Section 103 of the 1962 River and Harbor Act authorizes the Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct small coastal storm damage reduction projects in partnership with non-Federal government agencies, such as cities, counties, special authorities, or units of state government. Projects are planned and designed under this authority to provide the same complete storm damage reduction project that would be provided under specific congressional authorizations. The maximum Federal cost for planning, design, and construction of any one project is $10,000,000. Each project must be economically justified, environmentally sound, and technically feasible. Hurricane and storm damage reduction projects are not limited to any particular type of improvement. Beach nourishment (structural) and floodproofing (non-structural)are examples of storm damage reduction projects constructed utilizing the Section 103 authority.
Cost Sharing Requirements. The Feasibility Study is 100 percent federally funded up to $100,000. Costs over $100,000 are shared equally with the non-federal sponsor. Up to one-half of the non-federal share can be in the form of in-kind services. Costs for preparation of plans and specifications and construction are shared at 65 percent federal/35 percent non-federal. The non-federal share of construction consists of provision of any necessary lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations and disposal areas (LERRD), plus a cash contribution of 5 percent of the total project costs. In the event that the value of LERRD, plus 5 percent cash, does not equal at least 35 percent of the total project cost, the non-federal sponsor must contribute additional cash to equal 35 percent.
Project Process. The Corps conducts an initial appraisal early in the Feasibility Study to determine whether the project meets program criteria and provides a basis for determining scope and cost of an entire feasibility study. The solution must be economically feasible and environmentally acceptable. If an acceptable alternative is identified in the feasibility study, the Corps prepares plans and specifications, then manages construction of the project.
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Study Cost
The feasibility study is 100 percent federally funded up to $100,000. Costs over the $100,000 are shared 50/50 with the non-federal sponsor.
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Project Cost
Final design (plans and specifications) and construction cost are 65 percent Federal 35 percent non-Federal.
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How to Request Assistance. Requests for assistance should be in the form of a letter describing the location and nature of the problem and requesting assistance under the program. The request should be submitted by a state or local government agency to Mr. John Kennelly, Chief, Planning Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. For more information call Chris Hatfield of the Plan Formulation Branch at 978-318-8520.
Sample Letter of Intent for Section 103 - Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Projects
Updated July 10, 2019