General Investigation studies and projects, also known as Individually Authorized studies and projects, are the usual and most common way for us to help resolve a water resource problem. They involve jointly conducting a study with a sponsor. If the study can identify a feasible project, USACE can work with the sponsor to construct and implement it. For USACE to work with a sponsor on potential water resource development project, Congress must first authorize a feasibility study and second, separately authorize the project itself. The project studies and construction are cost-shared between the federal government and the sponsor, who usually pays all operations and maintenance costs once the project is construction. Project-specific federal costs for individually authorized studies or projects aren't limited, unlike the Continuing Authorities Program.

Portland Metro Levee System

Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance Plan

Willamette Basin Review

The Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) consists of a group of nine authorities granted to USACE by Congress. CAP authorizes USACE to authorize, plan, design and construct certain types of water resources projects without additional congressional authorization.

To initiate a CAP study, a local sponsor contacts the Portland District to request assistance under one or more of the nine authorities. After receiving a request from the local sponsor, the District will coordinate with the sponsor (typically including conducting an initial site visit) to determine whether the CAP program would be able to address the sponsor’s water resources problem.

If the requested assistance falls within one of the existing CAP authorities (and subject to approval and availability of funds) the District will initiate the feasibility study phase for the project. Following completion of the feasibility study phase, the project proceeds into the design and implementation (D&I) phase where detailed plans and specifications for construction, and ultimately project construction is completed by the Corps in partnership with the sponsor.

All projects under CAP are cost shared. The cost-share ratio between the Corps and the non-federal sponsor varies based upon the authority. In addition, each authority has a maximum per project limit that the Federal government is authorized to provide under the program. Additional detail on each authorities cost share ratio and Federal funding per project limits may be viewed under each of the authority tabs to the left.

A cost share waiver is of up to $658,000 for the 2025 fiscal year may be available to Federally Recognized Tribes for the project.

A template Letter of Intent to make requests for assistance on any of the nine CAP authorities may be downloaded at this link.

Contact

For further information on the CAP Program, please contact the Portland District Planning Branch at: CENWP-Planning@usace.army.mil

Section 14 Program Fact Sheet 

Section 103 Fact Sheet

Section 107 Fact Sheet

Section 111 Fact Sheet

Section 204 Fact Sheet

Section 205 Fact Sheet

Section 206 Fact Sheet

Section 208 Fact Sheet

Section 1135 Fact Sheet

The Planning Assistance to States (PAS) program is authorized by Section 22 of WRDA1974, as amended. Through the (PAS) program, the Corps provides planning level assistance to eligible non-federal partners in managing their water resources.

There a two types of planning assistance offered through the PAS program: Comprehensive Planning and Technical Assistance. PAS studies cannot include detailed design for project construction, and implementation of the plan is the responsibility of the State, Tribe, or Territory.

Non-federal interests eligible to partner with the Corps include any State, group of States, local government, regional coalition of governmental entities, Federally-recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories may partner with the Corps under the PAS program. Nonprofit organizations working with a State may also be eligible to partner.

Contact

For further information on the CAP Program, please contact the Portland District Planning Branch at: CENWP-Planning@usace.army.mil

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) can partner with a non-federal sponsor (sponsor) to provide assistance to design or to design and construct water, wastewater, environmental restoration, or surface water protection projects. The types of assistance the Corps may provide differs for each authority.

Following submittal of a Letter of Intent and prior to entering into a partnership agreement, the Corps and sponsor will coordinate to prepare a letter report that details the increment of work, the schedule to complete the increment of work, and the funds to be used to accomplish the work.

Before engineering design and construction can begin, the Corps and sponsor negotiate and sign a Project Partnership Agreement that describes the cost share arrangement and operations and maintenance responsibilities. The program is cost-shared 75% federal / 25% non-federal.

 Portland District may provide EI assistance for design or design and construction in specific locations authorized by Congress. Currently authorizations include:

• Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended | Projects located in Albany, Brookings, Monroe, Newport, Lane County, Beaverton, Clackamas County, Washington County
• Southwestern Oregon, Section 8359 | Projects located in Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Josephine Counties
• Oregon Environmental Infrastructure, Section 1348 | Projects located in Oregon

Fact Sheet for Section 219 Authorities
Fact Sheet for Section 8359 and 1348 Authorities

Contact

For further information on the CAP Program, please contact the Portland District Planning Branch at: CENWP-Planning@usace.army.mil

Through the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) program, the Corps provides information on flood hazards to local interests, state agencies, Tribal Nations, and other federal agencies to guide development of the floodplains and flood-prone areas of the United States. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and promote prudent use and management of the Nation’s floodplains and flood prone areas. The FPMS program provides a full range of technical services and planning guidance that is needed to support effective floodplain and flood risk management.

For further information on the CAP Program, please contact the Portland District Planning Branch at: CENWP-Planning@usace.army.mil

The Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) allows USACE to partner with Tribal Nations to carry out water-related planning activities, or activities relating to the study, design, and construction of water resources development projects, that will substantially benefit Indian Tribes; and are located primarily within Indian country or in proximity to Alaska Native villages.

What type of projects are eligible?
•    Flood, hurricane, and storm damage reduction including erosion
•    Environmental restoration and protection
•    Preservation of cultural and natural resources
•    Watershed Assessments and Planning Activities
•    Planning and technical assistance
•    Other projects as the Assistant Secretary for the Army, in cooperation with Indian tribes and the heads of other Federal agencies, determines to be appropriate

Cost Share Requirements
The cost-share varies with the type of project being completed under TPP. Currently a cost-share waiver* of $665,000 applies to our projects. This amount will be increased every year to account for inflation. In addition, the first $200,000 of a feasibility study for a project leading to construction is 100% federally-funded.

Further information on the Tribal Partnership Program and how to partner with USACE may be found in How to Plan a Water Resources Project With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact
For further information on the Tribal Partnership Program, please contact the Portland District Planning Branch at: CENWP-Planning@usace.army.mil