Under several different laws, Congress delegated its authority to approve certain projects, up to specified dollar amounts (subject to the availability of funds) to the Chief of Engineers. The projects fall under the Continuing Authorities Program.

Under the Continuing Authorities Program, Corps district offices can undertake a feasibility study upon written request of state or local government officials, and with the approval of the division office. Studies are initiated subject to the availability of funds and staff. 

Upon appraisal of a project for construction, there is a Project Cooperation Agreement signed between the sponsors of the project.

 

Here is a summary of the types of projects that are included and current cost limitations on each.

Small Flood Damage Reduction Program (Section 205)
This program provides opportunities for non-federal interests to cost share flood damage reduction projects for both structural and non-structural solutions. If you are a state, county or city with a water resource problem, we can assist by planning, designing and construction management.

There is a federal cost limitation of $7 million per project. The first $100,000 for the study is federal expense, the remainder of study cost are cost-shared 50-50 with a non-federal sponsor.  Project construction is generally cost-shared at 65-35

Examples of recent projects include: 

Black River, Popular Bluff, Mo.—This project consisted of constructing 500 fee of concrete flood wall and a stop-log structure about 585 feet long to protect 803 residential and commercial structures from flood damage. Federal costs were $333,900. Non-federal costs were $39,400 in cash and $96,700 in non-cash.

 

Snagging and Clearing for Flood Control (Section 208)
There is a federal cost limitation of $500,000 per project. Planning and Design Analysis (PDA) are accomplished in a single phase. PDA costs are initially federally financed, but costs in excess of $40,000 are cost-shared during construction. PDA costs less than $40,000 are federal costs.

Navigation (Section 107)
There is a federal cost limitation of $4 million per project. The first $100,000 is a federal expense, the remainder is cost-shared 50-50 with a non-federal sponsor.

Mitigation of Shoreline Damage (Section 111)
There is a federal cost limitation of $2 million per project. The first $100,000 is a federal expense, the remainder is cost-shared 50-50 with a non-federal sponsor.

Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction (Section 103)
There is a federal cost limitation of $2 million per project. The first $100,000 is a federal expense, the remainder is cost-shared 50-50 with a non-federal sponsor.

Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Section 14)
This program provides for studies and construction work to protect highways, bridges and other public works endangered by eroding streambanks and shorelines. A local sponsor is required to provide 35% of costs to include lands, easements, right-of-ways, relocations and disposal areas.

There is a federal cost limitation of $1 million per project. Planning and Design Analysis are accomplished in a single phase. PDA costs are initially federally financed, but costs in excess of $40,000 are cost-shared during construction. PDA costs less than $40,000 are federal costs.

Examples of recent projects include:

Riverfront Park, North Little Rock, Ark.—This project consisted of stabilizing 1800 feet of Arkansas River bank to protect a 30" sewer main and a 6" water main from erosion.$426,700 of the costs were federal and $208,400 of the cost were non-federal.

Environmental Programs
Project Modifications for Improvement of the Environment
Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended, authorizes a program of modifications to water resources projects constructed by the Corps for the improvement of the environment. Projects that address degradation of the quality of the environment caused by a Corps project may also be undertaken.

Non-federal sponsors are responsible for 25% of the project cost and usually 100% of the operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation. Up to 80% of the non-Federal share may be provided as work-in-kind. Non-governmental entities may serve as the non-federal sponsor. The federal per project limit is $5 million, and the annual appropriation limit is $25 million. After initial headquarters approval to initiate a study, projects are usually approved by the division.

Examples of recent Little Rock District projects include: 

Nimrod Waterfowl Habitat Restoration—This project consists of a levee to control water levels on 2,400 acres of bottomland hardwood forest to create waterfowl habitat. Federal costs were $70,500, and non-federal costs were $23,500.

Morgan Point Bendway, Desha and Arkansas Co., Ark.

Nimrod Lake Fisheries Restoration

Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material
Section 204, Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended, authorizes projects for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically related habitats, including wetlands, in connection with dredging an authorized federal navigation project. Non-federal sponsors are responsible for 25% of the project cost and 100% of the cost of operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation. There is an annual appropriations limit of $15 million.

For projects with an estimated federal cost of less than $5 million, divisions have approval authority. Larger projects are approved by headquarters.

Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 authorizes the Secretary to carry out aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that will improve the quality of the environment, are in the public interest, and are cost-effective.

Individual projects are limited to $5 million in federal cost. Non-federal interests must contribute 35% of the cost of construction and 100% the cost of operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation. The program has an annual program limit of $25 million. This program received initial funding of $6 million in FY 1998.