As we continue to occupy and build along rivers, flooding continues to take its toll in property and lives. Traditional control structures built by the Corps, such as levees and dams, are an essential tool for controlling high water levels and thus reducing the losses incurred during flooding disasters. More recently, however, economic and environmental concerns have caused us to first consider non-structural alternatives. These include flood-proofing of buildings, evacuating floodplains, and encouraging the use of flood plains for parks, recreational areas and other green-belt purposes. In addition, we have an Emergency Management Branch that provides information and technical assistance on matters relating to flooding and other emergencies.

Working closely with the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration, the Detroit District helps local communities obtain sandbags, and other flood-fighting materials, then aids in the flood-fighting efforts. Engineers are placed in the area to provide technical advice and assistance as well as to collect flood data.

We also administer programs for repairing flood control structures and utilities, removing debris, and providing other public assistance.

Our Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch of the Engineering Division continually monitors the levels and flows in the lakes and connecting channels, including areas which lie in international boundary waters between the United States and Canada. This information can be helpful in predicting potential flooding, and other high water problems such as shore erosion. We also study the factors affecting levels and flows, such as weather, navigation and power. The data we collect is also used to assist in the design of water related projects as well as in the regulation of the Great Lakes.