Corps of Engineers Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the Nation's oldest and largest water resources development agency. Congress assigned the Corps this civil works responsibility in an effort to conserve the Nation's most vital natural resources. The variety and challenge of water projects demonstrate the Corps' range of engineering skills, which are critical during national emergencies.

The Corps began its water resources program in 1824 when Congress for the first time appropriated money for improving river navigation. Since then, the Corps has been involved in improving recreation and commercial navigation, reducing flood damage and controlling beach erosion. Along with these missions, the Corps generates hydropower, supplies water to cities and industry, regulates development in navigable waters and manages a recreation program. Today the Corps manages nearly 2,000 water resources projects including:

Navigation
Flood Damage Reduction
Hydroelectric Power
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Environmental Quality
Recreation
Water Supply

These activities call for careful coordination of many interests, including consideration of environmental impacts.

The Corps has 47 District and Division offices located throughout the country. Each of these District and Division offices has designated a Flood Plain Management Services Program and a Planning Assistance to States Program coordinator. These coordinators are responsible for drawing on the planning and technical resources of the Corps to provide a full range of technical services and planning guidance on water resources related matters to States, local governments, other non-Federal entities and Indian Tribes.

Return to the Water Resources Planning Home Page.

Return to the Detroit District Home Page.