We study potential water resource development projects in Oregon and parts of southwestern Washington. A Water resource development project analyzes and tries to solve water resource issues of concern to local communities. Projects may involve improving navigation, managing floods, or restoring ecosystems.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) planning process follows a structured approach to problem-solving, using a rational framework for sound decision-making. It is applicable for many other types of studies and we encourage its use. This six-step process is used for all USACE planning studies:
Identifying problems and opportunities
- Inventorying and forecasting conditions
- Formulating alternative plans
- Evaluating alternative plans
- Comparing alternative plans
- Selecting a plan
Under a number of authorities, Planning Branch staff serve as both planners and managers for several types of projects shown below.