Public Services Menu

Redirecting...

Flood Damage Reduction Projects (Section 205)

Section 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct small flood control 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 flood control project that would be provided under specific congressional authorizations. The maximum Federal cost for planning, design, and construction of any one project is $10 million. Each project must be economically justified, environmentally sound, and technically feasible. Flood control projects are not limited to any particular type of improvement. Levee and channel modifications are examples of flood control projects constructed utilizing the Section 205 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. If LERRD plus 5 percent exceeds 35 percent, the sponsor is responsible up to a maximum of 50 percent of the total project costs.

Project Process. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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, USACE 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.

Project Cost

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

 

 

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 Ms. Wendy Gendron, Chief, Planning Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751.  For more information call Christopher Hatfield of the Plan Formulation Branch at 978-318-8520.

 

Sample Letter of Intent for Section 205 - Flood Damage Reduction Projects

 

Updated May 23, 2023