Water Resources Development Project Planning

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a wide range of legislative Civil Works authorities allowing us to assist local communities with water resources-related issues. These authorities allow the USACE to partner with state, local, tribal, and non-governmental agencies to identify problems, explore solutions, and find the right partnership program.

The Civil Works program requires communities with water resources challenges including Tribes, local governments, and other partners to act as local sponsors providing support, usually financially, to complete a project or study under one of our many programs.  Typically, a cost-sharing agreement is executed at the start of each project's major phase and requires financial contributions from sponsors upfront.  Cost-sharing requirements vary from program to program. 

USACE planners provide a structured, rational approach to problem solving and helping decision-makers identify water resources problems, conceive solutions to them and compare the importance of the inevitable conflicting values inherent in any solution. USACE planners have expertise in water resources planning, including forming plans in accordance with Civil Works Policy, evaluating effects to the environment and cultural resources, and encouraging public involvement. 

For information on the available USACE programs to help solve issues in your area and to learn more about policy, guidance, processes, and tools used every day in planning, visit our Planning Toolbox and work with the project planning professionals in your region's District office. 

Announcements

Northwestern Division Engineer’s Approval of Special Emergency Processing Procedures for Activities Subject to Executive Order 14156
4/1/2025
The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) may employ emergency procedures to process requests to alter a USACE Civil Works project under 33 USC §408 (Section 408) if the request is associated with an activity that facilitates the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy sources as directed in Executive Order (EO) 14156.