USACE supports non-Federal sponsors by providing financial or technical assistance for the design and construction of water-related environmental infrastructure that is publicly-owned and operated. 

• Clean Water Infrastructure: Water wells, water storage tanks, waterlines, supply system, and distribution facilities, etc.
• Wastewater Infrastructure: Treatment plant, sewer lines, pump and lift stations, force mains, collection systems, etc.
• Storm Water Management: Systems regulating the collection, storage, and movement of stormwater to reduce and filter runoff and improve water quality

• Surface Water Resource Protection and Development: Facilities to maintain the quality of  surface water for such purposes as municipal drinking water supply.

Congress has regularly funded Environmental Infrastructure (EI) through USACE’s Construction account in annual Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations acts. Congress also has funded EI assistance through supplemental appropriations.

Who Can Partner with USACE?

• Public Entities: This includes local and state governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit organizations (with consent from the affected local government). This partnership structure enables USACE to collaborate with local and state entities, helping fund and execute projects that benefit communities, and improve infrastructure.

Where is Assistance Available?

• Eligible Locations: Assistance is available in most U.S. states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, projects must be located in an eligible geographic area, which could be as specific as a township, city, or county, or broader areas like regions of a state or multiple states.

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

• Eligible Projects: USACE funds a variety of projects under Environmental Infrastructure programs, typically focusing on improving environmental conditions and supporting infrastructure for public health and safety.  Some of the key types of projects funded under USACE's Environmental Infrastructure program include water supply and treatment facilities; water storage and distribution systems, wastewater and sanitation systems, and stormwater drainage systems.

Environmental Infrastructure projects require cost sharing between the Federal government and a non-Federal sponsor. The non-Federal sponsor is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the project. Check your local USACE district for more information, or contact us at EI@usace.army.mil.

Environmental Infrastructure (EI) authorities are, by their own terms, assistance to non-Federal sponsors for water-related EI projects. Depending upon the authority, work may be performed by Government or the non-Federal sponsor (and reimbursed) with model agreements for either design or design and construction. The Corps’ involvement is contingent upon available appropriations and ends once those funds are exhausted. In other words, there is no assurance of continued funding for EI projects. The overall desirability and anticipated benefits of the non-Federal project are determined by the non-Federal sponsor.

How to Initiate a Request?

• Non-Federal Sponsor: The project sponsor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to their local USACE District. The LOI should include:
  • Project Name and Description: Briefly describe the purpose, scope, benefits, and expected outcomes of the project.  The project scope should be phased into useful increments of work—which are distinct, manageable portions of a larger project that can be completed individually while contributing to the overall project goal.
  • Cost-Share Commitment: Confirm Sponsor’s ability to provide their cost-share; lands, easements, and rights of way; and permits necessary for the project.
  • Operational Responsibilities: The sponsor will also attest their responsibility for maintaining and operating the project once it's completed.
  • Supporting Documents: The sponsor will provide relevant maps, preliminary plans or designs, environmental reports, etc.
  • Cost-Share Agreement: Once funding is allocated, USACE will work with the non-Federal sponsor to draft and enter into a cost-share agreement. This agreement will outline the financial responsibilities of both parties, including the specific cost-sharing ratio and payment terms.  
  • Contact Information: Provide a non-Federal sponsor point of contact for follow-up discussion.

What Happens After Submission? 

• Determine Eligibility: USACE ensures the project meets the necessary criteria; requests for additional Information or clarifications from the Sponsor, if needed.
• Evaluate Project Readiness for Prioritization.  This might include preliminary discussions regarding the design, engineering needs, availability of real estate, and possible environmental impacts; review and ensure terms of cost-share agreement can be upheld by both parties; and prioritization based on various factors such as urgency, scope, and potential benefits to public health, safety, and the environment.
• Request Funding: If the project is deemed eligible and feasible, USACE will initiate the process to request funding for the project. USACE will need to secure the necessary funding, which could be approved as part of the Federal budget or through specific congressional appropriations.
• Cost-Share Agreement: Once funding is allocated, USACE will work with the non-federal sponsor to draft and enter into a cost-share agreement. This agreement will outline the financial responsibilities of both parties, including the specific cost-sharing ratio, milestones, and payment terms.
• Project Execution. After agreements are in place, the project’s will be executed per the terms of the Agreement.  Once the project is completed, the non-federal sponsor is responsible for managing the long-term operations.

More FAQ coming soon!