(a) Purpose and need statements

(1) In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of receipt of a complete application for a water storage project, the District Engineer shall develop and provide to the applicant a purpose and need statement that describes—

(A) whether the District Engineer concurs with the assessment of the purpose of and need for the water storage project proposed by the applicant; and

(B) in any case in which the District Engineer does not concur as described in subparagraph (A), an assessment by the District Engineer of the purpose of and need for the project.

(2) Effect on environmental impact statements

No environmental impact statement or environmental assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall substantially commence with respect to a water storage project until the date on which the District Engineer provides to the applicant a purpose and need statement as required under paragraph (1).

(b) Appeals request

A non-Federal interest may use the administrative appeals process described in Part 331 of Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or any succeeding regulation), in relation to a decision of the Secretary related to an application for a water storage project.