The statute confirms that states hold the title to lands beneath navigable waters within their boundaries and to the natural resources within such lands and waters, and have the right to lease, develop, and use these lands and natural resources (when the states or their successors were entitled to the land under their laws as of 1950). [43 U.S.C. §1311(a)]

The statute does not affect the constitutional authority of the United States to improve navigation or provide for flood control or the production of power. [43 U.S.C. §1311(d)]