Us Code § 561 - Survey and subdivision of land for town sites; reservation for public purposes

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 561 — Survey and subdivision of land for town sites; reservation for public purposes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 561. Survey and subdivision of land for town sites; reservation for public purposes

The Secretary of the Interior may in connection with irrigation projects under the reclamation Act of June seventeenth, nineteen hundred and two, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres in each case, survey and subdivide the same into town lots, with appropriate reservations for public purposes: Provided, That, whenever, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Interior, it shall be advisable for the public interest, he may dispose of town sites in excess of one hundred and sixty acres.

(Apr. 16, 1906, ch. 1631, §1, 34 Stat. 116; June 27, 1906, ch. 3559, §4, 34 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The reclamation Act of June seventeenth, nineteen hundred and two, referred to in text, is act June 17, 1902, ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388, popularly known as the Reclamation Act, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 371 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Introductory provisions are from the first section of act Apr. 16, 1906. The proviso is from part of the proviso of section 4 of act June 27, 1906. Another part of the proviso of section 4 of act June 27, 1906, is classified to section 568 of this title. The remainder of section 4 of act June 27, 1906, was classified to former section 594 of this title.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–579 struck out provisions authorizing withdrawal from public entry any lands needed for town-site purposes.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792, provided that the amendment made by section 704(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

About This Section

43 U.S.C. § 561 is part of Title 43 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 43 U.S.C. § 561. 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.

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 561

What does United States Code § 561 cover?

Section 561 ("Survey and subdivision of land for town sites; reservation for public purposes") 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 § 561?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 561" (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 § 561 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.