Continued planning and investigations

After the Chief of Engineers transmits his recommendations for a water resources development project to the Secretary for transmittal to the Congress, as authorized in section 701–1 of this title, and before authorization for construction of such project, the Chief of Engineers is authorized to undertake continued planning and engineering (other than preparation of plans and specifications) for such project if the Chief of Engineers finds that the project is without substantial controversy and justifies further engineering, economic, and environmental investigations and the Chief of Engineers transmits to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a statement of such findings. In the one-year period after authorization for construction of such project, the Chief of Engineers is authorized to undertake planning, engineering, and design for such project. The authorization made by this section shall be in addition to any other authorizations for planning, engineering, and design of water resources development projects and shall not be construed as a limitation on any other such authorization.