| Purpose |
Authority |
Feasibility Cost Share
Fed/Non-Fed |
Implementation CostShare Fed/Non-Fed |
Federal
Project Limit |
| Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration |
Section 206, 1996 Water Resources Development Act, as amended |
100%/0% for initial $100,000; 50%/50% remaining costs |
65%/35% |
$10,000,000 |
Overview. Under the authority provided by Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, the Corps may plan, design and build projects to restore aquatic ecosystems for fish and wildlife. Projects must improve the quality of the environment, be in the public interest, demonstrate cost effectiveness and be no more than $10.0 million in total cost. Recreation projects, if justified, may be included in the total project, but they may not increase the federal share of the total project by more than 10 percent. Additionally, projects should not be formulated for recreation and recreation should not detract from ecosystem benefits.
Project Process. The process for Section 206 projects begins after a non-federal sponsor requests Corps of Engineers assistance under the program. When funding is available, the Corps of Engineers prepares a feasibility study, beginning with an estimate of the overall scope and cost of the study and a determination of whether the project is in the federal interest. The feasibility study formulates alternatives to achieve the restoration, evaluates the environmental effects of the alternatives, documents the project requirements, and provides a scope and cost estimate for project implementation. If the feasibility report recommends a plan for implementation, the Corps of Engineers prepares project plans and specifications and obtains any required federal permits. The Corps of Engineers then manages construction of the project by a private contractor.
Cost Sharing. The Corps of Engineers provides the first $100,000 of feasibility study costs. A non-federal sponsor must contribute 50 percent of the cost of the feasibility study after the first $100,000 of expenditures, 35 percent of the cost of design and construction, 50 percent of the cost of recreational features and 100 percent of the cost of operation and maintenance. The sponsor receives a credit for the value of real estate necessary to implement the project. The entire non-federal share of the project cost may be credited as work in kind, but, to receive credit, the services must be provided after a formal Feasibility Study Cost Sharing Agreement or Project Cooperation Agreement is signed.
| Study Cost |
Project Cost |
| The feasibility study is cost shared 50% federal, 50% non-federal after the first $100,000 in study costs. The first $100,000 in study cost is federally funded. |
Design and construction cost are 65% federal 35% non-federal |
How to Request Assistance. For more information on our ecosystem restoration program, please 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.
Non-federal sponsors must be public agencies or national non-profit organizations capable of undertaking future requirements for operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation (OMRR&R), or may be any non-profit organization if there are no future requirements for OMRR&R. All potential sponsors must be able to provide any required lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations and dredged or excavated material disposal areas (LERRD). The affected local government must consent to the non-profit entity being a sponsor.
| Sample Letter of Intent for a Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration |
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(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
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