Us Code § 3115 - Irrevocable commitment of Federal Government to pay ultimate award when fixed

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3115 — Irrevocable commitment of Federal Government to pay ultimate award when fixed, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3115. Irrevocable commitment of Federal Government to pay ultimate award when fixed

(a) Requirement for Irrevocable Commitment.—Action under section 3114 of this title irrevocably committing the Federal Government to the payment of the ultimate award shall not be taken unless the head of the executive department or agency or bureau of the Government empowered to acquire the land believes that the ultimate award probably will be within any limits Congress prescribes on the price to be paid.

(b) Authorized Purposes of Expenditures After Irrevocable Commitment Made.—When the Government has taken or may take title to real property during a condemnation proceeding and in advance of final judgment in the proceeding and has become irrevocably committed to pay the amount ultimately to be awarded as compensation, and the Attorney General believes that title to the property has been vested in the Government or that all persons having an interest in the property have been made parties to the proceeding and will be bound by the final judgment, the Government may expend amounts appropriated for that purpose to demolish existing structures on the property and to erect public buildings or public works on the property.

(Pub. L. 107–217, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1146.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
3115(a) 40:258c. Feb. 26, 1931, ch. 307, §3, 46 Stat. 1422.
3115(b) 40:258e. Feb. 26, 1931, ch. 307, §5, 46 Stat. 1422; Pub. L. 91–393, §4, Sept. 1, 1970, 84 Stat. 835.

In subsection (b), the words "possession of" are omitted as unnecessary.

About This Section

40 U.S.C. § 3115 is part of Title 40 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 40 U.S.C. § 3115. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

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This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3115

What does United States Code § 3115 cover?

Section 3115 ("Irrevocable commitment of Federal Government to pay ultimate award when fixed") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3115?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3115" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3115 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.