Us Code § 312503 - Survey and recovery by Secretary

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 312503 — Survey and recovery by Secretary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 312503. Survey and recovery by Secretary

(a) In General.—The Secretary, on notification, in writing, by any Federal or State agency or appropriate historical or archeological authority that scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data are being or may be irrevocably lost or destroyed by any Federal or federally assisted or licensed project, activity, or program, shall, if the Secretary determines that the data are significant and are being or may be irrevocably lost or destroyed and after reasonable notice to the agency responsible for funding or licensing the project, activity, or program—

(1) conduct or cause to be conducted a survey and other investigation of the areas that are or may be affected; and

(2) recover and preserve the data (including analysis and publication) that, in the opinion of the Secretary, are not being, but should be, recovered and preserved in the public interest.


(b) When Survey or Recovery Not Required.—No survey or recovery work shall be required pursuant to this section that, in the determination of the head of the responsible agency, would impede Federal or federally assisted or licensed projects or activities undertaken in connection with any emergency, including projects or activities undertaken in anticipation of, or as a result of, a natural disaster.

(c) Initiation of Survey.—The Secretary shall initiate the survey or recovery effort within—

(1) 60 days after notification pursuant to subsection (a); or

(2) such time as may be agreed on with the head of the agency responsible for funding or licensing the project, activity, or program in all other cases.


(d) Compensation by Secretary.—The Secretary shall, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, compensate any person, association, or public entity damaged as a result of delays in construction or as a result of the temporary loss of the use of private or nonfederally owned land.

(Pub. L. 113–287, §3, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3255.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
312503 16 U.S.C. 469a–2. Pub. L. 86–523, §4, as added Pub. L. 93–291, §1(3), May 24, 1974, 88 Stat. 174.

About This Section

54 U.S.C. § 312503 is part of Title 54 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 54 U.S.C. § 312503. 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

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Sources

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 312503

What does United States Code § 312503 cover?

Section 312503 ("Survey and recovery by Secretary") 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 § 312503?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 312503" (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 § 312503 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.