Planning

Book excerpt: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is authorized to carry out Civil Works water resources projects for navigation, flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration, as well as for storm damage prevention, hydroelectric power, recreation, and water supply. Planning for Federal water resources projects constructed by the Corps of Engineers, along with those of the Bureau of Reclamation, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, is based on the Principles and Guidelines (P&G) adopted by the Water Resources Council. The P&G are comprised of two parts: The Economic and Environmental Principles for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies and The Economic and Environmental Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies. The first part, commonly referred to as the principles, is reproduced in Figure 1 - 1. The second part, commonly referred to as the guidelines, expands on the concepts introduced in the principles and provides additional information and requirements to conduct water resources planning studies. Together both parts provide the framework for Corps of Engineers water resources planning studies. Within this framework, the Corps seeks to balance economic development and environmental needs as it addresses water resources problems. The planning process shall address the Nation's water resources needs in a systems context and explore a fall range of alternatives in developing solutions. Innovative solutions and the application of the full range of the Corps programs and authorities are integral to the planning process. This regulation provides the overall direction by which Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects are formulated, evaluated and selected for implementation. It contains a description of the Corps of Engineers planning process, Corps of Engineers missions and programs, specific policies applicable to each mission and program, and analytical requirements.