “This title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the ‘National Levee Safety Act of 2007’.”
Purposes of the Safety Program
Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9001(b), as added Pub. L. 113–121, title III, § 3016(a)(3), , 128 Stat. 1289, provided that:
“The purposes of this title [enacting this chapter] are—
“(1) to ensure that human lives and property that are protected by new and existing levees are safe;
“(2) to encourage the use of appropriate engineering policies, procedures, and technical practices for levee site investigation, design, construction, operation and maintenance, inspection, assessment, and emergency preparedness;
“(3) to develop and support public education and awareness projects to increase public acceptance and support of levee safety programs and provide information;
“(4) to build public awareness of the residual risks associated with living in levee protected areas;
“(5) to develop technical assistance materials, seminars, and guidelines to improve the security of levees of the United States; and
“(6) to encourage the establishment of effective State and tribal levee safety programs.”