ALP 16

FAC 01 -05
Reclamation Manual
Directives and Standards
associated buildings, etc.) and equipment, essential for the O &M of project works, will be
transferred with the O &M of the facilities. Title to the facilities will remain with the United
States unless and until the Congress of the United States provides otherwise. Title to
equipment and supplies may be transferred provided appropriate arrangements for repayment
are made. Under certain conditions, some facilities may be held as "reserved works" (i.e.,
those required for protection of Government works or those serving multiple purposes or
several irrigation entities), and it may be appropriate to hold some of the equipment for the
same reasons. When not required for reserved works, equipment may be used by a water
user organization for O &M of facilities placed in its care under rental agreements or other
appropriate controls to ensure proper cost distribution among the different purposes or
entities. Replacement cost of O &M equipment during Reclamation O &M will be charged to
construction or O &M accounts, as appropriate. If used jointly, the cost will be assigned in
proportion to use. When equipment is transferred to a water user organization, replacement
is the responsibility of that organization. If there are power contracts which relate to the
facilities, they will be revised or created as necessary.
4. When to Transfer. The transfer from construction status to O &M status will occur as soon
as the facility, unit of a new project, or extension to an existing project is substantially
complete and stabilized, reservoir filling and monitoring criteria are in place, and the water
user organization has a competent staff and is financially able to operate and maintain the
works, or, in the case of a SOD modification, when the design intent is met. However, there
are two exceptions to this requirement:
A. Before Completion of Construction. Operations may be necessary before
construction is complete and will usually be under the immediate administrative
supervision of the official in charge of the construction activities.
B. Special Circumstances. In some instances, because of factors such as the type and
location of the structure, unstable conditions, operating relationships with other project
features, environmental considerations, the scope of the construction contract, or
relationships with the contractor, water users, managing partners, and others, it may not
be possible to immediately transfer the completed works to O &M status. In these
instances, the completed works will remain in construction status, but operation of these
works may be desirable for providing limited water service to water users or others.
5. Transfer Process. Once consensus is reached between Reclamation offices and the
receiving organization, a transfer inspection will be completed prior to the official transfer.
The following steps will be followed:
A. Transfer Inspection Initiation. For transfers from construction status or for facilities
modified under the SOD Program, the Reclamation office in charge of construction will
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