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Section
107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960 provides authority for the Corps of
Engineers to improve navigation including dredging of channels, anchorage
areas, and turning basins and construction of breakwaters, jetties and
groins, through a partnership with non-Federal government sponsor such as
cities, counties, special chartered authorities (such as port authorities),
or units of state government. The maximum Federal cost for project
development and construction of any one project is $4,000,000 and each
project must be economically justified, environmentally sound, and
technically feasible.
The Corps does not participate in the cost of dredging berthing
areas, slip space, access to individual private docks, or the construction
of piers, ramps and other shore facilities. The Sponsoring community must agree to construct and maintain
at local cost a public landing sufficient to serve the type and number of
commercial boats for which the Federal project is designed.
Project Process and Local Costs. Projects are undertaken on a
cost-shared basis. The first step in the process is completion of an
initial appraisal that determines if there is Federal interest in
participating in feasibility study to identify a solution to the problems
and needs of the sponsor and waterway in question. That initial
appraisal is primarily an economic evaluation that results in a preliminary
estimate of potential project costs and benefits and provides a
decision-making tool for the Corps and Town to determine if they want to
share in the cost of a feasibility study.
If a Federal interest is identified, then the Corps and the Sponsor
would enter into an agreement to share the cost of a feasibility
study. The feasibility study must
be cost-shared 50/50 between the Town and the Corps, except for the first
$100,000 in study costs which is funded 100% Federal. The feasibility study would examine
alternatives for the problems and needs and determine the best solution
consistent with Federal policy.
Section 107 Continuing Authority studies for small navigation
projects are generally completed within 3 years of initiation. The solution must pass three criteria:
economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and it must have a local partnership.
The steps in the process are:
a. Feasibility Study.
The Corps will conduct a Feasibility Study, which is 100% federally funded
up to $100,000. Costs over the $100,000 are cost shared with the
non-federal sponsor on a 50/50 basis (up to one-half of the non-federal
share can be in the form of in-kind services). An initial assessment early
in the Feasibility Study will determine if Section 107 authority appears
applicable and provides a basis for determining scope and cost of an entire
Feasibility Study.
b. Preparation of Plans
and Specifications. Detailed design and preparation of plans and
specifications are treated as part of total project costs for purposes of
cost sharing and the non-federal cost share for these activities is
collected with the construction cost share.
c. Non-Federal Share of
Construction. The non-federal share for navigation projects with a design
depth of 20 feet or less 10% up-front during construction cost and 10%
after construction over a period of up to 30-years. For design
depths of 20 to 45 feet the up-front share increases to 25%, and over 45
feet to 50%.
d. Future Project
Maintenance. The Corps will be responsible for future project maintenance
upon completion for project depths of 45 feet or less.
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Study Cost
A feasibility study is conducted which is 100%
federally funded up to $100,000.
Costs
over the $100,000 are cost shared with the nonfederal partner on a 50/50
basis.
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Project Cost
Non-Federal cost is 10% up-front during
construction and 10% over a 30-year period for harbors with a design
depth of 20 feet or less. For
design depths of 20 to 45 feet the up-front share increases to 25%, and
over 45 feet to 50%.
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How to Request Assistance. Requests
for assistance should be in the form of a Letter submitted from a state or
local government agency to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England
District, at the address shown below.
After receipt of a written request, the New England District will
contact the applicant by telephone and discuss particulars of the problem
and of continuing the process. For more information on our navigation
improvement program, please call Mr. Mark Habel at (978) 318-8871.
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