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Guidance Memos
• 2018 Water Resources Certified Planner Program Selections (2018)
  This memo announces the second round of selected certified planners as part of the National Water Resources Certified Planner Program. This program sets a standard of excellence for the USACE planning profession and supports the continuing development of a highly capable planning workforce. This hallmark program advances the technical capability of individual planners, strengthens the quality that USACE planning produces, and recognizes USACE's national planning capability.
• 2019 Water Resources Certified Planner Program Selections (2019)
  This memo announces the third round of selected certified planners as part of the USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner Program. The objective of the program is to set a standard of excellence for the USACE water resources planning profession.
• 2021 Water Resources Certified Planner Program Selections (2021)
  This memo announces the fifth round of selected certified planners as part of the USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner Program. The objective of the program is to set a standard of excellence for the USACE water resources planning profession.
• 2022 Water Resources Certified Planner Program Selections (2022)
  This memo announces the sixth round of selected certified planners as part of the USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner Program. The objective of the program is to set a standard of excellence for the USACE water resources planning profession.
• Actions After Notice of Termination: General Guidance for Project Close-out Standard Operating Procedures (2019)
  This document provides guidance on roles, responsibilities, and procedures related to the close-out of USACE projects including confirmation of costs, proportionate share review, notification to the sponsor, CEFMS cost transfer, request for final accounting, CEFMS close-out process, the close-out letter, finalization of the cost share control record, and fiscal P2 completion. This guidance accompanies the 23 March 2020 memo, Completion and Termination Guidance for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Studies.
• Army Civil Works Supporting Drought Resilience in America's Communities (2022)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) directs USACE to continue to advance drought resilience actions in communities across the nation through a range of actions and programs. This memorandum applies to all Civil Works programs and missions, including the Regulatory Program.
• Assuring the Adequacy of Environmental Documentation for Construction and Maintenance of Dredging of Federal Navigation Projects (2006)
  This memorandum provides guidance to assure that environmental compliance activities and documentation associated with USACE new Federal navigation project dredging or maintenance adequately considers overdepth dredging. This guidance also has considerations relative to environmental documentation for permitting associated with non-federal dredging. This guidance is meant to supplement ER 1130-2-520.
• Authority to Provide for Municipal and Industrial Water Supply from the Buford Dam/Lake Lanier Project, Georgia (2012)
  This memorandum for the USACE Chief of Engineers from the USACE Chief Counsel addresses the question: Does the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have authority to operate the Lake Lanier/Buford Dam project to accommodate net withdrawals of 190 million gallons per day (mgd) annually from Lake Lanier, and to ensure flows of at least 1381 cubic feet per second (cfs) downstream at Atlanta, by the year 2030 as Georgia has requested?
• Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Command Philosophy Notice (2023)
  The USACE Chief of Engineer's Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Command Philosophy Notice outlines the vision for expanding the beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) program. USACE historically uses 30-40% of the sediments derived from the Navigation mission for beneficial purposes. The Chief established a goal for USACE to advance the practice of BUDM to 70% by the year 2030.
• Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 2018) - Model Agreement for New Feasibility Studies Implementation Memo (2018)
  This implementation memo provides instructions on how to use the Model Agreement for new feasibility studies funded by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Emergency Supplemental), including on use and signature requirements.
• Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement in the Regulatory Process (2023)
  This memorandum provides guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to all federal agencies on how, during the regulatory process, to "promote equitable and meaningful participation by a range of interested or affected parties," including members of underserved communities, as specified in Executive Order 14094, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable law. For the USACE Planning Community, this memorandum will apply most directly to federal rulemaking actions - but the principles of public participation and community engagement, and awareness of barriers to participation, will be helpful in any planning process.
• Certification of the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Flood Damage Analysis Software Version HEC-FDA v1.4.3 (2021)
  As of December 2024, HEC-FDA v2.0 replaces HEC-FDA v1.4.3 as the latest certified version of HEC-FDA, although this HEC-FDA v1.4.3 certification remains active. See the HEC-FDA v. 2.0 certification memo for additional information and the transition plan for ongoing feasibility studies using v. 1.4.3.
• Civil Works Actions to Sustain and Advance the Nation's Waters and Wetlands After the Sackett Decision (2024)
  This memorandum directs the Corps to use applicable authorities and available resources to engage in specific actions to protect, restore, and enhance the Nation's waters and wetlands, especially those no longer protected under the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) per the 2023 Sackett vs. EPA decision, in addition to implementing the Regulatory Program in compliance with all laws and regulations. This memorandum also contains specific examples of how to carry-out this directive to appropriately respond to the limited interpretation of WOTUS.
• Civil Works Delegated Authority for Project Cost Management (2013)
  This memorandum provides instructions for MSC Commanders to request approval from the DCG-CEO for any changes to the total project cost estimate that have exceeded, or are forecasted to exceed, the authorized project cost plus inflation, including those subject to Section 902.
• Civil Works Policy Memorandum (CWPM) 15-001: Policy for Cost Management for Coastal and Hurricane Storm Damage Reduction Projects Involving Sand Placement (2015)
  This policy memorandum establishes the criteria in determining maximum project cost limits for coastal and hurricane storm damage reduction projects involving the placement of sand, sometimes referred to as beach nourishment or shore protection projects.
• Civil Works Response to the Engineer Inspector General "Inspection of USACE Civil Works Review Processes" (2012)
  Direction and Action Plan for HQUSACE and MSCs to in response to the EIG Inspection of Civil Works Review Processes report and recommendations endorsed by the Chief.
• Commander's Intent: Direction for MSC Commanders Regarding Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy (2023)
  This December 2023 message from MG Graham (Deputy Commanding General, Civil and Emergency Operations) emphasizes the importance of the Updated Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)), which instructs that all discussions between USACE and Tribal decision-makers be documented to create a record for mutual accountability. MG Graham also underlined the importance of incorporating the six USACE Tribal Policy Principles into all USACE Civil Works activities.
• Completion and Termination Guidance for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Studies (2020)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify policy and procedures associated with the completion or termination of a USACE study, including providing direction and processes for when a study is complete or a determination has been made that there is no Federal interest or the non-federal sponsor has requested to stop the study. This guidance applies to all feasibility studies, including studies to reformulate an already authorized project, such as a General Reevaluation, and to watershed plans and comprehensive studies. Studies under the Continuing Authorities Program will follow the processes outlined in Engineering Pamphlet 1105-2-58 Continuing Authorities Program. This memo is accompanied by the 26 July 2019 document, Actions After Notice of Termination: General Guidance for Project Close-out Standard Operating Procedures.
• Completion of Legacy Studies (2015)
  This memo provides a path to completion for "Legacy" feasibility studies following an enterprise Legacy Study Summit.
• Comprehensive Approach to Co-Land Management and Co-Stewardship of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Managed Lands and Facilities with Tribal Nations (2024)
  This memorandum from the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works issues policy direction on a comprehensive approach to co-management and co-stewardship of USACE Civil Works managed lands and facilities with Tribal Nations. This policy emphasizes the full use of existing authorities available for co-management and co-stewardship opportunities between USACE and federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and the Native Hawaiian Community through Native Hawaiian Organizations. This directive also identifies areas for additional implementing guidance that must be developed in Nation-to-Nation (or Government-to-Government) consultation with federally recognized Tribes to maximize these opportunities.
• Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Feasibility Studies (2020)
  This 13 April 2020 memo from the Director of Civil Works and 3 April 2020 memo from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) provide interim guidance for USACE while Agency Specific Procedures are developed for the 2014 Principles, Requirements and Guidelines (PR&G). The memos direct USACE to identify, analyze and maximize all benefits in the National Economic Development, Regional Economic Development (RED), and Other Social Effects (OSE) accounts established in the 1983 Principles and Guidelines (P&G) document in order to fully assess the outputs of resource projects.
• Continuing Authorities Program Approval Level for Costs in Excess of the Federal Participation Limit (2020)
  This memo authorizes the Director of Civil Works to approve policy waivers for projects where the federal share of total project costs would otherwise exceed the federal per-project limit from 25 to 50 percent, provided that non-federal sponsor has agreed to pay for all study and construction costs that exceed the federal participation limit. Similarly, this memo authorizes MSC Commanders to approve policy waivers for projects that would otherwise exceed the federal per-project cost limit by 25 percent or less.
• Corps Section 902 Cost Limit Policy Clarification and Applicability Procedures - Notable Deficiency (2012)
  This memorandum is intended to report the results of an informal investigation into deficiencies related to funding requests being in compliance with WRDA1986 Section 902 Maximum Cost Limits for all authorized projects seeking PED and/or Construction funds within the Civil Works Program as a Notable Deficiency under the management control checklist.
• DCG-CEO Guidance: Vertical Team Alignment Memorandums, Exemptions for feasibility studies, and Reference Class Forecasting (2025)
  This 19 August 2025 guidance directs that Vertical Team Alignment Memorandums and exemptions for feasibility studies must employ Reference Class Forecasting. This will include analysis of and comparison to a "reference class," i.e., 10 or more similar studies, preferably within the same business line, to better ensure studies are properly scoped and resourced.
• DCG-CEO Interim Guidance: Projects Involving Non-Structural Measures at Scale (2025)
  This 6 August 2025 interim guidance directs USACE teams to continue to advance institutional learning and experience in implementing large-scale non-structural projects by constructing authorized non-structural projects (elevating a number of individual homes and/or flood proofing individual structures). See the 18 March 2026 memorandum, Strategy for Nonstructural Studies and Projects, for further direction from the DCG-CEO on the execution of four pilot projects and direction for studies involving non-structural measures at scale.
• Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority for Water Supply Reallocation Reports and Agreements (2020)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works delegates to the USACE Commanding General the authority to approve reallocation studies prepared in accordance with the Water Supply Act of 1958, 43 U.S.C. § 390b, whereby reallocation of existing conservation storage to water supply is contemplated without changes to flood risk management storage or project operations. In addition, the USACE Commanding General may further delegate this authority to the Director of Civil Works. Authority to approve all other reallocation studies is retained by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)).This memorandum rescinds the memorandum dated 18 November 2018, Subject: Rescission of Water Supply Delegation, and supersedes all earlier guidance addressing delegation of authority to undertake the actions described in the memorandum.
• Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority: Surplus Water Template Agreements Under Section 6 of the 1944 Flood Control Act (33 U.S.C. 708) (2020)
  This memorandum approves and transmits two surplus water agreement templates, one for general use and one for use at the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoirs, to implement surplus water determinations or reports that have been approved by the Director of Civil Works, or in the case of the Mainstem Reservoirs, by the Northwestern Division Commander. Note: the reference surplus water agreement templates are available on the USACE Headquarters Project Partnership Agreement page.
• Delegation of Authority - Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Approval Level for Locally Preferred Plans (2024)
  This memorandum, signed by the Chief of Engineers, delegates authority to Division Commanders to approve locally preferred plan (LPP) policy waivers. Delegation of LPP approval is further limited to cases where the non-federal sponsor has agreed to pay all costs over the federal share of the NED or NER plan, and the LPP must have outputs similar in kind, and equal to or greater than the outputs, of the federal plan.
• Delegation of Authority - Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Approval Level for Section 14, Section 103, Section 107, Section 204, Section 205, Section 206, Section 208, and Section 1135 Decision Documents (2024)
  This memorandum, signed by the Chief of Engineers, delegates authority to the Division Commanders to approve CAP decision documents under Sections 14, 103, 107, 204, 205, 206, 208, and 1135, and authorizes Division Commanders the ability to delegate the approval of decision documents to District Commanders for Section 14 only.
• Delegation of Authority in Section 2034(a)(5)(A) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007), as amended (33 U.S.C. 2343) (2018)
  Section 2034(a)(5) of WRDA 2007 authorizes the Chief of Engineers to exclude a study from IEPR if the study does not include an environmental impact statement, and if the Chief of Engineers determines that the study is not controversial; has no more than negligible adverse impacts on scarce or unique cultural, historic, or tribal resources; has no substantial adverse impact on a species listed as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or the critical habitat of such species designated under such Act. This memo delegates the authority to determine that a study for a project with an estimated total cost, including mitigation costs, of more than $200 million meets the criteria in Section 2034(a)(5) and is excluded from IEPR, to the Director of Civil Works.
• Delegation of Authority in Section 2034(a)(5)(A) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007), as amended (33 U.S.C. 2343) (2018)
  Section 2034(a)(5) of WRDA 2007 authorizes the Chief of Engineers to exclude a study from IEPR if the study does not include an environmental impact statement, and if the Chief of Engineers determines that the study is not controversial; has no more than negligible adverse impacts on scarce or unique cultural, historic, or tribal resources; has no substantial adverse impact on a species listed as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or the critical habitat of such species designated under such Act. This memo delegates the authority to determine that a study for a project with an estimated total cost, including mitigation costs, of more than $200 million meets the criteria in Section 2034(a)(5) and is excluded from IEPR, to the Director of Civil Works.
• Delegation of Model Certification (2018)
  This memo directs that guidance contained within EC 1105-2-412, Assuring Quality of Planning Models, as well as the memorandum issued 4 December 2017, Modification of the Model Certification Process and Delegation of Model Approval for Use, remain applicable until an update of the EC is issued, with the exception that certification of models is now delegated to the Directors of the Planning Centers of Expertise.
• Delegation of Signature Authority for Federal Register Documents for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2024)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works outlines the delegation of signature authority for regulations, notices, and guidance documents to various USACE entities for publishing in the Federal Register.
• Design Maturity for Civil Works Feasibility Studies (2025)
  Pending the publication of an updated Engineer Regulation 1110-2-1302 (Civil Works Cost Engineering, June 2016), final feasibility reports must have both a Class 3 cost estimate and 35% engineering design maturity, and whichever level of design maturity is greater will govern its ability to move forward. The definition of 35% design maturity is detailed in Engineering & Construction Bulletin (ECB) 2023-9, "Civil Works Design Milestone Checklists" (Rev 1, 29 Jul 2025).
• Development and Investment of Hydropower through Non-Federal Investment at Corps of Engineers Facilities (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to USACE to conduct a review and inventory of Corps facilities to identify opportunities for new or updated non-Federal hydropower investment. The memorandum directs the Corps to update its analysis of existing and potential hydropower activities, review laws and policies that create barriers to private sector entry, and assess private sector interest in developing or reinvesting in hydropower at Corps facilities.
• Director of Civil Works Memorandum - Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Decision Documents (2021)
  This memorandum from the Director of Civil Works reiterates that the memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) dated 5 January 2021, Subject: Policy Directive - Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Decision Document is effective immediately, and that all feasibility studies and post-authorization studies will comply with the ASA(CW) memorandum.
• Director's Policy Memo - Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Feasibility Phase Process Changes (2020)
  This Director's Policy Memorandum (DPM) updates various Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) internal processes in order to effectively and efficiently implement recent delegations from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) and USACE Headquarters (HQUSACE). This DPM addresses the execution of the feasibility cost share agreement (FCSA), the approval of the project review plan, changes to the two required CAP study milestones, and the certification of cost estimates. Further, this DPM provides a framework for the development of program assessment tools and a process for certifying District capability to perform the delegations.
• Director's Policy Memorandum (DPM) 2025-01: Planning Assistance to States, Delegation of Authority for Review and Approval of Section 22 Agreements (2025)
  The purpose of this Director's Policy Memorandum (DPM) is to provide guidance on revised internal processes for the Planning Assistance to States Program and to describe the roles and responsibilities of the MSCs and districts, including the delegation of authority and execution of Section 22 agreements.
• Director's Policy Memorandum 2019-02: Employing MSC and District Technical Expertise and Professional Judgment to Empower Enhanced Delivery of the 2018 Emergency Supplemental Program (2019)
  The purpose of this Director's Policy Memorandum is to empower our highly trained and experienced MSC/District teams to use their technical expertise and professional judgement to make and document authoritative decisions regarding USACE policy and guidance which will enhance delivery of the 2018 Emergency Supplemental within the spirit and intent of USACE policy and guidance.
• Director's Policy Memorandum 2019-02: Operationalizing Risk-Informed Decision Making in Project Management (Planning Phase) (2019)
  This memorandum establishes or reaffirms key Project Manager (PM) responsibilities during the Planning phase to ensure consistent implementation across USACE Districts. This document is not intended to capture all project management activities or by lack of including negate project management requirements laid out by other current guidance.
• Director's Policy Memorandum 2020-04: Risk-Informed Decision Making (RIDM) for Program and Project Delivery (2020)
  This memo directs the application of RIDM principles and practices at every echelon of the organization to advance Military Programs and Civil Works program and project delivery outcomes and USACE progress toward becoming an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) organization.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works 2018-09: Principals of Delivery for the 2018 Emergency Supplemental (2018)
  USACE received $17.1B in Emergency Supplemental funding as appropriated in Public Law 115-123. The purpose of this Director's Policy Memorandum is to ensure that all USACE team members clearly understand enterprise intent for the aggressive and high-quality delivery of projects and studies included in the Emergency Supplemental.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-01: Section 408 - Interim Changes for Immediate Implementation and Future Policy Revisions (2018)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to immediately implement policy changes in the USACE process for reviewing Section 408 requests; provide information related to additional intended future policy changes; and, describe expectations for the vetting process of the new policy document.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-02: Clarification of Policies on Review Plan Approvals, Type II IEPR Decision, and Regional Programmatic Value Engineering Studies (2018)
  This memorandum clarifies existing delegations of authority related to Civil Works project review approvals, and regional programmatic value engineering studies, in accordance with Line of Effort 2 (LOE 2).
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-03: Delegation of Authority for Design/Construction Deficiencies under $500,000 (2018)
  This memorandum provides delegation of authority related to the approval of design and construction deficiency corrections that cost under $500,000 at Civil Works projects.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-04: Updated Guidance for the USACE National Flood Risk Management Program (NFRMP) (2018)
  This memorandum provides updated guidance for the USACE National Flood Risk Management Program (NFRMP).
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-05: Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness in USACE Civil Works Project Delivery (Planning Phase and Planning Activities) (2018)
  This Memorandum covers the actions that must be taken within the planning phase of the USACE Civil Works project delivery process in order to embrace and operationalize risk informed decision making. The Memorandum includes delegations for Feasibility Milestone decision making, as well as delegation of Policy Review.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-06: Designation of a Lead USACE District Permitting of Non-USACE Projects Crossing multiple Districts or States (2018)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to establish he policy for designating a lead district for non-USACE project permit and permission decisions that cross districts or states boundaries.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-07: Delegation of Red Flag Authority to Commanding General, MVD, for Urgent and Compelling Activation of the Ready Reserve for the Mississippi River Baton Rouge to The Gulf of Mexico Project at the Sou (2018)
  This memorandum delegates authority to the CG, MVD to activate the Ready Reserve Hopper Dredge Fleet to maintain the federal navigation channel for the Mississippi River Baton Rouge to The Gulf of Mexico Project at the Southwest Pass (SWP).
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-08: Water Management/Reservoir Control Operations Functional Responsibility (2018)
  This memorandum directs that the functional responsibility for water management/reservoir control operations reside within the engineering organization, and clarifies the professional registration/licensure requirements of the supervisory chain of command responsible for operational oversight of daily water management/reservoir control operations, to ensure consistency of this critical public safety function.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-10: Strategy for Synchronization of the Regulatory and 408 Programs (2018)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to provide direction for the synchronization of USACE business processes related to the Regulatory Program and the Section 408 Program. This effort enables effective and efficient internal coordination, leveraging of information, alignment of decisions, increased timeliness of decision-making, tracking of USACE permit decisions, and improved service to the public seeking USACE permits.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-11: Innovative Delivery of 2018 Emergency Supplemental Projects (2018)
  This memorandum requires application of appropriate innovative methods of delivery to execute 2018 Emergency Supplemental projects. In order to be considered appropriate, an innovation must be within our authority, and should improve delivery, improve reliability, increase the quality, reduce costs, or demonstrate a new method with potential to improve the delivery of a quality reliable solution in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Director's Policy Memorandum Civil Works Program 2018-12: Implementation of Executive Order (EO) 13807 and One Federal Decision (OFD) within Civil Works Programs (2018)
  This memorandum establishes policy pertaining to EO 13807 (Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects) and "One Federal Decision" across all Civil Works functional areas, and directs broad implementation of the EO's concepts. EO 13807 has since been revoked by EO 13990.
• Director's Policy Memorandum FY2020: Acceptance of Contributed Funds, Advanced Funds, and Accelerated Funds (2019)
  This Director's Policy Memorandum consolidates, clarifies, and updates policy guidance on the acceptance and use of contributed funds, advanced funds, and accelerated funds, which are alternative financing options for the acceptance and expenditure of non-federal funds that may expedite the delivery of water resources development projects. Note: Appendix E of the Planning Guidance Notebook (Engineer Regulation 1105-2-100) provides a summary table that describes when contributed, advanced or accelerated funds may be accepted in the feasibility phase.
• District Legal Sufficiency Certification for Civil Works Decision Documents (2025)
  This memorandum is intended to clarify the requirement for District Offices of Counsel to provide written certification of legal sufficiency for Civil Works decision documents. An example of a legal sufficiency certification is included as an enclosure to this memorandum.
• Economic Analyses for Deep Draft Navigation (DDN) and Small Boat Harbor (SBH) Feasibility Studies (2019)
  This memorandum provides additional guidance on economic analyses performed for DDN and/or SBH feasibility studies including Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Section 107 Studies-Navigation Improvements.
• Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance (2024)
  This guidance updates and replaces previous guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on the environmental review of proposed emergency response actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This guidance includes two attachments with step-by-step guides to help agencies when planning for and responding to emergencies.
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) Guidance (2013)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and how USACE Civil Works program opportunities can contribute to the preservation of listed endangered and threatened species.
• Endorsement of CECC-NWD Memorandum Regarding Costs Associated With Repatriation and Reburial (2009)
  This memorandum from Director of Civil Works Steve Stockton endorses the attached Northwestern Division memorandum providing an overview of agency requirements and responsibilities in the repatriation and reburial of Native American human remains, cultural items and other objects that are subject to the provisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and Section 208 of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2020. The attached memorandum also provides guidance for Districts within the Northwestern Division guidance on allowable costs associated with the repatriation and reburial of Native American human remains and other cultural items.
• Engineer Inspector General (EIG) Section 902 Inspection Report Recommendations and Command Implementing Instructions (2013)
  This memorandum provides the Command Implementing Instructions for responding to the EIG Section 902 Inspection Report Recommendations.
• Establishing, Revising, Adopting, and Applying Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act (2026)
  The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is issuing this guidance for Federal departments and agencies on how to establish, revise, adopt, and apply categorical exclusions in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). CEQ issues this guidance pursuant to Congress's direction that agencies develop their methods and procedures for implementing NEPA in consultation with CEQ. This guidance replaces guidance on the same subject published November 23, 2010, which is hereby rescinded.
• Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Planning Programs and Studies (2026)
  This memorandum provides guidance regarding the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Civil Works planning programs and studies. It translates federal policy and Department of War guidance on AI into practical expectations for USACE Civil Works planners, with emphasis on transparency, ethical behaviors, fairness, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Expanding Beneficial Use of Dredged Material in the USACE (2023)
  This memorandum from the USACE Director of Civil Works encourages robust innovation, planning, and categorization of dredged material for beneficial use. Additionally, this memorandum clarifies which dredged material placement activities shall be classified as beneficial use and how to capture this information in USACE data systems. Finally, this memorandum introduces transitional placement as a third description for dredged material. Districts have latitude in determining whether the dredged material should be described as beneficial use, disposal, or transitional placement, and determining the category that most closely describes the placement.
• Extension of EC 1165-2-220, Policy and Procedural Guidance for Processing Requests to Alter US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 (2023)
  This memorandum extends the use of Engineer Circular (EC) 1165-2-220, dated 30 September 2018, Policy and Procedural Guidance for Processing Requests to Alter U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408, until such a time EC 1165-2-220 is superseded by rulemaking.
• Feasibility Study Vertical Team Alignment and Command Validation (2025)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify the process and expectations for ensuring Command oversight and Vertical Team alignment in USACE feasibility studies.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Joint Actions on Planning for Flood risk Management Projects (2012)
  This memorandum addresses the requirement to perform mitigation when proposed USACE flood-risk reduction projects increase the Base (1-percent-annual-chance) Flood Elevation (BFE). National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations (44 C.F.R. 65.12) require revisions to flood insurance rate maps to reflect BFE and/or floodway changes caused by encroachments permitted by an NFIP participating community.
• Federal Standard Clarification Regarding Federal Dredging Mission and Interactions with Non-Federal Agencies (2015)
  This guidance clarifies proper interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulations 33 CFR Parts 335 through 338, and particularly those parts of the regulations relating to the federal standard, as those regulations relate to federal maintenance dredging for federal navigation channels.
• Final Guidance on Implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (2011)
  This memorandum rescinds and replaces Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-11-05, "Preliminary Guidance for the Plain Writing Act of 2010," issued on November 22, 2010. This final guidance does not make significant substantive changes from the preliminary guidance, but it does provide further clarification of key issues. Actions that agencies have taken under the preliminary guidance will provide the foundation for the agencies' implementation of this final guidance and of the Act's requirements.
• Finding of No Significant Impact for Implementation of Section 128 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Selection of Recommended Projects (2023)
  This memo from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works documents the conclusion that selection of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) demonstration projects to implement Section 128 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 will not have a significant impact on the human environment. Each selected demonstration project will need to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate environmental laws, to include the Clean Water Act, prior to implementation. Therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not required by subsection 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act or its implementing regulations.
• Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations - Guidance for Execution of Feasibility and Watershed Cost Sharing Agreements for New Studies (2024)
  This memorandum directs project teams to execute feasibility and watershed cost share agreements for all FY24 new start studies and studies funded in prior appropriations for which agreements have not yet been signed by 30 September 2024. The memo also provides guidance on agreement execution, funding for agreement execution, considerations regarding the formulation of additional alternatives (per Sections 8106(a) and 8106(b) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022); and the potential for initiating Federal Interest Determination efforts per Section 8156 of WRDA 2022.
• Further Advancing Project Delivery Efficiency and Effectiveness of USACE Civil Works (2017)
  The subject memo was signed by Mr. James Dalton, Director of Civil Works, outlining his intent to operationalize risk-informed decision making at all levels, reduce redundancies and delegate authority to the most practical and appropriate level to meet the objective of advancing project delivery efficiency and effectiveness across USACE Civil Works. Guidance on CWRB replacement processes will be forthcoming.
• Future Without Project In-Progress Review (Requirements for SAD) (2024)
  This memo provides guidance on the SAD requirement for Districts to provide a Future Without-Project condition in-progress review for all planning feasibility studies. This requirement applies to SAD studies that began after April 2024, although an in-progress review confirming the modeling establishing the future without project condition is a best practice for all feasibility studies.
• FY18 Emergency Supplemental Long-term Disaster Recovery Investment Program Performance Management Governance (2018)
  USACEHQ Civil Works Programs Integration Division has issued project/ performance management guidance for studies and projects funded under the Emergency Supplemental, which will be tracked under a new Performance Management System. The objectives of the Performance Management System are to drive aggressive project delivery, assist in proactive management, and minimize upward reporting. A final version of this guidance will replace this draft once complete.
• Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Ecological Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors (2023)
  This Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) memo establishes the policy for federal agencies to promote greater ecological connectivity to sustain the US's biodiversity. Agencies are expected to use this guidance to craft new policies and to adjust old policies to align with this goal of this memo. New and updated policies should be ready by the first quarter of 2024. The memo, overall, provides guidance on how connectivity and corridors could be considered in the areas of agency planning and decision-making, science and data, and collaboration and coordination. The guidance also provides clarity and consistency so that federal agencies can better coordinate with all interested parties.
• Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge (2023)
  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.
• Guidance for Induced Flooding (2025)
  This guidance is intended to clarify the processes for identifying and evaluating potential induced flooding that may be caused by a proposed project or proposed modifications, including structural or operational changes, to an existing project. The guidance provides a step-by-step overview of when and how questions concerning potential induced flooding should be addressed within existing processes.
• Guidance for Nonstructural Project Planning and Implementation (2024)
  This memorandum signed by the Deputy Commanding General of Civil and Emergency Operations provides multi-disciplinary guidance for nonstructural planning and implementation of flood risk management and coastal storm risk management projects. The memorandum also includes ten enclosures with guidance specific to nonstructural elevations.
• Guidance Implementing Section 6 of Executive Order 14154, Entitled "Unleashing American Energy" (2025)
  This memorandum provides guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on clarifying Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy." It explains that agencies should review their various statutory, regulatory, and other policy requirements that govern regulatory and permitting decisions, and limit their analysis and consideration of greenhouse gas emissions only to that plainly required in their governing statutes subject to an exception related to consultation with the Department of Justice.
• Guidance on Cost Engineering Projects update for Civil Works Projects in accordance with Engineer Regulation 1110-2-1302 - Civil Works Cost Engineering (2023)
  This memorandum provides updated guidance on the cost engineering process for Civil Works projects in various project phases. This policy guidance clarifies key elements of ER 1110-2-1302, Civil Works Cost Engineering, including the frequency of updating cost products, the classification of estimates, and design maturity. After the maturity of design and the level of technical details have been determined for a particular project, the District Chief of Cost Engineering office will determine the associated classification of cost estimate and appropriate contingency.
• Guidance on Unique Identification Numbers for NEPA Documents (2024)
  This memorandum provides a recommended approach for establishing unique IDs for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) related environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs). Attachment 1 to this memorandum provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a unique ID based on CEQ's recommended approach, and Attachment 2 provides a more detailed discussion of the unique ID specifications.
• Guidance to Federal Agencies Regarding the Environmental Review and Authorization Process for Infrastructure Projects (2017)
  Guidance from OMB and CEQ for agencies to carry out the environmental permitting and review of proposed infrastructure projects under Title 41 of the FAST Act. Note: In general, USACE feasibility studies are not considered "covered projects" under this guidance.
• Guidelines for Implementing Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, and Executive Order 13690, Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input (2015)
  These Guidelines were issued by the Water Resources Council (the same body that established the Principles and Guidelines for federal water resources investments) and describe various approaches for determining the higher vertical flood elevation and corresponding horizontal floodplain for federally funded projects. The Guidelines provide that all future actions where Federal funds are used for new construction, substantial improvement or to address substantial damage meet the level of resilience established by the Guidelines.
• HarborSym Widening Model Certification Memorandum (2012)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the HarborSym Deepening and Associated Tools - Model Certification.
• HEC-LifeSim 1.01 (Certified for Life Loss Estimation) (2019)
  The Hydrologic Engineering Center's (HEC) Life Loss Estimation (HEC-LifeSim) software is a spatially-distributed dynamic simulation modeling system for estimating potential life loss and direct economic damages from floods. The software is used extensively in the USACE Dam and Levee Safety Programs to inform program priorities and investment decisions; however, for use in traditional USACE planning studies it is certified for estimating potential life loss only.
• Implementation Guidance for Feasibility Studies for Executive Order 13807, Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects (2018)
  The purpose of this guidance is to clarify and reinforce those Civil Works project development processes and procedures that will provide for compliance Executive Order 13807, which sets out several policies of the Federal Government related to infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, a policy to develop environmentally sensitive infrastructure; a policy to conduct coordinated, consistent, predictable, and timely environmental reviews; and a policy to make timely decisions with the goal of completing all federal environmental reviews and authorization decisions for "major infrastructure projects" within two years. This guidance was released in conjunction with Director's Policy Memorandum 2018-12, Implementation of Executive Order (EO) 13807 and One Federal Decision (OFD) within Civil Works Programs. EO 13807 has since been revoked by EO 13990.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, as amended, Vertical Integration and Acceleration of Studies (for Feasibility Studies Initiated after January 4, 2025) (2026)
  Section 1103 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 amends Section 1001(a) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2282c) by providing that, to the extent practicable, feasibility studies initiated after the enactment of WRDA 2024 shall be completed with a final feasibility report not later than four years after the date a Federal Interest Determination (FID) is made and shall have a maximum total cost of $5,000,000. Approval from the Secretary is required to exceed 3 years and $3 million. This implementation guidance supersedes the 2019 guidance for feasibility studies initiated after January 4, 2025. The 2019 guidance still applies to feasibility studies initiated prior to January 4, 2025. This Guidance is effective 30 days from the date of signature (23 February 2026).
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Vertical Integration and Acceleration of Studies as amended by Section 1330(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (2019)
  Section 1001 of Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) (Public Law 113-121) provides that, to the extent practicable, USACE feasibility reports will be completed in three years and will have a maximum federal cost of $3 million and that USACE Districts, Divisions and Headquarters review will be concurrent. Section 1001 provides further that the Secretary of the Army may extend the timeline and/or approve federal costs greater than $3 million. Section 1001 also provides that the authorization for a particular feasibility study terminates if the study is not completed within certain timeframes. Section 1330(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA 2018) extends the timeline for a feasibility study to ten years. This implementation guidance applies to all feasibility studies of proposed water resources development projects that are initiated after June 10, 2014, except for feasibility studies conducted under the Continuing Authorities Program. It supersedes the implementation guidance for Section 1001, dated 9 April 2015, as well as the reissued version dated 19 July 2018.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1004 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Removal of Duplicative Analysis (2017)
  Section 1004, Removal of Duplicative Analysis, of WRRDA 2014 repeals Section 911, Review of Cost Effectiveness of Design, of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2288). The requirement for formal Value Engineering Studies for water resources planning (Feasibility) studies is rescinded.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1005 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014), Project Acceleration (2018)
  Section 1005 WRRDA 2014 (Public Law 113-121) modifies Section 2045 of the WRDA 2007 (33 USC 2348) and in general directs that the Secretary shall develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for the development of project studies. This guidance applies to all feasibility studies for proposed water resources development projects that will require specific authorization if the feasibility cost share agreement (FCSA) for the study was executed after enactment of WRRDA 2014 (10 June 2014) and for which an environmental impact statement (EIS) is prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.) (NEPA). The guidance also applies to feasibility studies initiated after enactment of WRRDA 2014 but that do not require a FCSA. It may also apply to other project studies initiated after enactment of WRRDA 2014 that require an environmental assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document under NEPA if determined appropriate by the Secretary. The guidance provides timelines and instruction to project delivery teams (PDTs) for engaging with federal, state, and local government agencies and Indian tribes on the environmental review process.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1005(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Categorical Exclusions in Emergencies (2016)
  This memo provides guidance on the implementation of Section 1005(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014,. Section 1005(b) provides that the repair, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of a water resources project that is in operation or under construction when damaged by an event or incident that is declared a disaster by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) shall be treated as an action that is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement in accordance with 40 C.F.R. Section 1508.4.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1020 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) - Transfer of Excess Credit (2015)
  Section 1020 of WRRDA 2014 provides authority for the Secretary to approve a comprehensive plan submitted by a non-federal interest that identifies the transfer of credit for in-kind contributions that are in excess of the required non-Federal cost share for a study or project toward the required non-Federal cost share on a different study or project.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1025 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) - Water Resources Projects on Federal Lands (2015)
  Section 1025 of WRRDA 2014 provides discretionary authority to the Secretary to carry out an authorized water resources development project on federal land that is under the administrative jurisdiction of another federal agency, where the cost of acquisition of such federal land has been paid for by the non-federal sponsor. The Secretary may carry out such a project only after the non-federal sponsor has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the federal agency with administrative jurisdiction over such federal land, which includes such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary. This section does not alter any non-federal cost-sharing requirements.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1026 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 - Clarification of Impacts to Other Federal Facilities (2016)
  Section 1026 of WRRDA 2014 provides discretionary authority for the Secretary to accept funds from other Federal agencies to address adverse impacts in any case where the modification or construction of a water resources development project carried out by the Secretary adversely impacts other Federal facilities. Actions necessary to address the adverse impact include removal, relocation, or reconstruction, of these other Federal facilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1028 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 - Clarification of Mitigation Authority (2015)
  Section 1028 of WRRDA 2014 provides discretionary authority for the Secretary to carry out measures to improve habitat for fish species within the boundaries and downstream of a water resources project constructed by the Secretary that includes a fish hatchery, if the Secretary has been explicitly authorized to compensate for fish losses associated with the project and, if the Secretary determines that the measures are feasible, consistent with the authorized project purposes and the fish hatchery, and in the public interest. At such times as funds are provided, a feasibility study of measures to improve habitat at constructed Corps project with a fish hatchery may be undertaken if there is an explicit Congressional authorization to compensate for fish losses at that project.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1031 (a) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014), and for Section 1121 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Tribal Partnership Program (2018)
  Section 203 of WRDA 2000, as amended (33 U.S.C. 2269), authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Tribal Partnership Program, consisting of water-related planning activities, and activities related to the study, design, and construction of water resources development projects, that substantially benefit federally-recognized Indian Tribes and that are located primarily within Indian country (including lands within the jurisdictional area of an Oklahoma Tribe) or in proximity to Alaska Native Villages. The Secretary is also directed to consult with the Department of the Interior on any activity under the Program and to coordinate with Tribes, Department of the Interior and other federal agencies to consider their authorities in making recommendations. To meet this requirement, Districts, in collaboration with Tribal partners, shall implement appropriate coordination with the Department of Interior and other federal agencies during the study and document accordingly in the study report. This guidance supersedes the following guidance documents: Memorandum dated August 16, 2010, subject: "Delegated Review and Approval Authority for Reconnaissance Studies for Section 203 of WRDA 2000 Authority, Tribal Partnership Program"; Implementation Guidance for Section 2011 of WRDA 2007, dated May 16, 2008; Implementation Guidance for Section 203 of WRDA 2000, dated January 8, 2002; and Implementation Guidance for Sections 203(d)(1) and 204 of WRDA 2000, dated February 27, 2001, but only insofar as it relates to Section 203.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1031(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014- Cooperative Agreements (CAs) With Indian Tribes (2016)
  Section 1031 of WRRDA 2014 provides authority for the Secretary of the Army to enter into a cooperative agreement with an Indian Tribe (or a designated representative of an Indian Tribe) to carry out authorized activities of the Corps to protect fish, wildlife, water quality, and cultural resources. The Secretary delegated this authority to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (ASA(CW)), and the ASA(CW) delegated this authority to the Director of Civil Works with the option to re-delegate this authority to division and district commanders. This memorandum does not further re-delegate this authority, but outlines our framework for approval of associated Memorandums of Agreements (MOA) and CAs.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1036 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 - Non-Federal Plans to Provide Additional Flood Risk Reduction (2015)
  Section 1036 of WRRDA 2014 directs that, if requested by a non-federal interest, the Secretary shall carry out a locally preferred plan (LPP) that provides a higher level of protection than a flood risk management plan authorized in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) if the Secretary determines that the plan is technically feasible and environmentally acceptable and the benefits of the plan exceed the costs of the plan. The Federal cost of any locally preferred plan carried out under Section 1036 shall not be greater than the share provided by law for elements of the National Economic Development (NED) plan.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1037(a) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction (2015)
  Section 1037 (a) further amends Section 156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962d-5f), to provide that, at the request of the non-federal interest, the Secretary shall carry out, for any coastal storm risk management project for which periodic renourishment is authorized for a maximum period of 50 years, a study to determine the feasibility of extending the period of nourishment for a period not to exceed 15 additional years beyond the 50 year maximum period of federal participation in cost shared renourishment. Upon completion of such a study, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on any recommendations and shall also include those recommendations related to the need for specific Congressional authorization in the annual report required by section 7001 of WRRDA 2014. Further, the non-Federal interest is required to submit a plan for reducing risk to people and property that the Secretary shall include with the recommendations provided to Congress.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1041 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014), Mitigation Status Report (2017)
  Section 1041 of WRRDA 2014 amends Section 2036(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007), to specify the information required to be included in the annual report to Congress on the status of construction of projects that require mitigation per Section 906 of WRDA 1986, as amended. Section 1041 requires that in reporting the status of all projects included in the report, the Secretary shall use a uniform methodology for determining the status of included projects; use a methodology that describes both a qualitative and quantitative status; and provide specific dates for participation in the consultations required under Section 906(d)(4)(B) of WRDA 1986, as amended (i.e. consultations with appropriate federal and state agencies). This implementation guidance clarifies that in order to better portray the mitigation status for the USACE portfolio, all projects under construction and not just those funded during the associated fiscal year will be included in the annual report.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1043(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, as amended, Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program (2025)
  This memorandum provides implementation guidance for the Non-Federal implementation Pilot Program authorized by Section 1043(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, as amended. The pilot program is intended to evaluate the cost effectiveness and project delivery efficiency of allowing non-federal interests to carry out authorized flood risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, coastal harbor and channel or inland navigation, and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. A non-federal interest may express interest in the pilot program by submitting a letter of interest to USACE Headquarters. Selection for the pilot program will be made by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1044 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014- Independent Peer Review (2016)
  Section 1044 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) 2014 amends Section 2034 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 by increasing to $200 million the estimated total project cost for project studies to be subject to mandatory Independent External Peer Review (IEPR); adding requirements for congressional and public notifications if an IEPR is not to be conducted; adding notification requirements and timelines for when a decision to conduct IEPR has been made; adding requirements for notice and public availability of the Final IEPR Report and Agency Response; and extending the period of applicability of Section 2034, as amended, to include project studies initiated prior to November 8, 2019.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1107(b)-(j) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, Continuing Authority Programs (2026)
  Section 1107(b)-(j) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 increases the annual programmatic limits and per-project limits on Federal participation in the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), authorizes inclusion of drought resilience measures in Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (Section 206) and Project Modifications for Improvements to the Environment (Section 1135) projects, and changes the cost share for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration projects (Section 206) that benefit anadromous fish. This Guidance is effective 30 days from the date of signature (23 February 2026).
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1116 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2016, Water Supply Conservation (2017)
  Section 1116 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to conduct an evaluation of water supply conservation measures at USACE projects that are consistent with the authorized purposes of a water resources development project, and to enter into agreements with non-federal interests to carry out conservation measures approved by such evaluations, in a state in which a drought emergency was declared or was in effect during the one year period ending on 16 December 2016 (the date of enactment of WRDA 2016). This implementation guidance clarifies the negotiations of Memorandum of Agreements with the nonfederal sponsor. This implementation guidance defines "non-federal interest" and "separable costs."
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1117 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, Harbor Deepening (2025)
  This implementation guidance memorandum, signed by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, applies to cost-shared construction activities for harbor deepening projects reflecting amendments to 33 USC 2211(a) and (b) from WRDA 2024.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1118 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2016, Leveraging Federal Infrastructure For Increased Water Supply (2017)
  Section 1118 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to review proposals from a nonfederal interest to increase the quantity of available supplies of water at a water resources development project through modification of the project, modification of how the project is managed, or accessing water released from the project. Section 1118 does not apply in four designated river systems: the Upper Missouri River, the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system, the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River system, and Stones River. This implementation guidance defines "non-federal interest" and "separable costs." This guidance also provides information on varying subsections within Section 1118.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1122(a)-(h) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (2018)
  Section 1122 of WRDA 2016 (a-h) directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program consisting of 10 projects for the beneficial use of dredged material for certain specified purposes. It provides for the establishment of regional beneficial use teams to identify and assist in implementation of projects under the pilot program. HQUSACE will publish a notice in the Federal Register with instructions for submitting project proposals. This guidance applies to the selection and implementation of pilot projects.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1122(j) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Beneficial use of Dredged Material, Clarification (2017)
  Section 1122(j) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 further amends Section 156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 1962-5f(e)) by striking "3" and inserting "6" in Section 156(e). As a result, the special rule at 42 U.S.C. 1962-5f(e) now is as follows: "(e) Special Rule.-Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for any existing authorized water resources development project for which the maximum period for nourishment described in subsection (a) will expire within the 5 year-period beginning on June 10, 2014, that project shall remain eligible for nourishment for an additional 6 years after the expiration of such period.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1126 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Study of Water Resources Development Projects by Non-Federal Interests (Revised) (2018)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the provision of technical assistance to a non-federal interest undertaking a feasibility study of a proposed water resources development project pursuant to Section 203 of WRDA 1986. This guidance replaces previously signed implementation guidance for WRDA 2016 section 1126 (April 2017), which is rescinded in its entirety and supersedes specific sections of Engineering Regulation 1165-2-209, Studies of Water Resources Development Projects by Non-Federal Interests, dated February 4, 2016. This guidance does not affect previous agreements that identify and commit to specific technical assistance.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1126 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Purpose and Need (2019)
  Section 1126 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA 2018) requires District Engineers to develop and provide a purpose and need statement to an applicant within 90 days of the applicant submitting a complete application for a water storage project. This guidance is applicable to all USACE Districts that implement Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, and/or Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (Section 408), and applies to the Corps' processing of applications for permits under these authorities for regulated activities associated with the construction of a new water storage project or modification of an existing water storage project.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1128 of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Multistate Activities (2017)
  Section 1128 of WRDA 16 further amends Section 22 of WRDA 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962d-16), to authorize the Secretary to cooperate with a group of states in the preparation of comprehensive plans, and to allow two or more states to combine all or a portion of the funds made available for 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 or group of states.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1129 of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Application of Section 1156 Cost Sharing Waiver to Indian Tribes and Territories` (2017)
  Section 1129 of WRDA 16 further amends Section 22 of WRDA 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962d-16), to authorize application of the cost sharing waiver provided under Section 1156 of WRDA 1986, as amended (33 U.S.C. 2310), to assistance provided under Section 22 to Indian Tribes and to certain specified territories of the United States.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1136 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Credit or Reimbursement (2019)
  Section 1136 of WRDA 2018 amends Section 1022 of WRRDA 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2225) to modify the eligibility of authorized flood damage reduction projects constructed by non-federal interests under Section 211 WRDA 1996 (33 U.S.C. 701 b--13) for credit in lieu of reimbursement. Section 1136 also expands Section 1022 to include authorized coastal navigation projects constructed by USACE prior to October 23, 2018 using funds advanced by non-Federal interests pursuant to Section 11 of the Act of March 3, 1925 (33 U.S.C. 561 ). Section 1136 limits the application of credits and reimbursements to flood damage reduction and coastal navigation projects or studies.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1147 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, Remote and Subsistence Harbors (2026)
  Section 1147 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 amends Section 2006 of WRDA 2007 (33 U.S.C. 2242), which authorizes the Secretary to recommend navigation projects in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa under certain specified conditions and justified by criteria other than national economic development (NED). These projects are also to be given equivalent budget consideration and priority as projects recommended based on NED benefits. This guidance supersedes the Implementation Guidance for Section 1105 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Remote and Subsistence Harbors, dated 11 July 2017.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1150 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Ice Jam Prevention and Mitigation (2017)
  Section 1150 of WRDA 2016 authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects under Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948 (33 U.S.C. 701 s) that include the planning, design, construction, and monitoring of structural and nonstructural technologies and measures for preventing and mitigating flood damages associated with ice jams, and directs the Secretary to implement a pilot program to demonstrate the designs and technologies developed in accordance with the section beginning in FY17. The district will take the lead in developing the proposals and will coordinate through the division to the Headquarters Continuing Authority Program Manager, who will manage the Section 205 program.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1152 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Studies of Water Resources Development Projects by Non-Federal Interests (2019)
  Section 1152 of WRDA 2018 further amends Section 203 of WRDA 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2231), which authorizes non-federal interests to undertake feasibility studies of water resources development projects for submission to the Secretary, to require that the study must be Federally authorized. In addition, it provides that the completion of a review by the Secretary of a submitted study may not be delayed as a result of consideration being given to changes in policy or priority with respect to project consideration. Further, it authorizes the Secretary to accept funds provided by non-Federal interests to carry out technical assistance related to any aspect of the feasibility study, and it also authorizes the Secretary to accept funds provided by non-Federal interests to undertake reviews, inspections, certifications, and other activities that are the responsibility of the Secretary in carrying out Section 203. It specifies that any funds provided by non-Federal interests under Section 203 are not eligible for credit or reimbursement. Finally, it provides that the Secretary shall ensure that the use of funds accepted from the non-Federal interests will not affect the impartial decision making of the Secretary, either substantively or procedurally, and the provision of technical assistance shall not be considered an approval or endorsement of the feasibility study and shall not affect the responsibilities of the Secretary under Section 203.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1153 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Construction of Water Resources Development Projects by Non-Federal Interests (2019)
  Section 1153 of WRDA 2018 further amends Section 204 of WRDA 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2232), which authorizes a non-federal interest to undertake construction of certain water resources development projects. Section 1153 provides that the projects must be Federally authorized; provides exceptions to permitting requirements in certain situations; provides that any studies, engineering, and technical assistance provided by the Corps to the non-Federal interest is not eligible for credit or reimbursement; requires provision of certain data and documentation to the non-Federal interest; and authorizes credit or reimbursement as discrete segments of the project or separable elements are completed.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended by Section 8114 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Cost Sharing Provisions for the Territories and Indian Tribes (2023)
  Section 8114 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 further amends Section 1156 of WRDA 1986, as amended (33 U.S.C. 2310), to direct the Secretary of the Army to apply the cost sharing waiver amount established under Section 1156 to an organization that is: 1) composed primarily of people who are recognized and defined under Federal law as indigenous people of the United States, 2) and from a specific community, and 3) that assists in the social, cultural, and educational development of such people in that community. The Implementation Guidance provides that the Secretary will apply the waiver amount to the non-Federal interest share of costs for studies and construction where applicable. Additionally, the waiver will apply to watershed assessments, whereas before it had only been applicable to feasibility studies and water resources development project construction. This guidance supersedes the implementation guidance for Section 1119 of WRDA 2016, dated May 11, 2017.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1159 of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2018, Regional Coalitions and Higher Education (2019)
  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 1161 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects (2017)
  When conducting a feasibility study for a project (or component of a project) for ecosystem restoration, the recommended project includes a plan for monitoring the success of the ecosystem restoration. Section 1161 of WRDA 2016 amends Section 2039 of WRDA 2007, to specify information required to be included in monitoring plans for ecosystem restoration projects, and to direct when non-federal operation and maintenance responsibilities of these projects may cease.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1163 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Wetlands Mitigation (2017)
  Section 1163 of WRDA 2016 amends Section 2036(c) of WRDA 2007 by replacing the full text-of the original provision and providing for consideration of the entire amount of potential in-kind credits available at mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs when conducting water resources development feasibility studies. This implementation guidance rescinds implementation guidance issued in November 2008 for WRDA 2007 Section 2036(c).
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1164 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Local or Regional Government Water Management Plans (2019)
  Section 1164 of WRDA 2018 authorizes the Secretary, with the consent of the non-federal interest, to enter into a written agreement for a feasibility study for a water resources development project with a unit of local government in the watershed that has adopted a local or regional water management plan, and to allow the unit of local government to participate in the feasibility study to determine if there is an opportunity to include additional feasible elements in the project to help achieve the purposes identified in the local or regional water management plan. A unit of local government may serve as a sole or co-non-Federal sponsor to a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement (FCSA) executed under Section 105(a)(1) of WRDA 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2215(a)(1 )), or it may partner separately with the non-Federal sponsor to a FCSA to provide input to the feasibility study.
• Implementation guidance for Section 1165 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDS 2016), Disposition Studies (2017)
  This memorandum provides implementation guidance for Section 1165(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), which provides specific considerations for the Secretary of the Army to evaluate when conducting a USACE disposition study for a project. These considerations include economic, cultural, historic, or recreational significance or impacts at the national, state, or local level.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1183 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Coastal Engineering (2018)
  Section 1183(b)-(e) of WRDA 2016 directs the Secretary to convene an interagency working group (IAWG) on resilience to extreme weather, which will coordinate research, data, and federal investments related to sea level rise, resiliency, and vulnerability to extreme weather, including coastal resilience; authorizes the Secretary to conduct regional assessments of coastal and back bay protection and of federal and state policies and programs related to coastal water resources in cooperation with heads of appropriate federal agencies, states that have approved coastal management programs and appropriate agencies of those states, local governments, and the private sector; and requires the Secretary, when carrying out activities authorized by the section, to use existing research done by federal, state, regional, local, and private entities to eliminate redundancies and related costs to the maximum extent practicable.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1184 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), Consideration of Measures (2017)
  Section 1184 of WRDA 2016 defines natural features and nature-based features and requires the Secretary, with the consent of the non-federal sponsor, to consider natural features, nature-based features, nonstructural measures, and structural measures, as appropriate, when studying the feasibility of projects for flood risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration. In addition, Section 1184 requires the Secretary to submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of subsection (b) no later than February 1, 2020, and 5 and 10 years thereafter
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), South Atlantic Coastal Study (2017)
  Section 1204 of WRDA 2016 authorizes the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive coastal study within the geographic boundaries of the South Atlantic Division (SAD) to (1) identify the risks and vulnerabilities of those areas to increased hurricane and storm damage as a result of sea level rise; (2) recommend measures to address the vulnerabilities; and (3) develop a long-term strategy addressing increased hurricane and storm damages that result from rising sea levels and identifying opportunities to enhance resiliency, increase sustainability, and lower risks in populated areas, areas of concentrated economic development, and areas with vulnerable environmental resources. The section also requires the Secretary to report to Congress within four years after enactment of WRDA 2016 with specific and detailed recommendations to address those risks and vulnerabilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 125(a)(2)(C) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (2022)
  Section 125(a)(2)(C) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 amends Section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 (33 U.S.C. 2326(d)) to authorize the Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to use funds appropriated for construction or operation and maintenance of a project involving the disposal of dredged material when selecting a disposal method that is not the least cost option based on a determination that the incremental costs of the disposal method are reasonable in relation to the environmental benefits or the hurricane and storm or flood risk reduction benefits. This memorandum provides guidance and direction on implementation of Section 125(a)(2)(C) and rescinds and replaces the implementation guidance for Section 1038 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 130 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Materials, Services, and Funds for Repair, Restoration, or Rehabilitation of Projects (2022)
  This memorandum provides interim guidance and direction to the USACE Civil Works related to Materials, Services, and Funds for Repair, Restoration, or Rehabilitation of Projects. This memorandum applies to Headquarters and all Divisions, Districts, and Field Offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) with civil works responsibilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1304 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2016, Los Angeles County Drainage Area (2017)
  Section 1304 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 provides that the Secretary shall prioritize the updating of water control manuals for control structures of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LAGOA) project and shall integrate and incorporate into the project seasonal operations for water conservation and water supply. Section 1304 further directs that the update shall be done in coordination with all appropriate federal agencies, elected officials, and members of the public. While this section provides specific authorities to USCAE concerning seasonal operations for water conservation and water supply into the LAGOA project, this implementation guidance specifies that it does not deauthorize or diminish any existing authorized purpose. This implementation guidance also defines "separable costs."
• Implementation Guidance for Section 1330(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, Project Deauthorization and Study Extensions (2019)
  Section 1330(a) WRDA 2018 amends Section 6003(a) WRRDA 2014 by extending the length of time from a 7-year period to a 10-year period before a water resources development project, separable element, or environmental infrastructure assistance project or program, authorized for construction in WRRDA 2014, is automatically deauthorized because there have been no obligations for construction during that period beginning on June 10, 2014. Any water resources development project, separable element, or environmental infrastructure assistance project or program, authorized for construction by WRRDA 2014, will automatically be deauthorized on June 10, 2024 if there have been no obligations for construction. However, in calculating the 10-year period before automatic deauthorization, the Secretary shall not include any period of time during which the project is being reviewed and awaiting determination by the Secretary to implement a locally preferred plan for that project. The Secretary shall not deauthorize any project during this period of review.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 152 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Treatment of Certain Costs and Benefits (2021)
  This WRDA 2020 implementation guidance applies to flood risk management studies in High or Moderate Seismic Hazard Regions that include structural measures for which earthquake loading controls the design. The guidance defines if, and when, two cost estimates will be prepared for alternatives including seismic considerations for developing the cost benefit analysis.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 155 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Small Water Storage Projects (2022)
  This memorandum provides interim guidance and direction to the USACE Civil Works related to Small Water Storage Projects. This memorandum applies to Headquarters and all Divisions, Districts, and Field Offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) with civil works responsibilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 160 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Definition of Economically Disadvantaged Community (2023)
  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.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 165(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Pilot Program for Continuing Authority Projects in Small or Disadvantaged Communities, as amended (2023)
  Section 165(a) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, as amended by Section 8118 of WRDA 2022, directs the Secretary to implement a pilot program for carrying out up to 20 continuing authority projects in economically disadvantaged communities. The implementation guidance describes the eligibility requirements, general and mission-specific screening considerations, project requirements, and other implementation procedures that apply to the pilot program. The Federal cost share of selected projects is 100 percent.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 2003 (b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - Definition of Non-Federal Interest (2012)
  This document presents Section 2003(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 20007
• Implementation Guidance for Section 2008 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - Revision of Project Partnership Agreement; Cost Sharing (2011)
  This document presents guidance for Section 2008 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 concerning the Revision of Project Partnership Agreement; Cost Sharing
• Implementation Guidance for Section 2036(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 07) - Mitigation for Fish and Wildlife and Wetlands Losses (2009)
  This memorandum provides implementation guidance for Civil Works compensatory mitigation as described in Section 2036(a) of WRDA 2007, which amends Section 906(d) of WRDA 1986. Section 2036(a) ensures that any report, submitted to Congress for authorization, shall not select a project alternative unless it contains a specific recommendation with a specific plan to mitigate fish and wildlife losses, or the Secretary determines that the project will have negligible adverse impacts; ensures that other habitat types are mitigated to not less than in-kind condition, to the extent possible; and requires that mitigation plans comply with the mitigation standards and policies of the regulatory programs administered by the Secretary and require specific mitigation plan components.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Assistance to Non-Federal Sponsors; Feasibility Analysis (2023)
  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.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 2045(1) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, as amended by Section 1005(a)(1) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Categorical Exclusion Survey (2016)
  Section 2045(1) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, as amended by Section 1005( a)( 1) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 (Public Law 113-121) requires that the Secretary of the Army survey the use by the Corps of Engineers of categorical exclusions in projects since 2005 and publish a review of the survey. If the survey identifies a category of activities that merit establishing a new categorical exclusion, then the Secretary is to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose any new categorical exclusion(s). The Secretary is also to solicit requests from other Federal agencies and project sponsors for new categorical exclusions.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 3015 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) - Planning Assistance to States (2016)
  Section 3015 of WRRDA 2014 further amends Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (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 Guidance for Section 3025 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) - Post Disaster Watershed Assessments (2015)
  Section 3025 of WRRDA 2014 authorizes the Secretary to conduct watershed assessments in areas that the President has declared a major disaster in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). At such time that funds are specifically appropriated for a study under this authority, the study will be conducted in accordance with ER 1105-2-100 and other applicable planning regulations. The study will be cost shared 50 percent federal and 50 percent non-federal. Additional guidance may be requested from Corps Headquarters to address coordination, processing, and approval of the report.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 350 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Reduced Pricing for Certain Water Supply Storage (2022)
  This memorandum provides interim guidance and direction to the USACE Civil Works related to Reduced Pricing for Certain Water Supply Storage. This memorandum applies to Headquarters and all Divisions, Districts, and Field Offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) with civil works responsibilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 5013, Title C of the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN 2016), Estuary Restoration (2018)
  Section 5013 of WIIN 2016 clarifies the authority for a nongovernmental organization to serve as the non-federal interest for a project and extends the authority for appropriations until 2021. This Section amends Sections 104(f) and 109(a) of the Estuary Restoration Act of 2000 (33 U.S.C. 2903(f)).
• Implementation Guidance for Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014), Annual Report to Congress (2017)
  Section 7001 of WRRDA 2014 requires that the Secretary of the Army annually submit to the Congress a report (Annual Report on Future Water Resources Development) that identifies for potential congressional authorization completed feasibility reports, proposed feasibility studies, and proposed modifications to authorized projects or studies. The report is to be based, in part, upon responses to an annual notice for proposals from non-federal interests published in the Federal Register. Additionally, Section 7001 requires that the Secretary certify that the proposals included in the annual report meet the criteria established by Congress. This memorandum supersedes the Implementation Guidance for Section 7001 issued 20 September 2016.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8102 (a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Response to Natural Disasters (2023)
  Section 8102(a) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to repair and restore any federally authorized hurricane or shore protective structure or project damaged or destroyed by wind, wave, or water action of other than an ordinary nature to the pre-storm level of protection, to the design level of protection, or to a level sufficient to meet the authorized purpose of such structure or project, whichever provides greater protection, when, in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers, such repair and restoration is warranted for the adequate functioning of the structure or project for hurricane or shore protection. If requested by the non-Federal interest, the Chief of Engineers may include modifications to the structure or project (including the addition of new project features) to address major deficiencies, increase resilience, increase benefits from the reduction of damages from inundation, wave action, or erosion, or implement nonstructural alternatives to the repair or restoration of the structure.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8106(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Scope of Feasibility Studies (2024)
  Section 8106(a) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 provides that when carrying out a feasibility study for flood risk management (FRM) or coastal storm risk management (CSRM), the Secretary of the Army, at the request of the non-federal sponsor, will formulate alternatives to maximize the net benefits from the reduction of the comprehensive flood risk within the geographic scope of the study from the effects of sea level rise, subsidence, rainfall, and other flood related events. This implementation guidance defines "comprehensive flood risk," "compound effects," and "non-federal sponsor." It also further defines the process through which the non-federal sponsor will request additional alternatives in a FRM or CSRM feasibility study, and how they will be incorporated into the feasibility study.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8106(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Scope of Feasibility Studies (2024)
  Section 8106(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022) provides that when carrying out a feasibility study, the Secretary of the Army, at the request of the non-federal sponsor, will formulate alternatives that maximize combined net benefits for the study and for water supply/conservation, or include one or more measures if it is determined that such measures may reduce potential adverse impacts of extreme weather events. This implementation guidance defines "non-federal sponsor," "geographic scope of study," and "water supply." It also further defines the process through which the non-federal sponsor will request additional alternatives and how they will be incorporated into the feasibility study.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8108(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Managed Aquifer Recharge Feasibility Studies (2025)
  Section 8108(b) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 authorizes the Secretary of the Army, at the request of a non-Federal interest, to carry out up to 10 feasibility studies of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) projects in areas that are experiencing, or have recently experienced, prolonged drought conditions, aquifer depletion, or water supply scarcity. This guidance further elaborates on relevant details concerning MAR feasibility studies, study proposals, study selection, feasibility cost share agreements, study cost share, and non-Federal interest responsibilities.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8149 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Use of Other Federal Funds (2024)
  Section 8149 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2022 amends and provides revised guidance for Section 2007 of WRDA 2007 to allow the non-federal interest for a water resources development study or project, including a study or project under the Continuing Authorities Program or a study or project under an environmental infrastructure assistance program, to use, and the Secretary of the Army to accept, funds provided by a federal agency under any other federal program, to satisfy the non-federal share of the cost of a study or project, under certain circumstances. This memorandum supersedes implementation guidance issued on 1 December 2010, "Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 2007 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - Use of Other Federal Funds."
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8154 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Temporary Relocation Assistance Pilot Program (2023)
  Section 8154 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to evaluate the extent to which the provision of temporary relocation assistance to voluntary participants enhances the completeness, effectiveness, efficiency, acceptability, and equitable implementation of covered water resources development projects. The pilot program enables a non-Federal interest for a covered water resources development project to provide temporary relocation assistance to a temporarily displaced person who voluntarily participates in a covered water resource project and for the non-Federal interest to be credited towards its project cost share for the reasonable costs associated with such temporary relocation assistance.
• Implementation Guidance for Section 8155 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, Continuation of Construction (2024)
  Section 8155 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 provides that upon the transmittal of an initial notification that a water resources development project exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the maximum cost of the project permitted under Section 902 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, the Secretary of the Army shall not, solely on the basis of the authorized Section 902 limit, defer the initiation or continuation of construction of the water resources development project during the covered period, or, terminate during or after the covered period, a contract for design or construction of the water resources development project that was entered into prior to or during the covered period. This implementation guidance provides new, permanent notification procedure requirements for when a project exceeds the authorized Section 902 limit for project cost.
• Implementation Guidance for Sections 1015 and 1023 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014), Contributed Funds (2015)
  Section 1015 of WRRDA 2014 amends the contributed funds authority codified in 33 U.S.C. 701 h. It expands this authority to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to accept voluntarily contributed funds from states and political subdivisions as well as from other non-federal interests. It clarifies that the authority to accept and expend contributed funds applies as well to authorized projects on the inland waterways.  Section 1023 of WRRDA 2014 amends Section 902 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (WRDA 1986) (Enclosure 2), as amended (33 U.S.C. 2280) to provide that USAGE may accept contributed funds to carry out any authorized water resources development project that has exceeded its maximum cost. This guidance supersedes the guidance in ER 1165-2-30 as it pertains to Contributed Funds.
• Implementation Guidance for Sections 1201 and 1207 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 (2017)
  Section 1201 of WRDA 2016 authorizes 30 feasibility studies for water resource development and conservation and other purposes identified in the annual reports submitted to the Congress in 2015 and 2016 pursuant to section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2282d). Section 1207 directs the Secretary to conduct studies to determine the feasibility of implementing projects for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, navigation, water supply, recreation, and other water resource related purposes within the Kanawha River Basin, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
• Implementation Guidance for WRDA 2016 (2017)
  Signed implementation guidance for specific sections of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016.
• Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (2025)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance to federal agencies on their implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This memorandum provides an overview of NEPA, including a discussion of recent amendments to the statute and relevant case law that agencies implementing NEPA should consider. This memorandum also provides guidance for agencies to use when establishing or revising agency-specific NEPA implementing procedures.
• Implementation Requirements for Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974, as amended, and Non-Federal Interests (2018)
  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.
• Improving Internal Processes for Review of Requests for Water Supply Withdrawals (2020)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to ensure that MSCs take steps to accelerate, simplify, and better integrate the processing of requests for withdrawals of water from USACE water resource development projects. This memorandum does not add or change substantive policies regarding implementation of relevant USACE authorities. Rather, MSC Commanders are instructed to take steps to ensure efficient processing of water withdrawal requests under existing authority. Note: Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter No. 26, Easements to Support Water Supply Storage Agreements and Surplus Water Agreements has been rescinded to align with the updated policy, guidance, and processes for review of water supply withdrawal requests.
• Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Federal Decision Making (2015)
  This memorandum directs agencies to develop and institutionalize policies to promote consideration of ecosystem services, where appropriate and practicable, in planning, investments, and regulatory contexts, and sets forth the process for development of implementation guidance.
• Incorporation of Nature-Based Solutions in Civil Works Projects (2024)
  This memorandum, in response to increased interest in natural or nature-based solutions (NBS), recognizes USACE progress in developing and using NBS in Civil Works projects, and provides additional guidance to incorporate NBS where appropriate. The intent of this memorandum is to expand the use of NBS and identify challenges and possible solutions in implementing NBS. This memorandum applies to all Civil Works programs and missions except the Regulatory Program.
• Increasing Dredging Capacity Through Better Mitigation Banking (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to USACE to prioritize mitigation banking as the preferred approach for meeting environmental mitigation requirements on Army Civil Works navigation projects. The memorandum directs the Corps to treat mitigation banks as the first option for mitigation unless compelling reasons exist to do otherwise, to identify ways to streamline mitigation bank permitting, and to incorporate mitigation bank creation as a primary component of Dredged Material Management Plans for major deep-draft navigation projects, with the intent of accelerating project delivery, reducing costs, and improving environmental outcomes.
• Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Federal Decision Making (2021)
  This Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) memorandum establishes the federal government's recognition of Indigenous Knowledge as one of the many important bodies of knowledge that contributes to the scientific, technical, social, and economic advancements of the United States and to our collective understanding of the natural world. The OSTP's 2022 memorandum, Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge, provides additional implementation guidance for federal agencies.
• Information for the Sponsor at the Agency Decision Milestone (ADM) for Feasibility Studies (2016)
  This memo directs the Corps of Engineers to inform the non-federal sponsor at the Agency Decision Milestone that if the estimated project costs (of the agency-supported plan or locally preferred plan) exceed the estimated project benefits when calculated using a real discount rate of 7 percent, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review required by Executive Order 12322 may advise the ASA(CW) that the project is not consistent with the policy and programs of the President and, as a result, the project may not receive Administration support for authorization after the completion of the feasibility study and reports of the Chief of Engineers and follow-on project funding. The benefit to cost ratio (BCR) at the 7 percent discount rate is used only to inform the sponsor and provide transparency on the way forward; it is not to be included in the feasibility study or Report of the Chief of Engineers.
• Initial Implementation Guidance for Section 208 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 - Reburial and Conveyance Authority for Native American Remains (2001)
  This memorandum provides initial implementation guidance for Section 208 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (WRDA 2000), Public Law 106-541. Section 208 of WRDA 2000 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to recover and rebury "Native American remains" that were discovered on Civil Works project land, and to set aside Civil work land to rebury these "Native American remains" and convey these set aside lands to an Indian tribe for use as a cemetery. This guidance provides definitions for "civil works projects of the Department of the Army," "project land," "Native American remains," and "rightfully claimed."
• Inspection of Section 902 Cost Limit Requirements for Civil Works Projects (2012)
  This 2012 memorandum directs the Engineer Inspector General to evaluate Section 902 Cost Limit Requirements for Civil Works projects within USACE.
• Integral Determination Delegation to Major Subordinate Command Commanders (2021)
  This memorandum delegates the approval of all integral determinations, with the exception of integral determinations made under Section 221 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, as amended, which have been delegated under Engineer Regulation 1165-2-208, to the Major Subordinate Command (MSC) Commanders. This delegation may not be further delegated within the MSC or to a District Commander. This delegation is effective as of 10 June 2021 and expires on 10 June 2026.
• Interim Army Policy for Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (2025)
  This memorandum provides interim policy for Army implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 USC 4321 et seq; Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies, subject: Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, 19 February 2025; and 32 CFR Part 651, Environmental Analysis of Army Actions, 29 March 2002. Additionally, this memorandum rescinds and replaces Army memoranda Environmental Justice Policy, 19 January 2021; Implementation of Council on Environmental Quality Revisions to National Environmental Policy Act Regulations, 19 May 2022; Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Effects of Climate Change in Army National Environmental Policy Act Reviews, 27 June 2023; and Interim Policy and Guidance - Army Implementation of Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act Regulations, 1 July 2024.
• Interim Federal Interest Determination (FID) Guidance (2026)
  This interim guidance clarifies how the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (OASA(CW)) coordinates with USACE through the RAPID feasibility framework on Federal Interest Determinations (FIDs) and preliminary study scoping efforts. It builds on the 14 "Build Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" documents issued in February 2026 by Secretary Telle, specifically "Realignment of the Investigation Phase and Federal Interest Determination to Ensure Effective Use of Federal Resources," and is intended to facilitate engagement among OASA(CW), HQUSACE, and the MSCs while final guidance is developed. This interim guidance also rescinds the 28 July 2025 memorandum "Implementation Guidance for Section 905(b) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as amended, Federal Interest Determination."
• Interim Guidance for Change Management on Civil Works Projects (2025)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to establish interim guidance for managing project changes on Civil Works projects, until such time permanent guidance is put in place.
• Interim Guidance for Civil Works Mega Studies (2021)
  This memorandum provides interim policy and procedural guidance for designating and conducting Civil Works Mega Studies. Final guidance will be completed following a provisional period and subsequent After-Action Review. The interim guidance provides a framework for communication, study control, and issue resolution that will be primarily managed at the MSC level to ensure study compliance with approved schedules and budgets.
  Mega Study Quarterly Update Template
  Quarterly update template for use by project delivery teams working on mega studies, as defined in the 15 October 2021 Interim Guidance for Civil Works Mega Studies Memo.
• Interim Guidance for Inland Navigation and Intracoastal Waterway Major Rehabilitation Evaluations (MREs) and Reports (MRERs) (2022)
  This memorandum provides interim policy and procedural guidance for inland navigation and intracoastal waterway major rehabilitation as authorized by WRDA 1992, Section 205 (ref 1.a). This interim guidance is intended to facilitate MSC management of MRE efforts by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of key organizations responsible for MRER execution; and formalizing the MRE report development process, to include phases, key milestones, review requirements, and approval authorities for budgetary purposes.
• Interim Guidance on Streamlining Independence External Peer Review (IEPR) for Improved Civil Works Product Delivery (2019)
  This memorandum summarizes the current guidance on delegated IEPR authorities to the field, and provides updated guidance on IEPR mandatory triggers. In particular, it streamlines the mandatory triggers to reflect only the statutory requirements for Type I IEPR. When the statutory requirements for IEPR were first introduced in the WRDA 2007, USACE adopted a broad application of these reviews. In the years since, USACE improved its quality management and strengthened all layers of review. In a resources constrained environment, USACE must focus its IEPR implementation on the most complex, highest cost projects, as well as those that pose a high risk to public safety, the economy, and the environment.
• Interim Guidance on the Conduct of Disposition Studies (2016)
  This memo establishes a process for executing Disposition Studies initiated in FY2016 and to inform future program-wide guidance. See also Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter 33.
• Investigations Portfolio Financial Assessment (2016)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to direct a reassessment of the planning investigation portfolio. MG Jackson directed an evaluation of the planning investigations portfolio, completion of studies funded for completion, termination of studies that have no viable sponsor, limited or no sponsor funding, or a low probability of federal interest, and fiscally closing out studies that have been completed or terminated.
• Life Cycle Cost Management on Civil Works Projects (2013)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the improvement of calculations, explanations, reporting, and display of cost estimates for Civil Works construction projects.
• Maximum Federal Cost for Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) Studies (2023)
  This memorandum amends the implementation of Section 1001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Vertical Integration and Acceleration of Studies as amended by Section 1330(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018. The memo addresses cost-share reductions for Tribal Nations advancing Tribal priorities under the TPP.
• Mega Study Quarterly Update Template (2021)
  Quarterly update template for use by project delivery teams working on mega studies, as defined in the 15 October 2021 Interim Guidance for Civil Works Mega Studies Memo.
• Memo: Application of Cost Risk Analysis Methods to Develop Contingencies for Civil Works Total Project Costs (2007)
  In accordance with the Corps Actions for Change (ref.la), to more accurately identify and mitigate cost and schedule risk to our customers and Congress, this memorandum directs the use of specific cost risk analysis methods for the development of contingency on Civil Works Total Project Cost. This is applicable for all decision documents requiring Congressional authorization for projects exceeding $40 million.
• Memo: Clarification Guidance on the Policy and Procedural Guidance for the Approval of Modifications and Alterations of Corps of Engineers Projects (2008)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional clarification and to supplement reference 1 a, which remains in effect. This memorandum addresses approval levels for various types of alterations/modifications under 33 U.S.C. 408; the application of risk analysis to the required engineering studies, review requirements, report processing requirements, and appropriate funding mechanisms and focuses primarily on flood risk management projects.
• Memo: Corps of Engineers Civil Works Cost Definitions and Applicability (2011)
  This memorandum is intended to define and clarify cost terminology to be used in Chiefs Reports and other documents processed through the HQUSACE and/or Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)). It DOES NOT implement new guidance pertaining to cost development.
• Memo: Cost Sharing for Lands Associated with Fish and Wildlife Mitigations (September 19, 2006) (2006)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the policy applicable to cost-sharing of lands, easements, rights of way, and relocations (LERRs) associated with fish and wildlife mitigation for water resources development projects, including continuing authorities program projects. The guidance will be applied prospectively to ongoing and future pre-authorization and pre-Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) planning activities.
• Memo: Delegation of Authority to District Commanders to Approve Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 408 Those Minor, Low Impact Modifications to Flood Protection Works Operated and Maintained by Non-Federal Sponsors Previously Being Considered under 33 CFR 208.10(a)(5) (2010)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to establish that, from this date forward, 33 U.S.C. 408 (Section 408) will be the sole authority utilized for approvals to modify Corps projects and to delegate authority to District Commanders to approve pursuant to Section 408 those minor, low impact modifications to flood protection works operated and maintained by non-federal sponsors that previously were being considered under 33 CFR 20S.10(a)(5).
• Memo: Improve Accuracy of Total Project Costs (2007)
  Initiatives to improve accuracy of total project costs in Civil Works feasibility studies requiring Congressional authorization
• Memo: Planner Certification Program - National Pilot Program (2011)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to begin implementation of the National Pilot Program for Planner Certification. The objective of the program is to advance the technical capability of each individual planner and the national planning team. This program is a framework for a more results-oriented and diversified workload with increasing levels of technical complexity, responsibility and leadership. The program lays out a path to become an "Expert Planner."
• Memo: Planning Excellence Program and Maintaining Planning Capability (2006)
  This memorandum aims to stress the importance of maintaining Civil Works Planning capabilities and to reaffirm support of the Planning Excellence Program.
• Memo: Planning Excellence Program Requirement (2002)
  This is a description of initiatives that make up the Planning Excellence Program.
• Memo: Planning Investigations Reclassification and Feasibility Reset Initiative (2011)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to require all Major Subordinate Commanders (MSC) to conduct a proactive and aggressive review of all ongoing, protracted feasibility studies and to follow existing regulations related to Civil Works investigations reclassification. The goal of this initiative is to focus limited USACE resources upon studies with the highest probability of success.
• Memo: Policy and Procedural Guidance for the Approval of Modification and Alteration of Corps of Engineer Reports (2006)
  This document provides guidance for the modification of Corps' projects.
• Memo: Policy Guidance on Certification of Ecosystem Output Models (2008)
  This memorandum establishes additional policy and procedures regarding the certification requirements for ecosystem output models used in all planning activities.
• Memo: Proposal for Comprehensive Analysis of Multi-Jurisdictional Use and Management of Water Resources on a Regional Scale - Delaware River Basin, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware (2006)
  This memorandum to the commander of the North Atlantic Division is a proposal for a comprehensive analysis of multi-jurisdictional use and management of water resources on a regional scale in the Delaware River Basin affecting New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
• Memo: Reconstruction of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Structural Flood Damage Reduction Projects for which Non-Federal Interests are Responsible for Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Rehabilitation and Replacement (2005)
  This memorandum provides policy guidance on reconstruction of Corps structural flood damage reduction projects for which non-federal interests are responsible for operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and replacement (OMRR&R).
• Memo: Revision of ER 5-1-11, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Business Process (2007)
  This revision of ER 5-1-11 clearly defines the concept of "project," as well as the work that we undertake that is NOT a project. It also dictates the process for managing non-project work as well as our corporate data. The new ER requires consistent, timely and accurate use of corporate AIS. All USACE programs, to include project and non-project work, will be captured in P2, however the level of detail will be dependent upon the specific program and category of work.
• Memo: Section 104 of WRDA 1986 Credit Eligibility Requests (2011)
  Based upon recent policy direction from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), USACE will no longer accept applications for credit eligibility under Section 104 of WRDA 1986. Credit for In-Kind Contributions will be considered in accordance with Section 221 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, as amended by Section 2003 of WRDA 2007. Guidance for providing In-Kind Contributions in EC 1165-2-208, dated 6 June 2008, remains in effect and will be updated to reflect this new policy.
• Memo: Support to Planning Centers of Expertise (2006)
  This memorandum from the Director of Civil Works emphasizes the need for MSC and District support to the Planning Centers of Expertise.
• Memo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Feasibility Study Program Execution and Delivery (2012)
  On 8 Feb 2012, Major General Michael Walsh, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations (DCG-CEO), signed a significant memorandum affecting execution of the USACE CW Feasibility Study Program. The memo sets forth requirements for reclassification and reset of ongoing feasibility studies and conduct of feasibility studies that have not reached the feasibility scoping meeting milestone by 31 December 2011.
• Memo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Planning Program (2011)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to implement actions to improve our performance in meeting the purposes of the Civil Works Planning Program. It requires all Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) and District Commanders to be more engaged in Planning study execution and strengthening planner capabilities.
• Memorandum for MSC Programs Directors - Capturing Cost and Time Impacts, Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Decision Documents (2021)
  This memorandum provides additional information for the implementation of the Policy Directive - Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Decision Document. Study scopes should be re-evaluated immediately to confirm that the additional tasks necessary to evaluate all benefit types can be accomplished within current approved study schedules and budgets, including contingencies. Further, to the extent possible and using existing project management tools, the cost and time impacts of performing the analyses required to comply with the policy directive should be tracked via activity and labor codes for purposes of determining the effect, if any, of the additional requirements on study schedules and budgets.
• Memorandum from General Semonite: Reissuance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Operating Principles (EOPs) (2016)
  This memo reissues the 2012 EOPs (Environmental Operating Principles II) in order to renew the Corps' commitment to the principles and as a reminder to all Corps employees that it is essential each individual understand his or her responsibility to proactively implement the EOPs as a key to fulfilling the Corps mission.
• Memorandum from LTG Bostick: Reissuance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Environmental Operating Principles (2012)
  The seven Environmental Operating Principles (EOP) were introduced in 2002. These principles were designed to provide direction on how to better achieve stewardship of air, water, and land resources, and to demonstrate a positive relationship between management of these resources and the protection and improvement of a sustainable environment. Since 2002, the mark has moved based on new science, leading to the need for a Corps environmental vision that must better (1) incorporate measures to reduce actions and inactions that may contribute individually or cumulatively to the factors causing global change, and (2) prepare Corps-managed Military and Civil Works infrastructure for adapting to global changes. To that end, this memo revises and reissues the EOP in a substantially more concise form and with more emphasis on proactively implementing these principles.
• Memorandum of Understanding Implementing One Federal Decision Under Executive Order 13807 (2018)
  This MOU establishes a cooperative relationship for the timely processing of environmental reviews and authorization decisions for proposed major infrastructure projects under the One Federal Decision (OFD) policy established in Executive Order (E.O.) 13807, which required the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in consultation with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council), to develop a framework for implementation of the Executive Order. EO 13807 has since been revoked by EO 13990.
• Memorandum: Civil Works Transformation Planning Modernization: USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner (2016)
  This 2016 memorandum launched the new USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner (WRCP) program. The objective of this program was to set a standard of excellence for the planning profession. In addition, it advanced the technical capability of individual planners, strengthened the quality of USACE planning products, and recognized USACE national planning capability.
• Memorandum: Planning Centers of Expertise -Mission, Roles and Responsibilities Statement and Small Boat Harbor Designation, 23 June 2008 (2008)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the missions, roles, and responsibilities of the Planning Centers of Expertise. This memorandum also designates the Small Boat Harbor Sub-Center of Expertise.
• Memorandum: Planning Centers of Expertise, 25 August 2003 (2003)
  This memorandum provides information about the designation of five key business functions for the Planning Centers of Expertise.
• Memorandum: Report to Congress on Easements Related to Water Resources Development Projects, Section 8235 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (2024)
  The Report to Congress on Easements Related to Water Resources Development Projects, dated February 2024, includes a review of the existing statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements and procedures related to the use of easements provided by non-Federal interests/sponsors in relation to the construction of flood risk management, Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction (HSDRR) also known as Coastal Storm Risk Management, and ecosystem restoration projects. This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works transmits this report and highlights key findings as well as provides direction regarding several USACE projects reviewed in the report.
• Methodology for Updating Benefit-to-Cost Ratios (BCR) for Budget Development (2012)
  This Director of Civil Works policy memorandum (12-001) provides guidance on the methodology for updating benefit-to-cost ratios (BCRs) in support of the budget development process and establishes responsibilities for ensuring accurate reporting of updated BCRs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
• Minimum Real Property Interest for Upland Placement of Dredged Material from Federal Commercial Navigation Channels (2023)
  This memorandum affirms the use of a lesser estate than fee for upland placement areas in instances when channel closure is imminent due to shoaling, barge grounding, and/or bathymetry measurements reflecting changed channel conditions. The Memorandum further affirms the use of a lesser estate than fee in certain cases of beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM). Guides on drafting the lesser estates, temporary easements, are included.
• Mission Focus of the Department of Defense (2025)
  Memorandum on the Mission Focus of the Department of Defense signed by Secretary of Defense Hegseth.
• Missouri River Mainstem Reservoirs - Surplus Water Reports and Environmental Assessments (2020)
  This memorandum from the ASA(CW) is a response to the request for approval of five Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir Surplus Water Reports and Environmental Assessments from the USACE Commanding General. The memorandum returns these without action, but with additional direction and delegation of authority to review and respond to requests for water withdrawals from the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoirs, and authorizes the USACE Commanding General to review and approve on a case-by-case basis such requests for withdrawals that would not affect flood risk management or other authorized project purposes, subject to any additional analysis required. Analysis that indicates any impact to flood risk management or other authorized project purposes requires ASA (CW) approval.
• Mitigation Planning and Adaptive Management (2019)
  This memorandum highlights clarifications that will be incorporated into the Mitigation Planning and Adaptive Management section of Appendix C (Environmental Evaluation and Compliance) of ER 1105-2-100 (the Planning Guidance Notebook) to better engage non-federal sponsors in the mitigation planning process and the monitoring and adaptive management of mitigation plans.
• Model Agreement for New Start Feasibility Studies Conducted under the Community Revitalization Program for Continuing Authorities Projects in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Authorized by Section 165(a) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, as amended (2024)
  This DCW memorandum transmits and provides instructions for using the approved model agreement to be used for new start feasibility studies to be conducted at full federal expense under the Community Revitalization Program for CAP projects in small or disadvantaged communities.
• Model Agreements - Changes to the Waiver of Appraisal Language (2024)
  This memorandum provides direction based on the Federal Highway Administration's issuance of a Final Rule on June 3, 2024, that revised the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 regulation. This revision required updated waivers of appraisal language in USACE model agreements. Existing model agreements are being updated to incorporate the new waiver of appraisal language. Pending completion of this effort, Division Commanders should ensure that any new agreement approved under delegated authority should include the applicable changes outlined within this document.
• Model Coordination for Civil Works Planning Studies (2023)
  This memorandum from the Headquarters Planning and Policy Division (CECW-P) and Headquarters Engineering and Construction Division (CECW-EC) clarifies the responsibilities of all study teams using planning and engineering models for Civil Works planning studies. The purpose of this memo is to ensure cross-functional coordination for model identification, appropriateness and proper application of planning and engineering models, and confirm that modelers have the knowledge and experience required to complete modeling tasks.
• Modification of non-federal contribution in Design Agreement (2013)
  This memorandum provides guidance on the negotiation and execution of any new Design Agreement. It also describes modifications made to the Design Agreement model.
• Modification of the Model Certification Process and Delegation of Model Approval for Use (2017)
  This memo directs that guidance contained within EC 1105-2-412, Assuring Quality of Planning Models, remains applicable until an update of the EC is issued and, further, that the requirement for a HQUSACE Model Certification Panel is rescinded and the responsibilities are transferred to the PCX in accordance with their enterprise-wide role in their mission areas.
• National Environmental Policy Act Decision Documents Memo (2019)
  This ASA(CW) memorandum requires USACE to adopt the use of consistent templates for Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Records of Decision (ROD) NEPA decision documents. Use of the templates will allow for consistent and predictable documentation for projects. Any requested modification of the template FONSI or ROD for a project will be coordinated with the Deputy ASA for Project Planning and Review and staff, with final approval by the ASA(CW), prior to submittal.
• Nonstructural Guidance Supplement (2025)
  This guidance memorandum supplements, and does not supersede, the memorandum titled Guidance for Nonstructural Project Planning and Implementation, dated 22 July 2024. The guidance includes, but is not limited to, all feasibility studies, including General Reevaluation Reports, Limited Reevaluation Reports, Validation Reports, Dam Safety Modification Studies, and Continuing Authority Program studies. The guidance also applies to all USACE Civil Works projects that include nonstructural measures. This memorandum specifically addresses target design flood elevation, wind risk, the inclusion of structures in a project that were not identified for elevation in a decision document, and building code violations or deficiencies. In addition, this memorandum provides cost engineering guidance for studies that evaluate or recommend floodproofing measures.
• Notifications for Actions with Potential Transboundary Effects in Canada (2025)
  This guidance addresses notification of environmental reviews conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for proposed major federal actions that have the potential for transboundary environmental effects on Canada. This guidance outlines that agencies should provide notification to the federal government of Canada as early as practicable during the NEPA process.
• Office of Management and Budget Circular A-4: Regulatory Analysis (2003)
  This Circular provides OMB's guidance to Federal agencies on the development of regulatory analysis. The Circular also provides guidance to agencies on the regulatory accounting statements that are required under the Regulatory Right-to-Know Act.
• Office of Management and Budget Circular A-94: Guidelines and Discount Rates for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Federal Programs (2022)
  The guidelines in this OMB Circular apply to any analysis used to support government decisions to initiate, renew, or expand programs or projects which would result in a series of measurable benefits or costs extending for three or more years into the future. USACE water resources projects are specifically exempted from the guidelines of A-94, and instead are subject to the Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources. Appendix C, "Discount Rates for Cost-Effectiveness, Lease Purchase, and Related Analyses," is updated annually with nominal and real interest rates on treasury notes and bonds of specified maturities.
• One Federal Decision Framework for the Environmental Review and Authorization Process for Major Infrastructure Projects under Executive Order 13807 (M-18-13) (2018)
  The Office of Management and Budget and the Council on Environmental Quality issued this guidance for agencies to carry out responsibilities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13807, which requires Federal agencies to process environmental reviews and authorization decisions for "major infrastructure projects" as One Federal Decision (OFD). Section 5 of E.O. 13807 directs all Federal agencies with environmental review, authorization, or consultation responsibilities for major infrastructure projects to develop a single Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for such projects, sign a single Record of Decision and issue all necessary authorizations within 90 days thereafter, subject to limited exceptions. E.O. 13807 also sets a government-wide goal of reducing, to two years, the average time for each agency to complete the required environmental reviews and authorization decisions for major infrastructure projects, as measured from the date of publication of a notice of intent to prepare an EIS. EO 13807 has since been revoked by EO 13990.
• Operation Order 2012-15: Designation of the National Deep Draft Navigation Planning Center of Expertise (DDNPCX) as a Mandatory Center for the Production of All Deep Draft Navigation Related Economic Analyses (2012)
• Organization and Functions: Ohio River Division Navigation Planning Center (1989)
  This regulation provides for a Navigation Planning Center in the Huntington District office to assist the Great Lakes & Ohio River Division (previously the Ohio River Division) in preauthorization, post-authorization, operational navigation planning studies, and associated research and development and defines the policies, responsibilities, and functions of the Center and the division office.
• Paperwork Reduction Act - Generic Clearances (2010)
  This memorandum outlines the availability and uses of "generic" Information Collection Requests (ICRs). Clearances of generic ICRs provide a significantly streamlined process by which agencies may obtain the Office of Management and Budget's approval for information collections-usually voluntary, low-burden, and uncontroversial collections. Generic ICRs are a useful way for agencies to meet the obligations of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) while eliminating unnecessary burdens and delays.
• Partnering with Non-Federal Interests (2019)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) directs the Corps to treat non-federal interests as full partners in all study, planning, design, and construction processes for projects. Districts are directed to routinely engage non-Federal interests not less frequently than monthly, and provide them updated information and data related to the study, design, and/or the construction of an authorized project.
• Plain Language for Civil Works Guidance and Correspondence (2021)
  This memorandum outlines the requirements and expectations for Civil Works documentation and communication. In accordance with the Plain Writing Act of 2010, Civil Works documents and communication must be clear, concise, well organized, and understandable, using language appropriate to the subject matter and the intended audience.
• Planning Assistance to States Delegation of Authority for Review and Approval of Section 22 Agreements (2024)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works authorizes MSC Planning Assistance to States Program Managers to delegate review and approval authority for Section 22 Agreements to the District's Deputy for Project Management if there are no deviations to the model agreement and District Counsel provides concurrence. This delegation remains in effect for three years, unless modified, suspended, or rescinded.
• Policy and Procedures for Termination of Civil Works Studies and Projects (2026)
  This memorandum establishes updated policy and procedures for the termination of USACE Civil Works feasibility studies, to include those within the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) and Tribal Partnership Program (TPP). These procedures are also applicable to projects implemented under Environmental Infrastructure (EI) authorities. This memorandum clarifies internal communication steps and the role of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (OASA(CW)) within the termination process. It also reflects recent direction from Congress to notify the Appropriations Committees prior to pausing or terminating any project. It does not replace the existing ASA(CW) policy memorandum "Completion and Termination Guidance for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Studies," dated 23 March 2020, which provides overarching policy but not USACE procedures for notification and fiscal closeout.
• Policy Directive - Comprehensive Documentation of Benefits in Decision Document (2021)
  This memorandum issues policy direction on the comprehensive assessment and documentation of benefits in the conduct of USACE water resources development project planning. This policy updates current procedures, and emphasizes and expands upon policies and guidance to ensure the USACE decision framework considers, in a comprehensive manner, the total benefits of project alternatives, including equal consideration of economic, environmental and social categories.
• Policy Guidance Letter 44 Revisions - Relocation of Utilities at Navigation Projects Under Section 101 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as Amended (2017)
  This memorandum sets forth current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policy regarding the relocation and removal of utilities located in or under navigable waters of the U.S. that interfere with Federal navigation improvements implemented under Section 101 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended. Specifically, this memorandum modifies guidance on the interaction between Federal powers under the navigation servitude and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403) and the non-federal sponsor's performance and payment responsibilities for utility relocations. This memorandum rescinds Policy Guidance Letter No. 44, Relocations and Removals at Navigation (Harbor) Projects (20 Oct 95). It does not modify or supersede other, substantive regulations defining the scope of the Corps' authority under, and procedures implementing, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 or other law.
• Policy Guidance on Authorization and Budget Evaluation Criteria for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (2007)
  This memo from the Director of Civil Works underscores key factors to be considered in the formulation of ecosystem restoration projects to ensure consistency with USACE's ecosystem restoration mission and budget objectives. The memorandum includes, as an attachment, a memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works emphasizing the importance of vertical team alignment and alignment of project formulation with the ecosystem restoration mission.
• Policy Guidance on Implementation of Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-43) (2022)
  This document provides Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works implementation guidance for supplemental Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T), Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE), and Expenses appropriations provided in Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (DRSAA) 2022.
• Policy Guidance on Implementation of Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158) (2025)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides implementation guidance to the Chief of Engineers for supplemental Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T), and Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) appropriations provided in the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (DRSAA) 2025. Unless otherwise noted, all work undertaken with DRSAA 2025 funding will be conducted in accordance with the current fiscal year's Civil Works Direct Program Execution Policy Guidance.
• Policy Guidance on Implementation of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) (2022)
  This document provides Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works implementation guidance Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works for supplemental Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T), Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Regulatory, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE), Expenses, and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program (WIFIA) appropriations provided in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
• Policy Guidance on Implementation of Supplemental Appropriations in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (2018)
  This document, issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), provides implementation guidance for supplemental appropriations in the Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR& T), Operation and Maintenance, and Expenses appropriations. Implementation guidance for the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies appropriation is provided separately, dated 11 May 2018.
• Policy Memorandum-Policy Guidance on Real Estate Implementation of Supplemental Appropriations in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (2018)
  This memo provides additional guidance related to the real estate aspects of the 9 August 2018 memo, Policy Guidance on Implementation of Supplemental Appropriations in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. The memo clarifies that for all supplemental projects, the non-federal sponsor (NFS) remains responsible for the provision of LERRDs (lands, easements, rights of way, relocations and disposal sites) and provides additional detail on NFS and USACE requirements.
• Policy on Defining Separable Elements in Coastal Storm Risk Management Studies that Recommend Beach Berms and Dunes (2020)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to disseminate science-based, consistent guidance on the definition and treatment of separable elements in Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) studies that recommend beach berms and dunes. This guidance is intended to address regional discrepancies centered around this issue, and will aid districts producing these studies.
• Policy on Use of Project Labor Agreements on Army Civil Works Projects (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works establishes policy direction to USACE on the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on Army Civil Works construction projects, with the goal of ensuring cost discipline and protecting projects from exceeding their statutory maximum authorized costs. The memorandum directs that the Assistant Secretary must approve any discretionary Corps use of PLAs on projects below the $35 million large-scale threshold, and that the Corps must brief and obtain approval from the Assistant Secretary before seeking an exception to the PLA requirement in cases where PLA-driven costs exceed the government's budget by more than 10%.
• Preliminary List for the Deauthorization of Projects (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directs USACE to review and refine a preliminary list of water resources development projects recommended for deauthorization by Congress. The Corps is further directed to develop an additional list of projects that should be considered for deauthorization due to factors such as exorbitant cost growth, changed conditions, lack of non-Federal support, or non-Federal sponsor interest in eliminating obsolete infrastructure obligations, with the goal of focusing Corps expertise and resources on high-priority projects that offer the greatest value to the nation.
• Prioritization of Effort in Planning, Design and Construction of Infrastructure Across the Army Civil Works Program (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the resourcing of Army Civil Works programs, projects, and activities. This direction is needed to ensure a leaner and more nimble Corps that strategically utilizes the resources available both inside and outside of the agency to most efficiently deliver on its primary missions of flood and coastal storm risk management, commercial navigation, and restoration of national significant aquatic ecosystems in accordance with the goals and objectives of the President.
• Prioritization of Effort within the Army Civil Works Program (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directs USACE to establish a structured, bottom-up process for rank-ordering Civil Works priorities, with the goal of surging limited resources toward the highest-value infrastructure efforts. The process requires District Commanders to identify and rank their top priorities, which are then elevated and refined through Division Commanders and the Chief of Engineers before being forwarded to the Assistant Secretary for concurrence, with priorities informed by strategic national value, statutory authorizations and appropriations, and Administration objectives.
• Procedural Clarification Regarding Environmental Documentation for Project Information Reports (2020)
  This memorandum clarifies that, during completion of Project Information Reports (PIRs), District Commanders will consider the probable environmental consequences when determining the recommended alternative for rehabilitation assistance projects and describe proposed NEPA documentation or exclusion, as appropriate. This memorandum provides PIR paragraph templates for various sections of the report.
• Process for Recommending Deauthorization of Federal Navigation Channels Without Structures (2023)
  This memo provides the minimum documentation requirements and process to establish whether a federal interest continues to exist for commercial navigation, and if not, to recommend deauthorization of certain federal navigation channels, or portions of federal navigation channels, without structures that meet all of the following criteria: channel is no longer in use by any commercial traffic; channel is not used substantially by motorized recreational vessel traffic; channel does not possess or have any national security purpose, and, in other words, is no longer used for its authorized purpose.
• Processing Final Environmental Impact Statements for Civil Works Projects (2021)
  This memorandum puts into effect immediately the guidance and procedures outlined in the 6 July 2020 Memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)), Processing Final Environmental Impact Statements for Civil Works Projects. This memo requires that any request to seek public comments on a final EIS under the National Environmental Policy Act be submitted for approval by the ASA(CW). In these instances, vertical team coordination should occur prior to the Command Validation Milestone after public comments on the draft EIS have been consolidated.
• Programmatic Direction on Processing Requests for Permission Under 33 USC 408 (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directs USACE to codify Section 408 permission procedures through formal rulemaking and to expand the use of categorical permissions, beginning with nationwide permissions, to streamline the review process, reduce regulatory burden on the public, and support the Administration's energy and deregulation priorities.
• Propelling Project Delivery through Early Actionable Increments for complex water resources problems (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for propelling overall project delivery through early actionable increments for complex water resources problems.
• Proposed Contracts for Municipal and Industrial Water Withdrawals from Main Stem Missouri Reservoirs (1986)
  This memorandum for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) from the Department of the Army General Counsel provides Office of Counsel's requested views on the adequacy of two water withdrawal contracts on two main stem Missouri River Reservoirs with respect to the provisions of Section 6 of the Flood Control Act of 1944.
• Public Participation for the Civil Works Program during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (2020)
  This memo immediately establishes interim alternative public participation procedures for the USACE Civil Works and Regulatory programs during the COVID-19 public health emergency. All public meetings site visits, project delivery team meetings, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping and public review meetings, and National Historic Preservation Act consultations should be transitioned to virtual meetings, postponed, or cancelled, as determined by the respective USACE District Commander. Virtual meetings may be conducted using online meeting/collaboration tools, webinars, teleconference, social media, or email as deemed appropriate. Interim procedures are effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded inwriting.
• Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP) Nooksack River Delta Setback Levees - Policy Concurrence (2016)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (ASA(CW)) articulates Army policy: "It is the policy of the Army to encourage floodplain restoration, as it encourages community resilience and provides benefits to both the ecosystem and human wellbeing. The use of levee set-backs, along with other measures to increase and enhance floodplains, is encouraged in aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. It is also the policy of the Army not to increase flood risks or decrease life safety without sufficient justification. When formulating restoration projects that propose restoring floodplains, the Corps should use the existing level of flood risk as the formulation baseline. If any changes to the baseline are recommended, then the Corps should demonstrate the rationale for the increase or decrease in the level of flood risk management. If the level of flood risk associated with an ecosystem restoration project is decreased, then the risk reduction increment above the baseline must be cost effective and incrementally justified. If the level of flood risk is increased as a result of ecosystem restoration, then the Corps must mitigate any induced damages as part of the restoration project." In the memo, the ASA(CW) concurs with the recommendation that the implementation of setback levees are a necessary project feature of the recommended plan to mitigate for induced flooding, and without moving the levees, minimal to no restoration benefits are achievable that meet the planning objective.
• Real Estate - Agency Technical Review (ATR) Team (2025)
  This memorandum contains an updated list of approved Real Estate Agency Technical Review (ATR) representatives for each respective study type, an approved ATR Trainee table identifying individuals authorized to serve as trainees, and a self-assessment capability form for trainees to use as they progress toward becoming ATR representatives.
• Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter No.31 - Real Estate Support to Civil Works Planning (2019)
  This Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter revises the interim policy and guidance for real estate efforts associated with feasibility studies (including those for Continuing Authorities Projects [CAP]) and to ensure conformance with reference c. as relates to operationalizing risk informed decision making. This memorandum supersedes and replaces Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter No. 31- Real Estate Support to Civil Works Planning Paradigm (3x3x3), 10 January 2013.
• Realignment of the Investigation Phase and Federal Interest Determination to Ensure Effective Use of Federal Resources (2026)
  The purpose of this memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works is to provide policy direction on the Civil Works investigation phase, inclusive of Preconstruction Engineering and Design, to optimize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resources, while capitalizing on authorities, as well as non-Federal partner and contractor capabilities to propel building water resources infrastructure that benefits Americans.
• Recent Modifications of Cost Sharing Agreement Models (2012)
  This memorandum provides guidance on recent modifications to the Cost Sharing Agreement models.
• Recommendation for Planning Model Certification of Generation II Coastal Risk Model (G2CRM) v. 0.4.564 for Use in Estimating Economic Consequences of Coastal Storms (2024)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to document the National Planning Center of Expertise for Coastal Storm Risk Management (PCX-CSRM) endorsement of the Planning Model Certification of G2CRM Version 0.4.564, which can be utilized for estimating economic damages related to coastal storms.
• Regional Economic System (RECONS) Model Re-Certification Memo (2019)
  The RECONS 2.0 model is a regional economic impact modeling tool developed by the USACE Institute for Water Resources (IWR) to provide accurate and defensible estimates of regional economic impacts associated with Federal expenditures. This modeling tool automates calculations and generates estimates of jobs and other economic measures such as income and sales associated with USACE spending on Civil Works programs and projects. The RECONS 2.0 model incorporates impact area data, multipliers, direct ratios, and geographic capture rates extracted from other planning models utilized to evaluate the economic effects of proposed actions. An earlier version of RECONS was previously certified by HQUSACE.
• Regionalization of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Archaeological Collections to be Managed by the Mandatory Center of Expertise (MCX) for the Curation and Management of Archaeological Collections (CMAC) (2017)
  USACE's more than 150 archaeological collections will be reviewed and managed by the Mandatory Center of Expertise for the Curation and Management of Archaeological Collections (MCX CMAC). The MCX CMAC is authorized and directed to work with divisions and district to select regional centers and establish a national database of collections.
• Reissuance of Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority for Water Supply Reallocation Reports and Agreements (2024)
  This memorandum reissues the authorities described in the memorandums "Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority for Water Supply Reallocation Reports and Agreements" and "Missouri River Mainstem Reservoirs - Surplus Water Reports and Environmental Assessments." An additional condition added is that, for delegations of authority for reallocation studies, water supply storage agreements, and surplus water determination letters or reports previously allowed under the memorandums named to proceed, notifications of the actions must be emailed to the Director of Policy and Legislation in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (OASA(CW)).
• Reissuance of Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority for Water Supply Storage Reallocation Reports, Water Supply Storage Agreements, and Surplus Water Determinations and Reports (2024)
  This memorandum re-delegates approval of a variety of authorities relating to reallocation study reports, surplus water determinations and reports, and the approval and execution of water supply storage agreements to the Director of Civil Works and Division Commanders.
• Reorganization of the Small Boat Harbor Planning Sub-Center of Expertise (SBH-PSCX) (2020)
  The purpose of this memo is to notify the Deep Draft Navigation Planning Center of Expertise (DDNPCX) of Pacific Ocean Division's (POD) intent to reorganize day-to-day operations of the Small Boat Harbor Planning Sub-Center of Expertise (SBH-PSCX).
• Request for Delegation of Authority - Approval Levels for Section 14, 103, 107, 204, 205, 206, 208 and 1135 Decision Documents; Locally Preferred Plan; and Costs in Excess of Federal Project Limit (2024)
  This memo from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) renews the following delegations under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), as originally delegated by the former ASA(CW): approval authority for Section 14, Flood Control Act of 1946, Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection; Locally Preferred Plan approval authority; and approval authority for CAP Section 103, 107, 204, 205, 208, and 1135 Decision Documents. The ASA(CW) maintains approval authority for CAP project policy waivers for costs in excess of federal participation limits.
• Rescission of Policy Guidance Letter No. 26: Easements to Support Water Supply Storage Agreements and Surplus Water Agreements (2020)
  This memorandum from the Director of Real Estate rescinds Real Estate Policy Guidance Letter No. 26: Easements to Support Water Supply Storage Agreements and Surplus Water Agreements, dated 10 June 2008, in order to align with updated policy, guidance, and processes for review of water supply withdrawal requests outlined in the guidance memorandum dated 3 December 2020, Improving Internal Processes for Review of Requests for Water Supply Withdrawals.
• Resilience Integration in the USACE Flood Risk Management Mission (2023)
  This memo describes how USACE Flood Risk Management (FRM) activities, projects, and programs currently consider resilience. The memo highlights work already underway within USACE to identify ways to further actualize resilience throughout the FRM project life cycle and encourages resilience-focused thinking when discussing FRM-related community needs, while aligning with the USACE FRM mission of reducing the threat to life and property from flooding and coastal storms.
• Revised Delegation of Authority in Section 2034(a)(5)(A) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007), as amended (33 U.S.C. 2343) (2018)
  Section 2034 of WRDA 2007, as amended, requires Independent External Peer Review (IEPR) of studies or projects with an estimated total cost of more than $200 million unless the Chief of Engineers determines that the study is exempt from an IEPR. This memorandum allows delegation of authority to the MSC Commanders to determine if a study is excluded from IEPR and puts into effect that delegation. This authority may not be further delegated.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1104 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Dissemination of Information (2019)
  Section 1104(b) of WRDA 2018 directs the Secretary to develop, support, and implement education and awareness efforts for non-federal interests with respect to the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development required under Section 7001 of WRRDA 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2282d). Section 1104 directs the Secretary to provide, upon a request from a non-Federal interest, assistance with researching and identifying existing project authorizations and Corps decision documents. The guidance provides direction for such education and awareness efforts, including the maintenance of an informational website about Section 7001 and the Annual Reports to Congress on Future Water Resources Development by Corps Headquarters.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1115 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Property Acquisition (2019)
  Section 1115 of WRDA 2018 directs that the Secretary shall first consider the minimum interest in real property necessary to support the water resources development project for which such interest is acquired. The Secretary shall consider, with respect to a State, the procedures that the State uses to acquire, or require the acquisition of, interests in land. This implementation guidance clarifies that USACE will continue to follow established Real Estate policy, as stated in Engineer Regulation 405-1-12, Chapter 12, Paragraph 12-9, Determining the Appropriate Interest to Acquire.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1116 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Dredge Material Management Plans (2019)
  Section 1116 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA 2018) directs the Secretary to expedite the dredged material management plan (DMMP) process in order that such plans make maximum use of existing information, studies, and innovative dredged material management practices, and avoid any redundant information collection and studies. This guidance provides information on the development of the plan, and applies to DMMPs initiated after the date of enactment of this Act or to existing DMMPs where updates are initiated after the date of enactment.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1120 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Transparence and Accountability in Cost Sharing For Water Development Projects (2019)
  Section 1120 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA 2018) directs each USACE District, using the authority provided under Section 10 of Water Resources Development Act of 1988 (WRDA 1988) (33 U.S.C. 2315), to maintain a "balance sheet" for each water resource development project carried out by the Secretary for which a non-federal cost share is required and to provide to the non-Federal Sponsor for the project, on its request, a copy of the balance sheet. Section 1120 further provides that if a project is completed at a cost less than the estimated cost, the Secretary shall transfer any excess non-Federal funds to the non-Federal Sponsor in accordance with the cost-share requirement applicable to the project. This guidance contains the form which will be used to generate the monthly financial report.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1149 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Inclusion of Alternative Measures for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (2019)
  Section 1149 of WRDA 2018 directs the Secretary to consider natural features or nature-based features when carrying out projects under Section 206 of WRDA 1996, as amended (33 U.S.C. 2330), and authorizes the Secretary, with the consent of the non-federal interest, to include these natural or nature based features if they are consistent with the requirements of Section 206(a) of the WRDA 1996, as amended. In addition, Section 1149 directs the Secretary, in carrying out a feasibility report developed under Section 905 of WRDA 1986, as amended (33 U.S.C. 2282), for a project for flood risk management or hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, to consider traditional and natural infrastructure alternatives, alone or in conjunction with each other, if those alternatives are practicable.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1162 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 and Section 1040 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Section 906 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as Amended (33 U.S.C. 2283) (WRDA 2016) (2019)
  Section 1040 of WRRDA 2014 modifies Section 906(d) (Mitigation Plans as Part of Project Proposals) of WRDA 1986 and establishes new subsections (h) Programmatic Mitigation Plans and (i) Third-Party Arrangements. Section 1162 of WRDA 2016 amends Section 906 of WRDA 1986 by modifying subsection (h) and establishing new subsections (j) Use of Funds and (k) Measures. This implementation guidance provides details on how USACE will comply with Section 1040 of WRRDA 2014 and reiterates that it is the policy of the USACE Civil Works program to demonstrate that impacts to all ecological resources, both terrestrial and aquatic, have been avoided and minimized to the extent practicable, and that any remaining non-negligible unavoidable impacts have been compensated for to the extent practicable.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1166 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Advance Funds for Water Resources Development Projects (2019)
  Section 1166 of WRDA 2018 amends the Act of October 15, 1940 (33 U.S.C. 701 h-1) to allow for advanced funds to be accepted for all types of water resources development projects and clarifies the entities that are considered under the term "State." Section 1166 provides the general direction that for any provision of law that authorizes a non-federal interest to provide, advance, or contribute funds to the Secretary for the development or implementation of a water resources development project, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the use by a non-Federal interest of such authorities does not adversely affect: (1) the process or timeline for development and implementation of other water resources development projects by other non-Federal entities that do not use such authorities; or (2) the process for including such projects in the President's annual budget submission to Congress. This guidance also rescinds Engineer Regulation 1165-2-30, Acceptance and Return of Required, Contributed or Advance Funds, dated 30 October 1998.
• Revised Implementation Guidance for Section 1168 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, Disposition of Projects (2019)
  Section 1168 of WRDA 2018 directs the Secretary, in carrying out a disposition study for a Corps project or a separable element of such a project, to consider modifications that would improve the overall quality of the environment in the public interest, including removal of the project or separable element of a project. Section 1168(b) directs the Secretary to conduct the study in a transparent manner. Section 1168(c) endorses removal of a project or separable element of a project in partnership with other federal agencies and non-federal entities, to the extent permitted under existing authorities, when the Secretary determines that a Federal interest no longer exists and recommends removal.
• Revisions to Implementation Guidance for Section 1030 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Continuing Authorities (2017)
  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 supersedes Implementation Guidance for Section 1030 of WRRDA 2014, dated 3 December 2014.
• Section 902 Reassignment - Reallocation Strategy (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to USACE on how to manage Civil Works construction projects projected to exceed their maximum authorized cost. The memorandum directs the Corps to submit a business case to the Assistant Secretary within 60 days of determining a project will exceed the 902 limit, evaluating three alternatives: continuing with the same project delivery team, reassigning to a new team within the same district, or reassigning to a team in another district - along with a recommended course of action, a cost control plan, and a scope of work for any required post authorization change report.
• Smarter Real Estate Acquisition (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directs USACE to modernize real estate acquisition policies and procedures to reduce costs, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and accelerate project delivery. The memorandum identifies four priority areas for reform: consulting non-Federal sponsors on their experiences and recommendations, evaluating the types of real estate instruments required across Civil Works mission areas, revisiting the timing and sequencing of acquisition actions to reduce end-loaded risk, and improving the transparency and predictability of appraisal and crediting processes.
• Social Media, Web-Based Interactive Technologies, and the Paperwork Reduction Act (2023)
  This memorandum provides guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on when and how the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) applies to Federal agency use of social media and web-based interactive technologies. It explains that under established principles, the PRA does not apply to many uses of such media and technologies.
• Strategy for Nonstructural Studies and Projects (2026)
  This 18 March 2026 guidance memorandum identifies four pilot projects approved to proceed forward with construction to serve to inform future nonstructural project implementation, and continues the strategic pause of two Chief's Reports and eight nonstructural projects until the DCG-CEO approves their resumption. Lifting the pause is contingent on USACE implementing a sufficient number of individual nonstructural projects in the pilots in order to refine project delivery strategies and methods and compile and disseminate relevant procedures. The memo will open in IWR's Project Assistance Library. USACE CAC holders will need to validate their CAC and "Login/Register" on the webpage to view the memo.
• Supplemental Implementation Guidance for Section 208 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 - Reburial and Conveyance Authority for Native American Remains (2003)
  This memorandum augments the Initial Implementation Guidance for Section 208 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (WRDA 2000), Public Law 106-541. Section 208 of WRDA 2000 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to recover and rebury "Native American remains" that were discovered on Civil Works project land, and to set aside Civil work land for the reburying. To assure implementation of that congressional intent, definitions for the terms "recover" and "discovered" are clarified in this memorandum.
• Supplemental Procedures Regarding Acceptance of Contributed Funds for Expansion of Services Under the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) Program (2025)
  This memo provides guidance on the acceptance of voluntarily contributed funds to expand the scope of services in Planning Assistance to States (PAS) projects. The PAS authority directly allows USACE to accept and expend funds in excess of the cost share provided by a state or other non-federal interest for assistance. All work completed with contributed funds must still fall within the PAS authority, and the criteria described within this memo should be followed, with deviations requiring HQUSACE approval.
• Supporting Usability Testing Through Paperwork Reduction Act Flexibilities (2024)
  This memorandum provides guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on clarifying the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995's (PRA's) applicability to usability testing, and to offer additional guidance on how improvements identified through usability testing can be implemented. It explains that if an agency conducts usability testing with fewer than 10 individuals, the PRA generally does not apply. For 10 or more individuals, certain criteria will determine the applicability of the PRA.
• Technical Guide for District Quality Control (DQC) Reviews and Agency Technical Reviews (ATR) of Planning Studies (2022)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional guidance on the effective and efficient completion of District Quality Control review and ATR, emphasizing the Army's and the agency's review policies. This memorandum supersedes the Policy for Targeted Agency Technical Review of Flood Risk Management and Coastal Storm Risk Management Planning Studies, dated 9 July 2020.
• The Role of Counsel in Operationalizing Risk-Informed Decision Making During Project Development (2018)
  The Director of Civil Works (DCW) directed actions to be taken within the planning phase of Civil Works project delivery to make that process more efficient by operationalizing risk-informed decision making. This new initiative is meant to refine the SMART Planning Process for conducting civil works studies. This memorandum summarizes this approach and the required procedural changes, and describes the role of Counsel in implementing these processes. It is meant to supplement and build upon the 2013 guidance memorandum on the role and responsibility of Counsel in the SMART Planning Process, and should not be read in isolation from it.
• The Role of Counsel in the SMART Planning Process (2013)
  On 8 February 2012, DCG-CEO directed implementation of a new process - SMART Planning - for conducting civil works feasibility studies. This memorandum provides additional guidance to Managing Counsels, Division Counsels, and District Counsels on their roles in the SMART Planning process
• Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to- Nation Relationships (2021)
  This memorandum signed by President Biden reaffirms the policy announced in the Presidential Memorandum of November 5, 2009 (Tribal Consultation), which requires each agency to prepare and periodically update a detailed plan of action to implement the policies and directives of Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments). Executive Order 13175 charges all executive departments and agencies with engaging in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have Tribal implications.
• Tribal Partnership Program - Non-Traditional Water Resources Development Projects (2022)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directs USACE to implement the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) more broadly to provide the Army the flexibility to include projects that are not typically considered a traditional Corps water resources development project. It also directs that TPP comprehensive guidance under development will incorporate these additional "non-traditional" activities under the Program.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Planning Capability Training (2012)
  On 13 March 2012, Major General Michael Walsh, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations (DCG-CEO), directed the completion of certain Planning Core Curriculum PROSPECT courses for all current Civil Works planners and other feasibility study Project Delivery Team members.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Review Board (CWRB) Expectations and Guidelines (2014)
  This memo outlines changes to the scheduling of Civil Works Review Board meetings and the Headquarters review and processing of MSC Final Report Submittal Packages.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Invasive Species Policy (2023)
  This guidance memo provides updated Invasive Species Policy Guidance for USACE, rescinding and replacing the USACE Invasive Species Policy dated June 12, 2009.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Migratory Bird Treaty Act Policy and Best Management Practices (2024)
  This policy memorandum and attached guide is intended to educate staff and provide Best Management Practices (BMP) on commonly performed activities to help achieve compliance with MBTA. This compliance will allow USACE to meet its responsibility to avoid or minimize negative impacts to migratory birds and their habitat while adhering to USACE policies, practices, and guidelines.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Work Acceptance Requirements (2024)
  This memorandum, signed by the Chief of Engineers, retains authority for accepting all Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) related efforts. This policy requires all U.S Army Corps of Engineers activities to address PFAS to receive approval from the respective Directors of Military Programs (MP), Civil Works (CW), or the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) prior to accepting the work.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 902 Cost Limit Policy Clarification and Applicability (2012)
  This memorandum provides clarification and applicability details to MSCs on Section 902 Cost Limit Policy.
• Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation (2022)
  This memorandum signed by President Biden establishes uniform minimum standards to be implemented across all Federal agencies regarding how Tribal consultations are to be conducted. The memorandum is designed to improve and streamline the consultation process for both Tribes and Federal participants, and ensure more consistency in how agencies initiate, provide notice for, conduct, record, and report on Tribal consultations. These are baseline standards; agencies are encouraged to build upon these standards to fulfill the goals and purposes of Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments, November 2000) consistent with their unique missions and engagement with Tribal Nations on agency-specific issues.
• Update for Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962d-16) (2024)
  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.
• Updated Implementation Guidance for Section 1002 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Consolidation of Studies (2017)
  Section 1002 of WRRDA 2014 amends Section 905 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 1986 to establish a single phase cost-shared study process by repealing the requirement for a reconnaissance study first at full Federal expense and requiring instead that a preliminary analysis of the federal interest, cost, benefits, and environmental impact be done following execution of the feasibility cost sharing agreement. Additionally, Section 1002 requires certain reporting and notification of study schedules. This memo supersedes the implementation guidance dated 9 April 2015.
• Updated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy (2023)
  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.
• USACE Section 902 Cost Limit Policy Clarification and Applicability (2012)
  This memorandum defines and clarifies the proper procedure, roles, and responsibilities for ensuring that projects are budgeted, funded and constructed, as authorized and in accordance with Section 902 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as amended.
• Use of Ship Simulation in Navigation Project Design (2026)
  This memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provides policy direction to USACE requiring the use of ship simulation conducted by marine pilots and other marine professionals in the design of navigation channels, locks, and other inland waterway elements. The memorandum directs the Corps to treat simulation as a standard design requirement unless a waiver is granted, and to establish memorandums of agreement with at least three qualified simulation entities within 60 days, with the goal of capturing actual harbor pilot needs to prevent costly overdesign and free up dredging capacity across the navigation portfolio.
• Water Resources Certified Planner Requirements for Feasibility Studies (2024)
  The purpose of this memorandum is to improve the quality and consistency of plan formulation (including economic analysis and environmental compliance) conducted for USACE studies by establishing requirements for assigning Water Resources Certified Planners as Planning Technical Leads and/or Planning Mentors to ongoing and future feasibility studies, including General Reevaluation Reports.
• Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016) Implementation (2017)
  Implementation Memo for WRDA 2016 requesting MSC Points of Contact and priority provisions with a 31 January 2017 suspense.

 

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