Us Code § 389 - Investigation and adjustment of irrigation charges on lands within projects on Indian reservations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 389 — Investigation and adjustment of irrigation charges on lands within projects on Indian reservations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 389. Investigation and adjustment of irrigation charges on lands within projects on Indian reservations

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to cause an investigation to be made to determine whether the owners of non-Indian lands under Indian irrigation projects and under projects where the United States has purchased water rights for Indians are unable to pay irrigation charges, including construction, maintenance, and operating charges, because of inability to operate such lands profitably by reason of lack of fertility of the soil, inadequacy of water supply, defects of irrigation works, or for any other causes. Where the Secretary finds that said landowners are unable to make payment due to the existence of such causes, he may adjust, defer, or cancel such charges, in whole or in part, as the facts and conditions warrant. In adjusting or deferring any such charges the Secretary may enter into contracts with said land owners for the payment of past due charges, but such contracts shall not extend the payment of such charges over a period in excess of ten years.

(June 22, 1936, ch. 692, §1, 49 Stat. 1803.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Flathead Indian Irrigation Project

Act July 26, 1947, ch. 340, 61 Stat. 494, provided that notwithstanding any provisions of sections 389 to 389e of this title, the Secretary of the Interior could defer the collection of irrigation construction charges on the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project until January 1, 1949.

Fort Peck Indian Irrigation Project

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, the order of the Secretary of the Interior canceling delinquent irrigation operation and maintenance charges of $461.40 and accrued interest thereon for certain lands adjacent to but outside the Fort Peck Indian irrigation project, $206,902.21 against lands within the Fort Peck project, and $118,266.64 of unassessed construction costs allocable against both Indian and non-Indian owned lands in the Fraiser-Wolf Point unit of the Fort Peck project, was approved by Pub. L. 90–143, Nov. 16, 1967, 81 Stat. 465.

Klamath Indian Irrigation Project

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, the order of the Secretary of the Interior canceling $401,440.55 of reimbursable irrigation costs and any accrued interest thereon chargeable to lands in the Klamath Indian irrigation project, was approved by Pub. L. 88–456, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 554.

Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District

Action of the Secretary of the Interior taken on May 19, 1942, pursuant to authority contained in sections 389 to 389e of this title with respect to lands within the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District was confirmed by Congress in act Dec. 24, 1942, ch. 816, 56 Stat. 1082.

Uintah Indian Irrigation Project

Pub. L. 91–403, §§1–5, Sept. 18, 1970, 84 Stat. 843, 844, authorized the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse the Ute Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation for tribal funds that were used to construct, operate, and maintain the Uintah Indian irrigation project, Utah.

Action of Secretary of the Interior taken pursuant to authority contained in sections 389 to 389e of this title with respect to lands within the Uintah Indian Irrigation Project was confirmed by Congress in act May 28, 1941, ch. 142, 55 Stat. 209.

Wapato Indian Irrigation Project

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, order of Secretary of the Interior dated Sept. 12, 1962, canceling $4,494.58 of delinquent irrigation charges, providing for the deferred payment of $10,356.03, and providing for the removal of 78.12 acres of assessable land from the Wapato Indian irrigation project, was approved by Pub. L. 88–159, Oct. 28, 1963, 77 Stat. 278.

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, order of Secretary of the Interior canceling $35,700.72 of delinquent irrigation charges, providing for the deferred payment of $13,851.98, and providing for the removal of two hundred thirty-two and fifty-six one hundredths acres of assessable land from the Wapato Indian irrigation project, was approved by Pub. L. 86–281, Sept. 16, 1959, 73 Stat. 564.

Action by the Secretary of the Interior taken Sept. 9, 1942, pursuant to authority contained in sections 389 to 389e of this title with respect to lands within the Wapato Indian irrigation project was confirmed in act Dec. 24, 1942, ch. 815, 56 Stat. 1081.

Wind River Indian Irrigation Project

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, the order of the Secretary of the Interior, canceling delinquent operation and maintenance irrigation charges of $1,134.99 and accrued interest thereon, against lands on the Wind River Indian irrigation project, and a contract for the deferred payment of delinquent charges in the amount of $2,331.59, was approved by Pub. L. 88–116, Sept. 6, 1963, 77 Stat. 151.

In accordance with sections 389 to 389e of this title, the order of the Secretary of the Interior, canceling delinquent irrigation charges of $36,439.70 and accrued interest therein, and providing for a deferred payment of $8,706.27, as shown in schedules A, B, and C of such order, was approved by Pub. L. 87–516, July 2, 1962, 76 Stat. 128, provided that the cancellation under schedule B not become effective until the landowners agree to pay the balance of such delinquent charges amounting to $1,556.40.

About This Section

25 U.S.C. § 389 is part of Title 25 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 25 U.S.C. § 389. 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.

Using This Page

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 389

What does United States Code § 389 cover?

Section 389 ("Investigation and adjustment of irrigation charges on lands within projects on Indian reservations") 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 § 389?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 389" (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 § 389 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.