Planning Community Toolbox: Planning Guidance

Red divider graphic

Categories

	Project Delivery
	6-Step Planning Process
	Plan Formulation
	Review
	Civil Works Budget
	Public Outreach and Engagement
	Continuing Authorities Program (CAP)
	Post-Authorization Change
	National Environmental Policy Act
	Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA)
	Fish and Wildlife Coordination
	National Historic Preservation Act
	Clean Water Act
	Partnering with the Corps
	Beneficial Use of Dredged Material
	Nonstructural Flood Risk Management

Partnering with the Corps

General Information
- About Corps Planning
  The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is the Federal Government's largest water resources development and management agency. The Corps has been involved in improving river navigation, reducing flood damage along rivers, lakes, and the coast, among other projects. Today, the Corps manages nearly 1,500 water resources projects. To help execute its mission, this Toolbox was created for the Planning Community, and includes resources and links for Corps Planners and their partners to deliver the Civil Works Planning program.
- USACE Technical Assistance Programs
  This Headquarters webpage contains information about two USACE programs that make the agency's technical expertise available to support local communities: Planning Assistance to States (PAS) and Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS). Each USACE Technical Assistance program has its own specialization and requirements, but they are all geared towards assisting states, U.S. territories, Native American Tribes (Tribal Nations), and communities to identify planning-level solutions to address water resource problems.
- USACE Agreement Models
  Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreements (FCSAs), Project Partnership Agreements (PPAs), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)s, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Model Agreements, Local Cooperation Agreements (LCA) and more.
- Public Outreach and Engagement
  Guidance, information, and training on partnering with USACE and Centers of Expertise, conflict resolution, and engagement.
- Civil Works Program Development
  March 2011 presentation by the Programs Integration Division (PID) to the Planning Associates class on budget cycle, Corps structure and more.
- Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations
  Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations provides potential sponsors with information on the programs and processes available for non-federal partners and USACE representatives to work together to address the Nation's water resources problems. The Guide includes an overview of the USACE Civil Works Program and describes how USACE can work with local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and other non-federal partners on activities ranging from technical services and advice to planning and constructing water resources projects. A previous version of this document was originally published as the Project Partnership Kit by IWR back in 1996 and revised in 2001.
- Strengthening USACE Collaboration With Tribal Nations for Water Resources Management
  The purpose of this assessment and report is to assess the current state of USACE collaboration with Tribes and suggests new (or improved) collaborative strategies to help address the water resources challenges Tribal Nations confront. This assessment has two main objectives: (1) identify and assess the policy and procedural impediments experienced by Tribes and USACE when working together on water resources related issues, and (2) recommend existing or new policies, procedures, and tools to improve cooperation and collaboration between USACE and Tribes regarding water resources management for Native American communities.
- Project Planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (April 2015)
  This PowerPoint deck provides an overview of implementing a cost-shared single phase feasibility study with the Army Corps of Engineers. It is posted in PowerPoint so that Corps Districts can adapt it to their local needs and the needs of their sponsors.
- Environmental Justice Scorecard
  The USACE Environmental Justice Scorecard is a snapshot that provides transparency and accountability as the Agency continues to advance equity and justice, over time, as a central focus for USACE's mission. The Environmental Justice Scorecard focuses on the following areas: progress on advancing Environmental Justice, the Justice40 Initiative, environmental and civil rights protection, centering Environmental Justice in decision-making, and institutionalizing Environmental Justice. Phase One of the Environmental Justice Scorecard, released in Spring 2023, serves as a baseline assessment of agency actions to advance environmental justice. Phase Two and future versions of the Environmental Justice Scorecard will build upon Phase One.
Planning Assistance to States
- How to Plan a Water Resources Project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Tribal & Alaska Native Village Governments (5th Edition)
  The Tribal Nations Community of Practice has written this booklet to provide you, our Tribal partners, with a better understanding of how best to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Our processes and methods can be perceived as complex, and we hope to make them clearer for you.
- Update for Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962d-16)
  This memorandum provides further guidance on the provision of assistance under the Section 22 Planning Assistance to States (PAS) program to economically disadvantaged communities, in accordance with Section 8119 of WRDA 2022. This memorandum supersedes the Memorandum dated 23 May 2023, Planning Update for Section 8119 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022), Technical Assistance.
- Section 8119 WRDA 2022, Planning Assistance to States, Frequently Asked Questions
  This document provides answers to several frequently asked questions concerning Section 8119 of WRDA 2022 and changes to the Planning Assistance to States program. This document also provides resources for engaging with economically disadvantaged communities.
- Example Section 8119 Fee Waiver
  This template provides an example Planning Assistance to States program letter of intent for a WRDA 2022 Section 8119 Fee Waiver.
- Implementation Guidance for Section 160 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Definition of Economically Disadvantaged Community
  Section 160 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 directs the Secretary to define the term "economically disadvantaged community" for the purposes of the Act and the amendments made by the Act. The definition for "economically disadvantaged community" provided in this memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works applies to all provisions in WRDA 2020 including any amendments, and future WRDA provisions for which no specific definition appears in the law.
- Model Cost Sharing Agreements for Planning Assistance to States
  These templates made available by HQUSACE provide model partnership and cost-sharing agreements for PAS technical assistance and comprehensive planning efforts.
- Corps Planning: Planning Assistance to States
  Two types of planning assistance are offered through the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) program, Comprehensive Plans and Technical Assistance. Any State, or group of States, may partner with the Corps under the PAS program. Local governments, regional coalitions of governmental entities, Federally-recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories are also eligible partners in the PAS program. A cost share waiver is available for eligible economically disadvantaged communities as defined in the Implementation Guidance for Section 160 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which includes but is not limited to Federally-recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories. The PAS program is authorized by Section 22 of WRDA 1974, as amended, and is sometimes referred to as the "Section 22" program.
- Implementation Guidance for Section 1159 of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2018, Regional Coalitions and Higher Education
  Section 1159 of WRDA 2018 amends Section 22(a) of WRDA 1974 (42 U.S.C. 1962d-16(a)), to authorize regional coalitions of governmental entities to participate in the preparation of comprehensive plans for the development, utilization, and conservation of the water and related resources of drainage basins, watersheds, or ecosystems located within the boundaries of such State, interest, or entity. Additionally, Section 1159 amends Section 22(a) to authorize the Secretary to work with an institution of higher education in the preparation of comprehensive plans and in the provision of technical assistance. These Section 22 efforts are also known as the Planning Assistants to States (PAS) program.
- Implementation Guidance for Section 3015 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) - Planning Assistance to States
  Section 3015 of WRRDA 2014 further amends Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 197 4 (Section 22) to authorize the Secretary to provide assistance in the preparation of comprehensive water resources plans to a State, or to non-federal interests working with a State. It provides for the establishment of fees to recover 50 percent of the cost of developing comprehensive plans and in providing technical fees under Section 22 and for the acceptance and expenditure of contributed funds in excess of such fees.
- Implementation Requirements for Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974, as amended, and Non-Federal Interests
  This memorandum provides additional guidance on the provision of assistance under the Planning Assistance to States (Section 22) program. The memo clarifies the conditions under which the Corps can provide assistance to a non-federal public body or a nonprofit entity.
Interagency Partnerships
- Interagency and International Services (IIS) Program (Reimbursable)
  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through its Interagency and International Services (IIS) Program provides REIMBURSABLE technical assistance to non-DoD Federal, State, and Local agencies, tribal nations, private industry, and foreign governments and organizations.
- National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS)/USACE Partnership Handbook
  This handbook aims to stimulate and facilitate active cooperation and collaboration between Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on water resource issues and challenges facing our Nation. This document is designed to convey to field staff of both NRCS and USACE basic information about each agency's missions, programs, capabilities, and modes of operation.
- Section 1210(b) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) Fact Sheet
  This FEMA fact sheet provides information on Section 1210(b) of the DRRA, which allows for FEMA to use the funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to implement certain mitigation activities that fall within the scope of USACE (i.e., federally authorized water resources development projects). For more information on HMGP, which assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation planning and projects following a Presidential major disaster declaration, visit the FEMA HMGP website. Note: Once HMGP funding is applied to construction of a federally authorized water resources development project, no further federal funding may be provided for the project's construction.
- The Importance of Early Coordination Under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
  This fact sheet provides information on the importance of early coordination under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service during the study process, particularly within the scoping phase. It provides an overview of early coordination activities under the FWCA during scoping, ideas for innovative engagement with the Services, and relevant resources for study teams.
Fact Sheets
- Fact Sheet: 2023 Pilot Program for Water Resources Projects in Small or Disadvantaged Communities
  This fact sheet provides information on how to apply to the 2023 pilot program under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), which fully funds small water resources projects for economically disadvantaged communities under Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2020.
- Interagency Nonstructural Efforts: How the Corps Can Assist with Activities that Reduce Flood Risk
  Under the Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Program, the Corps provides a wide range of technical services and planning guidance to support effective management of the floodplains associated with the rivers of the United States. Interagency nonstructural efforts that focus on flood risk reduction activities are services that can be provided through FPMS and support non-federal governments while promoting a collaborative approach. Each Fall, a "Call for Proposals" is issued internally within the Corps for such efforts and specifies the coming year's proposal submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and review processes.
- Partnering with the Corps: Assistance to States, Tribes & Communities
  The Corps' Civil Works Planning Program works with State, Tribal, and local governments to provide or coordinate technical assistance and engineering expertise through a variety of programs.
- Corps Planning: Floodplain Management Services
  Through the Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) program, the Corps provides information on flood hazards to local interests, state agencies, and other federal agencies to guide development of the floodplains of the rivers of the United States.
- USACE Flood Risk Management Mission Overview
  This fact sheet provides an overview of the USACE Flood Risk Management mission.
Guidance
- Engineer Regulation 1105-2-100: Planning Guidance Notebook
  The Planning Guidance Notebook provides the overall direction by which the Corps of Engineers civil works projects are formulated, evaluated, and selected for overall implementation. ER 1105-2-100, the Planning Guidance Notebook will be superseded by several different pieces of new guidance. This December 2023 version of the ER contains the elements of the Planning Guidance Notebook that are still in effect (Chapter 4 and Appendices C, D, E and G).
- Engineer Regulation 1105-2-103: Policy for Conducting Civil Works Planning Studies
  This regulation provides overall direction by which USACE formulates, evaluates, and recommends projects for implementation and other actions to address water resources problems through the Army Civil Works program. The planning process must address the Nation's water resources needs in a systems context and seek to identify innovative alternatives for application across the full range of the USACE programs and authorities. In parallel with the development of these important planning concepts, this regulation is also intended to be useful for those outside of the USACE (or non-federal partners) authorized to develop water resources projects (Title 33, Section 2231 of U.S. Code (33 USC 2231)). ER 1105-2-1103 supersedes ER 1105-2-100, Chapters 1, 2, and 3, dated 22 April 2000.
- EP 1105-2-58: Continuing Authorities Program (formerly Appendix F of the PGN)
  This appendix provides the policy and procedural guidance for planning, design, and implementation of projects pursued under the legislative and administrative provisions of the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). Note: This EP replaces the existing Appendix F of the Planning Guidance Notebook.
- Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge
  The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) have jointly published government-wide guidance and an accompanying implementation memorandum for Federal Agencies on recognizing and including Indigenous Knowledge in Federal research, policy, and decision making. Indigenous Knowledge is a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs developed by Tribes and Indigenous Peoples through interaction and experience with the environment. This policy provides guidance for federal agencies considering and applying Indigenous Knowledge in making decisions with Tribal or Indigenous implications.
- Implementation Guidance for Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Assistance to Non-Federal Sponsors; Feasibility Analysis
  Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to non-Federal interests for the development of project proposals described in Section 204(a)(2). The implementation guidance describes the process of including a non-Federal interest project proposal in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development (WRRDA 2014 Section 7001). The non-Federal interest may request assistance with researching and identifying relevant study authorization(s) and Corps decision document(s) from the appropriate District Commander. The District Commander may also conduct an analysis of the proposal to determine whether a modification to an authorized project is necessary.
- Revisions to Implementation Guidance for Section 1030 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Continuing Authorities
  Section 1030 of WRRDA 2014 increases the programmatic limits and per project limits for certain Continuing Authority Program (CAP) authorities and for the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) Program. In addition, it provides that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 cost sharing amendment for beneficial use of dredged material does not apply to certain projects. Further, it provides that the entire non-federal share for projects under Section 1135 of WRDA 1986 may be provided by in-kind contributions. Finally, Section 1030 directs that the Secretary publish in the Federal Register the criteria used for prioritizing the annual funding for CAP projects and on an annual basis the status of each CAP project. This guidance is superseded by Engineer Pamphlet 1105-2-58, Continuing Authorities Program, dated 1 March 2019.
- USACE Project Partnership Agreements
  This website has some current International, Federal and regional agencies, non-governmental, and academic partnerships.
- Updated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy
  This policy memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) directs USACE to apply the enclosed Tribal Consultation Policy to its Civil Works Program. The Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy provides guidance and definition for the USACE to build the collaborative and close relationships required for proper stewardship of our Nation's water resources and to fulfil our Constitutionally required treaty and trust responsibilities.
- Engineer Pamphlet 1105-2-64: Tribal Partnership Program
  This Engineer Pamphlet establishes a strategy for the planning, design, and construction of projects under the USACE Tribal Partnership Program (TPP). The TPP allows Tribes to preserve, protect, and manage their own resources through authorized activities which include projects for flood and coastal storm risk management, including erosion control, aquatic ecosystem restoration, navigation, watershed assessments and planning activities, technical assistance, and other projects that are determined appropriate by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works).