Emergency Response and Recovery Overview

The Corps provides emergency response to natural disasters under Public Law 84­99 which covers flood control and coastal emergencies. It also provides emergency support to other agencies, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under Public Law 93­288 (the Stafford Act), as amended.

Under PL 84­99 the Chief of Engineers, acting for the Secretary of the Army, is authorized to carry out disaster preparedness work, advance measures, emergency operations (e.g., flood fighting, rescue and emergency relief activities), rehabilitation of flood control works threatened or destroyed by flood, and protection or repair of federally authorized shore protection works threatened or damaged by coastal storms. This act also authorizes the Corps to provide emergency supplies of clean water in cases of drought or contaminated water supply. After the flooding has passed, the Corps provides temporary construction and repairs to essential public utilities and facilities and emergency access for a 10­day period, at the request of the governor.

Under the Stafford Act and the Federal Disaster Response Plan, the Corps of Engineers has a standing mission assignment to provide public works and engineering support in response to a major disaster or catastrophic earthquake. Under this plan, the Corps will work directly with the state in providing temporary repair and construction of roads, bridges, and utilities, temporary shelter, debris removal and demolition, water supply, etc. 

The Corps is one of the federal agencies tasked by FEMA to provide engineering, design, construction and contract management in support of recovery operations.

Web page was updated June 10, 2009.