Planning Services

Continuing Authorities Program

Section 14 - Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection

Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act provides the Corps of Engineers authority to construct emergency shoreline and streambank protection works to protect public facilities, such as bridges, roads, public buildings, sewage treatment plants, water wells, and non-profit public facilities, such as churches, hospitals, and schools. The maximum Federal expenditure at any one site is $1,500,000, and each project must be economically justified and environmentally sound.

Cost Sharing Requirements. Projects are undertaken on a cost shared basis. The Feasibility Study is 100 percent federally funded up to $100,000. The local sponsor is required to cost-share equally the cost of the Feasibility Study that exceeds $100,000. The local sponsor is also required to provide 35 percent of the implementation costs of developing plans and specifications and construction. The non-federal share of project implementation costs may include credit for lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations, and disposal areas (LERRD) necessary for the project, plus a cash contribution of 5 percent of the total project implementation costs. In the event that the value of LERRD, plus 5 percent, does not equal at least 35 percent of the total project implementation 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.

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.

Final design (plans and specifications) and construction costs are 65 percent Federal 35 percent non-Federal.

Project Cost

Design and construction cost are 65 percent Federal 35 percent non-Federal.

How to Request Assistance. Requests for assistance should be in the form of a letter (see sample provided below) 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 Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. For more information call Chris Hatfield of the Special Studies Section at 978-318-8520.

Sample Letter of Intent for Section 14 - Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection provided here.

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