| Purpose |
Authority |
Feasibility Cost Share
Fed/Non-Fed |
Implementation Cost Share Fed/Non-Fed |
Federal
Project Limit |
| Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction (Beach Erosion) |
Section 103, 1962 River and Harbor Act |
100%/0% for initial $100,000; 50%/50% remaining costs |
65%/35% |
$10,000,000 |
Overview. Section 103 of the 1962 River and Harbor Act authorizes the Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct small coastal storm damage reduction 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 storm damage reduction project that would be provided under specific congressional authorizations. The maximum federal cost for planning, design, and construction of any one project is $5,000,000. Each project must be economically justified, environmentally sound, and technically feasible. Hurricane and storm damage reduction projects are not limited to any particular type of improvement. Beach nourishment (structural) and floodproofing (non-structural) are examples of storm damage reduction projects constructed utilizing the Section 103 authority.
Cost Sharing Requirements. The feasibility study is 100% 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% of the total project costs. In the event that the value of LERRD, plus 5% cash, does not equal at least 35% of the total project cost, the non-federal sponsor must contribute additional cash to equal 35%.
Project Process. The Corps conducts an initial appraisal early in the feasibility study to determine whether the project meets program criteria, determination of federal interest 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 |
Project Cost |
| The feasibility study is 100% 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% Federal, 35% non-Federal. |
How to Request Assistance. For more information on our storm damage reduction program, call the Outreach Coordinator, at (912)652-5781. Requests for assistance should be in the form of a letter submitted from a state or local government agency to the address shown below.
Download Sample Letter of Intent (Microsoft Word Format)
| Sample Letter of Intent for Section 103 Hurricane & Storm Damage Reduction |
(LETTERHEAD OF LOCAL SPONSOR)
Ms. Kim Garvey
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Savannah District
100 W. Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401
Dear Ms. Garvey:
This letter is to seek the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under (Reference the authority under which assistance is requested and identify the type and location of the problem.)
(Briefly describe your perception of the nature and severity of the problem.)
(Briefly describe the known issues which would affect the acceptability of any recommended solutions, from the perspective of municipal and local governments, and/or the public.)
We are aware as local sponsor that we will assume costs for lands, easements, right-of-way, relocations and disposal areas (LERRD) and/or assume costs to demonstrate ownership of such. We also will assume responsibility for any operation and maintenance of the project. Your consideration of this request will be appreciated. Please contact (name, address, telephone, etc.) for further coordination.
Sincerely,
AGENCY OFFICIAL