Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies

August 2015 Program Fact Sheet RECONNAISSANCE AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES Congressionally Authorized

Water Resources Studies and Projects: Over the years, the Congress has authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist state and local governments with a number of water resources problems and opportunities. Typically water resources studies and projects are authorized for the following: flood control, navigation (commercial and recreational), shoreline and streambank erosion, water quality and supply, environmental restoration, hydroelectric power, recreation, and aquatic plant control.

Studies: Section 905(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 authorizes the Corps of Engineers to enter into agreements with non-Federal sponsors to conduct feasibility studies for water resources projects if such a study is authorized by Congress. Cost-sharing for feasibility studies is 50% Federal and 50% non-Federal. Feasibility studies are authorized after the Corps of Engineers has been authorized and funded to conduct a Reconnaissance Study at 100% Federal cost. Such studies are called Expedited Reconnaissance Studies and are limited to $100,000 in total cost. In accordance with current guidelines Expedited Reconnaissance Studies, also know as 905(b) studies must be completed in one-year and must accomplish the following.

a. Determine that the water resource problem(s) warrant Federal participation in Feasibility studies. Comprehensive review of other problems and opportunities are deferred to the feasibility study stage.

b. Define the Federal interest based on a preliminary appraisal consistent with Army policies, costs, benefits, and environmental impacts of identified project alternatives.

c. Preparation of a Project Study Plan (PSP) which defines in detail the work efforts to be done in the Feasibility Stage. Preparation of a Feasibility Cost-Sharing Agreement (FCSA) which defines the financial responsibilities of both parties during the Feasibility Study.

d. Assess the level of interest and support from non-Federal entities in the identified potential solutions and cost- sharing of feasibility stage and construction. A letter of intent from the non-Federal sponsor stating the willingness to pursue the feasibility study described in the PSP and to share in costs of construction is required.

Congressional Authorization: Studies, both reconnaissance and feasibility are often authorized by Water Resources Development Acts (WRDA). WRDA’s are usually passed by Congress on an every other year basis, the last in 2007. Funding for studies usually comes in the annual appropriation bill for the Corps of Engineers called an Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. Frequently, study authorization is provided by Congressional resolutions and funding is provided in the appropriations bill. Since the Federal Fiscal Year starts on October 1st of every calendar year, study funding is usually received at the District level in October or November.

How to Request Assistance: Initial requests for assistance should be made to a local District Office of the Corps of Engineers. Many prospective studies and projects, particularly those that are smaller in scale and cost, might fall under the Continuing Authorities Programs of the Corps of Engineers and therefore would not require any specific Congressional authorization and/or funding.

Cash Contribution: Non-Federal cash contributions for project construction depend upon the type of project. Non- Federal sponsors are responsible for obtaining all lands, easements, rights of way, relocations, and disposal areas (LERRD) for the project. The value of LERRD is credited toward the non-Federal share of project construction.  Flood control projects are 65% Federal and 35% non-Federal.  Deep draft commercial navigation is usually 80% Federal and 20% non-Federal.  Recreational navigation is 50% Federal and 50% non-Federal.

Local Cooperation: Formal assurance of local cooperation must be furnished by a local sponsoring agency. The local sponsor must be a municipality or public agency, fully authorized under state laws to give such assurances and must be financially capable of fulfilling all measures of local cooperation.

For further information contact: Mr. Craig M. Forgette Planning Branch [email protected] 716-879-4187 SAMPLE Letter of Intent for a General Investigation (Feasibility) Study

(LETTERHEAD OF LOCAL SPONSOR)

(CURRENT DATE)

Lt. Colonel Karl Jansen Commander, Buffalo District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1776 Niagara Street Buffalo, New York 14207

Dear Lt. Colonel Jansen:

The (Name of Sponsor) is willing and able to participate as the Sponsor for the (name of study), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), to cooperatively investigate (briefly state the water resources problems and opportunities) in the (name of location, such as watershed or city/county).

Our agency (or Name of Sponsor) understands that a study cannot be initiated unless it is selected as a new start study with associated allocation of Federal funds provided through the annual Congressional appropriations process. If selected, we intend to sign a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) to initiate the study with USACE. It is our understanding the FCSA targets completion of the feasibility study within 3 years at a total cost of no more than $3 million. After signing the FCSA, a Project Management Plan will be developed and agreed upon by our agency (or Name of Sponsor) and USACE. The study will be conducted and managed by USACE. The cost- sharing for the study is based on a 50% contribution by the Federal government, with our agency’s 50% contribution provided in cash, or by a portion or all of the contribution provided through in-kind non- monetary services.

Our agency (or Name of Sponsor) is aware that this letter constitutes an expression of intent to initiate a study partnership to address the specified water resources problems and is not a contractual obligation. We understand that work on the study cannot commence until it is included in the Administration’s budget request, funds are appropriated by the Congress, and an FCSA is signed. It is understood that we or USACE may opt to discontinue the study at any time after the FCSA is signed but will commit to work together as partners from the scoping phase, and subsequent decision points throughout the feasibility study, on providing the necessary support to risk-informed decision making. If it is determined that additional time or funding is necessary to support decisions to be made in order to complete the study, our agency will work with USACE to determine the appropriate course of action.

If you require additional information, please contact: (Designee) at (Telephone Number and/or Email).

(Signed by Individual or Group with Appropriate Decision Making Authority)