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

 
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Partnering with the Corps: Assistance to States, Tribes & Communities

  • General Information
    • About Corps Planning
      The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is the Federal Government's largest water resources development and management agency. The Corps has been involved in improving river navigation, reducing flood damage along rivers, lakes, and the coast, among other projects. Today, the Corps manages nearly 1,500 water resources projects. To help execute its mission, this Toolbox was created for the Planning Community, and includes resources and links for Corps Planners and their partners to deliver the Civil Works Planning program.
    • USACE Technical Assistance Programs
      This Headquarters webpage contains information about two USACE programs that make the agency's technical expertise available to support local communities: Planning Assistance to States (PAS) and Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS). Each USACE Technical Assistance program has its own specialization and requirements, but they are all geared towards assisting states, U.S. territories, Native American Tribes (Tribal Nations), and communities to identify planning-level solutions to address water resource problems.
    • USACE Agreement Models
      Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreements (FCSAs), Project Partnership Agreements (PPAs), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)s, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Model Agreements, Local Cooperation Agreements (LCA) and more.
    • Public Outreach and Engagement
      Guidance, information, and training on partnering with USACE and Centers of Expertise, conflict resolution, and engagement.
    • Civil Works Program Development
      March 2011 presentation by the Programs Integration Division (PID) to the Planning Associates class on budget cycle, Corps structure and more.
    • Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations
      Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations provides potential sponsors with information on the programs and processes available for non-federal partners and USACE representatives to work together to address the Nation's water resources problems. The Guide includes an overview of the USACE Civil Works Program and describes how USACE can work with local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and other non-federal partners on activities ranging from technical services and advice to planning and constructing water resources projects. A previous version of this document was originally published as the Project Partnership Kit by IWR back in 1996 and revised in 2001.
    • Strengthening USACE Collaboration With Tribal Nations for Water Resources Management
      The purpose of this assessment and report is to assess the current state of USACE collaboration with Tribes and suggests new (or improved) collaborative strategies to help address the water resources challenges Tribal Nations confront. This assessment has two main objectives: (1) identify and assess the policy and procedural impediments experienced by Tribes and USACE when working together on water resources related issues, and (2) recommend existing or new policies, procedures, and tools to improve cooperation and collaboration between USACE and Tribes regarding water resources management for Native American communities.
    • Project Planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (April 2015)
      This PowerPoint deck provides an overview of implementing a cost-shared single phase feasibility study with the Army Corps of Engineers. It is posted in PowerPoint so that Corps Districts can adapt it to their local needs and the needs of their sponsors.
    • Environmental Justice Scorecard
      The USACE Environmental Justice Scorecard is a snapshot that provides transparency and accountability as the Agency continues to advance equity and justice, over time, as a central focus for USACE's mission. The Environmental Justice Scorecard focuses on the following areas: progress on advancing Environmental Justice, the Justice40 Initiative, environmental and civil rights protection, centering Environmental Justice in decision-making, and institutionalizing Environmental Justice. Phase One of the Environmental Justice Scorecard, released in Spring 2023, serves as a baseline assessment of agency actions to advance environmental justice. Phase Two and future versions of the Environmental Justice Scorecard will build upon Phase One.

  • Planning Assistance to States

  • Interagency Partnerships
    • Interagency and International Services (IIS) Program (Reimbursable)
      The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through its Interagency and International Services (IIS) Program provides REIMBURSABLE technical assistance to non-DoD Federal, State, and Local agencies, tribal nations, private industry, and foreign governments and organizations.
    • National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS)/USACE Partnership Handbook
      This handbook aims to stimulate and facilitate active cooperation and collaboration between Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on water resource issues and challenges facing our Nation. This document is designed to convey to field staff of both NRCS and USACE basic information about each agency's missions, programs, capabilities, and modes of operation.
    • Section 1210(b) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) Fact Sheet
      This FEMA fact sheet provides information on Section 1210(b) of the DRRA, which allows for FEMA to use the funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to implement certain mitigation activities that fall within the scope of USACE (i.e., federally authorized water resources development projects). For more information on HMGP, which assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation planning and projects following a Presidential major disaster declaration, visit the FEMA HMGP website. Note: Once HMGP funding is applied to construction of a federally authorized water resources development project, no further federal funding may be provided for the project's construction.
    • The Importance of Early Coordination Under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
      This fact sheet provides information on the importance of early coordination under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service during the study process, particularly within the scoping phase. It provides an overview of early coordination activities under the FWCA during scoping, ideas for innovative engagement with the Services, and relevant resources for study teams.

  • Fact Sheets
    • Fact Sheet: 2023 Pilot Program for Water Resources Projects in Small or Disadvantaged Communities
      This fact sheet provides information on how to apply to the 2023 pilot program under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), which fully funds small water resources projects for economically disadvantaged communities under Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2020.
    • Interagency Nonstructural Efforts: How the Corps Can Assist with Activities that Reduce Flood Risk
      Under the Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Program, the Corps provides a wide range of technical services and planning guidance to support effective management of the floodplains associated with the rivers of the United States. Interagency nonstructural efforts that focus on flood risk reduction activities are services that can be provided through FPMS and support non-federal governments while promoting a collaborative approach. Each Fall, a "Call for Proposals" is issued internally within the Corps for such efforts and specifies the coming year's proposal submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and review processes.
    • Partnering with the Corps: Assistance to States, Tribes & Communities
      The Corps' Civil Works Planning Program works with State, Tribal, and local governments to provide or coordinate technical assistance and engineering expertise through a variety of programs.
    • Corps Planning: Floodplain Management Services
      Through the Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) program, the Corps provides information on flood hazards to local interests, state agencies, and other federal agencies to guide development of the floodplains of the rivers of the United States.
    • USACE Flood Risk Management Mission Overview
      This fact sheet provides an overview of the USACE Flood Risk Management mission.

  • Guidance
    • Engineer Regulation 1105-2-100: Planning Guidance Notebook
      The Planning Guidance Notebook provides the overall direction by which the Corps of Engineers civil works projects are formulated, evaluated, and selected for overall implementation. ER 1105-2-100, the Planning Guidance Notebook will be superseded by several different pieces of new guidance. This December 2023 version of the ER contains the elements of the Planning Guidance Notebook that are still in effect (Chapter 4 and Appendices C, D, E and G).
    • Engineer Regulation 1105-2-103: Policy for Conducting Civil Works Planning Studies
      This regulation provides overall direction by which USACE formulates, evaluates, and recommends projects for implementation and other actions to address water resources problems through the Army Civil Works program. The planning process must address the Nation's water resources needs in a systems context and seek to identify innovative alternatives for application across the full range of the USACE programs and authorities. In parallel with the development of these important planning concepts, this regulation is also intended to be useful for those outside of the USACE (or non-federal partners) authorized to develop water resources projects (Title 33, Section 2231 of U.S. Code (33 USC 2231)). ER 1105-2-1103 supersedes ER 1105-2-100, Chapters 1, 2, and 3, dated 22 April 2000.
    • EP 1105-2-58: Continuing Authorities Program (formerly Appendix F of the PGN)
      This appendix provides the policy and procedural guidance for planning, design, and implementation of projects pursued under the legislative and administrative provisions of the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). Note: This EP replaces the existing Appendix F of the Planning Guidance Notebook.
    • Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge
      The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) have jointly published government-wide guidance and an accompanying implementation memorandum for Federal Agencies on recognizing and including Indigenous Knowledge in Federal research, policy, and decision making. Indigenous Knowledge is a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs developed by Tribes and Indigenous Peoples through interaction and experience with the environment. This policy provides guidance for federal agencies considering and applying Indigenous Knowledge in making decisions with Tribal or Indigenous implications.
    • Implementation Guidance for Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Assistance to Non-Federal Sponsors; Feasibility Analysis
      Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to non-Federal interests for the development of project proposals described in Section 204(a)(2). The implementation guidance describes the process of including a non-Federal interest project proposal in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development (WRRDA 2014 Section 7001). The non-Federal interest may request assistance with researching and identifying relevant study authorization(s) and Corps decision document(s) from the appropriate District Commander. The District Commander may also conduct an analysis of the proposal to determine whether a modification to an authorized project is necessary.
    • Revisions to Implementation Guidance for Section 1030 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Continuing Authorities
      Section 1030 of WRRDA 2014 increases the programmatic limits and per project limits for certain Continuing Authority Program (CAP) authorities and for the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) Program. In addition, it provides that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 cost sharing amendment for beneficial use of dredged material does not apply to certain projects. Further, it provides that the entire non-federal share for projects under Section 1135 of WRDA 1986 may be provided by in-kind contributions. Finally, Section 1030 directs that the Secretary publish in the Federal Register the criteria used for prioritizing the annual funding for CAP projects and on an annual basis the status of each CAP project. This guidance is superseded by Engineer Pamphlet 1105-2-58, Continuing Authorities Program, dated 1 March 2019.
    • USACE Project Partnership Agreements
      This website has some current International, Federal and regional agencies, non-governmental, and academic partnerships.
    • Updated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy
      This policy memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) directs USACE to apply the enclosed Tribal Consultation Policy to its Civil Works Program. The Civil Works Tribal Consultation Policy provides guidance and definition for the USACE to build the collaborative and close relationships required for proper stewardship of our Nation's water resources and to fulfil our Constitutionally required treaty and trust responsibilities.
    • Engineer Pamphlet 1105-2-64: Tribal Partnership Program
      This Engineer Pamphlet establishes a strategy for the planning, design, and construction of projects under the USACE Tribal Partnership Program (TPP). The TPP allows Tribes to preserve, protect, and manage their own resources through authorized activities which include projects for flood and coastal storm risk management, including erosion control, aquatic ecosystem restoration, navigation, watershed assessments and planning activities, technical assistance, and other projects that are determined appropriate by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works).

Webinars

    2024
  • Joint PCoP-CPP CoP webinar: "The State of Translation Resources within USACE" (13 June)
    This webinar was a collaboration between the Planning CoP and the Collaboration and Public Participation CoP and provided an overview of USACE translation and interpretation needs and resources. Presented by Sarah Moore (Albuquerque District Planner and Environmental Justice Coordinator), the webinar discussed the unmet need for translation and interpretation services across USACE and potential solutions for meeting those needs.
  • SPD Regional Planning Meeting: Tribal Perspectives & Principles (9 May)
    This presentation from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works at the 2024 SPD Regional Planning meeting provided an overview of considerations planners should be aware of when working and consulting with Tribes.
  • Overview of the Updated Tribal Partnership Program Guidance (28 March)
    This webinar provided an overview of the recently issued Engineering Pamphlet 1105-2-64, Tribal Partnership Program. Presenters Quana Higgins (Acting Assistant for Tribal and Regulatory Affairs, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works), Amy Frantz (Senior Policy Advisor, HQUSACE), and Jason Norris (Economics Reviewer, HQUSACE Office of Water Project Review) provided an overview of the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) authority, how USACE can support partners through the TPP, and what planners should know about the new TPP guidance.
  • Planning Assistance to States Program Updates & Cost-Share Waiver (7 March)
    This webinar provided an overview of the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) program, along with recent program updates for the cost-share waiver provided for by Section 8119 of WRDA 2022 for economically disadvantaged communities. Sharon Sartor (Acting National PAS Program Manager) presented background information about the PAS program along with details about the approval process for the Section 8119 waiver.

    2023
  • The Big U - Concept to Realization (24 August)
    This webinar provided an overview of the "Big U" Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project in Manhattan that was part of the post-Hurricane Sandy "Rebuild-by-Design" initiative. Edgar Westerhof (Arcadis Climate Adaptation Solution Lead, North America) along with others from the "Big U" team discussed the Rebuild-by-Design initiative, which began in response to Hurricane Sandy’s devastating impact on the eastern U.S. and became a model to help governments create research-based, collaborative processes that prepare communities and regions for future challenges. The presenters addressed the challenges and opportunities that the "Big U" team experienced while developing and implementing this project for New York City as well as lessons and best practices that can be applied to the USACE CSRM program, and especially to projects located within our highly urbanized and diverse coastal communities.
  • Sustainable Rivers Program (10 August)
    This PCoP Webinar provided an overview of the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP), an ongoing national partnership between USACE and The Nature Conservancy. Presenters Michelle Mattson (Institute for Water Resources), Jim Howe (North American Policy & Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy), and Lane Richter (Regional Planning and Environmental Division) discussed SRP’s mission to improve the health and life of rivers by changing infrastructure operations to restore and protect ecosystems, while maintaining or enhancing other project benefits. SRP works with water managers, operators, planners, scientists, and stakeholders to formulate alternative management strategies, modernize strategies for operating purposes related to the environment, and deliver more benefits from already built USACE water resources infrastructure.
  • WRDA 2020 Section 160: Definition of Economically Disadvantaged Communities Implementation Guidance Overview (4 May)
    In the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) was directed to define “economically disadvantaged community” for the purposes of applying several other WRDA provisions – including ability to pay, pilot programs, etc. Ms. Amy Frantz, HQUSACE Senior Policy Advisor, provided an overview of the published definition of “economically disadvantaged community” and highlighted the provisions in WRDA 2020 and WRDA 2022 that reference the term.
  • Lower Brule Tribal Partnership Project (12 January)
    This webinar provided an overview of the Omaha District’s partnering efforts with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, including two Tribal Partnership Projects – one that is nearing construction completion and one new feasibility study. The presentation compared formulation approaches spanning these two recent TPP projects and successes and lessons learned. Presenter Greg Johnson (Chief of the Plan Formulation and Project Management Section, Omaha District Planning Branch) discussed the importance of developing TPP projects that serve to meet unique Tribal needs within the framework of USACE plan formulation policy and legal authorities.

    2022
  • Interim Environmental Justice Guidance for Civil Works Planning Studies (17 November)
    In order to ensure consistent incorporation of environmental justice in Civil Works planning studies and to meet the goals and objectives of the Administration, HQUSACE is providing guidance to ensure focused identification and engagement with underserved and disadvantaged communities, full inclusion of those communities in the study development and decision-making process, and additional requirements for the Alternatives Milestone Meeting (AMM). During this webinar, Ray Wimbrough (HQUSACE Senior Policy Advisor) gave an update on the new HQUSACE guidance and discussed next steps for study teams. <1>Note: the Implementation of the Interim Environment Justice Strategic Plan Memorandum and Interim Plan discussed during the webinar was signed on 16 December 2022.
  • 2022 PCoP Virtual Summer Series - Session #5 - Partnering: Better Project Delivery Through Partnering and Tribal Engagement (11 August)
    The fifth PCoP Virtual Summer Series session focused on the importance of partnering with other federal agencies and Tribal engagement in Planning.
  • 2022 PCoP Virtual Summer Series – Session #2 – Partnering: Engaging Disadvantage Communities in the Age of Smart Planning: Environmental Justice (21 July)
    The focus of the second PCoP Virtual Summer Series session was on how to provide meaningful engagement while implementing smart planning, discussion regarding implementation of ASA(CW) environmental justice (EJ) guidance, tools for identifying and engaging with disadvantaged communities, and EJ success stories.
  • Agency Technical Review (ATR) Certification (16 June)
    This webinar provided an overview of the categories of certification for Agency Technical Review in Planning, as well as discussed certification application timelines and tips for success. Presenters included Debby Scerno (Environmental Compliance/Ecosystem Restoration ATR lead, Headquarters Office of Water Project Review), Nancy Brighton (Cultural Resources ATR lead, Headquarters Planning & Policy Division), Max Millstein (Economics ATR lead, South Atlantic Division), and Charlie Hanneken (Plan Form ATR lead, Northwestern Division).
  • NDMU Risk Management Certificate (2 June)
    This webinar provided an overview of on the distance learning Risk Management Graduate Certificate Program available through the Notre Dame of Maryland University. This year-long, graduate level training program prepares participants to provide thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to reduce vulnerability; minimize risk to achieve organizational goals; and to acquire the knowledge and skills most in demand for careers in this growing field. Presenters included Karen Miller (HQ lead), Matt Shanks (LRD, recent NDMU program graduate, and special guest Dr. Charles Yoe (NDMU professor and author of Principles of Risk Analysis: Decision Making Under Uncertainty). Participants learned about the program application process and had the opportunity to ask questions.
  • Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development (Section 7001 Report) (19 May)
    This webinar provided an overview of the annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development, also known as the 7001 Report. The presentation addressed the entire process to complete the report, with emphasis on our outreach efforts and the proposal evaluation process. Presenter Karla Roberts (Program Manager, Southwestern Division Regional Integration Team) discussed requirements established in Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, as amended and details of the annual process, including acceptance of non-Federal proposals, district, division and headquarters evaluation of proposals, and development of the Report to Congress.
  • FY23 FPMS Interagency Nonstructural Call for Proposals (10 February)
    This webinar provided an overview of the FY23 Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Interagency Nonstructural Call for Proposals, including the types of activities and products that can be supported. The goal of the FPMS Interagency Nonstructural Call for Proposals is to facilitate interagency flood risk management outcomes and collaboratively leverage multiple agency resources and authorities. Presenters Jennifer Dunn (FPMS Interagency Nonstructural lead) and Stephanie Bray (FPMS Program Manager) reviewed the process and schedule for proposal submission and evaluation, offered tips and cautions, reviewed select examples, and addressed questions.

    2021
  • Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development (7001 Report) (29 July)
    This webinar provided an overview of the annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development, also known as the 7001 Report. The presentation covered requirements established in Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (as amended), with an emphasis on the proposal evaluation process. Presenter Karla Roberts (Southwestern Division Regional Integration Team) discussed the annual process in detail, including the acceptance of non-Federal proposals, District, Division, and Headquarters evaluation of proposals, and the development of the Report to Congress.
  • Planning Assistance to States Program Overview (25 February)
    This webinar provided an overview of the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) Program (Section 22 of WRDA 1974, as amended) and was presented by Sharon Sartor (PAS Program Manager). PAS is a USACE program that allows for providing cost-shared technical assistance and comprehensive water resource planning support to non-federal sponsors. The webinar included types of projects that can be conducted, how to get a project started ,and examples of PAS projects from across the country presented by District team members.
  • Alaska Native Cultures & Tribal Engagement (3 February)
    In this webinar, presenters Kelly Eldridge (Alaska District Archeologist) and Kendall Campbell (Alaska District Tribal Liaison) introduced background information on the history of Alaska Natives and the diversity of indigenous cultures in the state of Alaska. The presentation included helpful hints and best practices for successful engagements and working with Alaska Natives on Civil Works projects.
  • Introduction to the Alaska Native and Federal Relationship (27 January)
    This webinar, presented by Kendall Campbell (Alaska District Tribal Liaison), provided a primer and some lessons learned on USACE Tribal requirements and obligations within the Civil Works program.

    2015
  • USACE Tribal Engagement and SMART Planning (2 April)
    Chris Koeppel, RPA, Mississippi Valley Division Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison, discussed opportunities and tools to integrate government-to-government consultation with Federally recognized tribes within the SMART Planning framework. His presentation also includes talking points for communication with Federally recognized tribes.
  • Regional Coordination with Natural Resource Agencies: Tips & Lessons Learned (5 February)
    David Bauman from the Corps South Atlantic Division (SAD) provides tips, lessons learned and examples of coordination tools, as well as suggests ways to positively engage with the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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