Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1980

(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry with amendment, S. Rept. 96-1012)

Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement.

Authorizes the Secretary: (1) through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) to cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) to assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) to enter into specific agreements.

Sets forth terms and conditions of agreements which must be met if the Secretary is to provide any technical or financial assistance, including loans, to a State agency, local government, or local nonprofit organization in carrying out works of improvement specified in an approved area plan. Permits the Secretary to withdraw technical and financial assistance when such assistance is no longer necessary or effective.

Declares that the authority of the Secretary under this Act shall be supplemental and not in lieu of any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law.

Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation, with recommendations.

Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.