SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE

The estimates include proposed changes in the language of this item as follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets).

Conservation Operations

1

2

3

4

5

For necessary expenses for carrying out the provisions of the Act of
April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a-590f), including preparation of conser-
vation plans and establishment of measures to conserve soil and
water (including farm irrigation and land drainage and such special
measures for soil and water management as may be necessary to
prevent floods and the siltation of reservoirs and to control agricul-
tural related pollutants); operation of conservation plant material
centers; classification and mapping of soil; dissemination of informa-
tion; purchase and erection or alternation of permanent buildings; and
operation and maintenance of aircraft, [$293,001,000] $318,699,000:
[, of which not less than $3,396,000 is for snow survey and water
forecasting and not less than $2,933,000 is for operation of the plant
materials centers: ] Provided, That the cost of any permanent building
purchased, erected, or as improved, exclusive of the cost of constructing
a water supply or sanitary system and connecting the same to any such
building and with the exception of buildings acquired in conjunction
with land being purchased for other purposes, shall not exceed [$5,000]
$8,000, except for one building to be constructed at a cost not to
exceed [$50,000] $80,000 and eight buildings to be constructed or improved
at a cost not to exceed [$30,000] $48,000 per building and except that
alterations or improvements to other existing permanent buildings costing
$5,000 or more may be made in any fiscal year in an amount not to exceed
[$1,000] $1,600 per building: Provided further, That no part of this
appropriation shall be available for the construction of any such
building on land not owned by the Government: Provided further, That
no part of this appropriation may be expended for soil and water conser-
vation operations under the Act of April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a-590f)
in demonstration projects: Provided further, That this appropriation shall
be available for field employment pursuant to the second sentence of
section 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2225) and not to
exceed $25,000 shall be available for employment under 5 U.S.C. 3109:
Provided further, That qualified local engineers may be temporarily
employed at per diem rates to perform the technical planning work of
the Service.

The first change in language would eliminate language providing for earmarking of specific amounts for Snow Survey and Water Forecasting and for Operation of Plant Materials Centers. This language was added by the Congress to the 1981 Appropriation Act to ensure that it be consulted prior to the Department taking any action to reduce or phaseout these programs. The 1982 Budget Estimate proposes no phaseout of these programs and provides funding for continuation at the 1981 level. The continued inclusion of this earmarking in the language itself would restrict the management flexibility of the agency to respond to changing needs such as unforeseen emergencies or delays in contracting and other situations where it might be advisable to temporarily reprogram funds from these to other activities after consultation with the Congress.

The remaining changes in language would increase the limitations on funds that may be used to replace, purchase, or improve SCS buildings. The construction cost limitations on buildings should be increased in fiscal year 1982 to maintain the previous values of these authorizations which have not been increased since FY 1976. Escalation in construction costs over this period of time have made it increasingly difficult and sometimes impossible to make needed alterations and improvements or to replace outdated or unsafe structures. These construction costs will have increased by approximately 60% between 1976 and 1982.

a/ Includes a total increase of $5,474,000 toward increased operating costs to
Sustain performance levels for continuing programs. Includes $1,137,000 for
the portion of pay increases effective in FY 1981 which were absorbed in FY 1981
but which are necessary to carry out the programs proposed for FY 1982.

(274,670,000)(10,116) (314,188,000) (10,554) (+4,511,000) (318,699,000)(10,446)