| Purpose |
Authority |
Feasibility Cost Share
Fed/Non-Fed |
Implementation Cost Share Fed/Non-Fed |
Federal
Project Limit |
| Navigation Improvements |
Section 107, 1960 River and Harbor Act, as amended |
100%/0% for initial $100,000; 50%/50% remaining costs |
Varies based on depth |
$10,000,000 |
Overview. 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 $10.0 million 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.
Cost Sharing Requirements. Projects are undertaken on a cost-shared basis. The feasibility study is 100 percent federally funded up to $100,000. Feasibility study costs in excess of $100,000 must be shared equally by the federal government and the local sponsor. The local sponsor is also required to provide 10 percent of the cost of developing plans and specifications. The local sponsor's share of construction costs for navigation projects with a design depth of 20 feet or less is 10 percent up-front and 10 percent 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 percent, and for depths over 45 feet, to 50 percent.
Project Process. The first step in the process is completion of an initial appraisal that determines if there is federal interest in participating in a feasibility study. The 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 local sponsor to determine if they want to share in the cost of a feasibility study. If a federal interest is identified, the Corps and the sponsor enter into a cost-sharing agreement for the feasibility study. If the feasibility study produces a solution that meets economic, environmental, and local partnership requirements, then the Corps prepares plans and specifications and manages construction of the project and, upon completion, the future management of projects with depths of 45 feet or less.
| 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. |
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 at over 45 feet the u-front share is 50%. |
How to Request Assistance. For more information on our navigation improvement 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 107 Small Navigation Projects. |
(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