Levee systems are part of our nation’s landscape and important to communities because of the benefits they provide. For example, more than ten million people live or work behind levees in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Levee Safety Program. And, public and private property worth more than one trillion dollars are behind these levees.

These 14,100 miles of levee reduce flood risk to people, businesses, critical infrastructure and the environment, but it’s important to recognize they don’t eliminate flooding.

Additionally, levee conditions, storm/flood intensity and frequency, and populations around these levees change. So, the USACE Levee Safety Program works with local levee sponsors and stakeholders to make sure these levees provide their intended benefits. Working together to assess, manage and communicate flood risks to residents and businesses is our priority because, more than anything, life safety is paramount.

Our partners play an important role in levee safety because we all must work together, sharing responsibility, to solve and manage flood risk management challenges. Ultimately, individuals who know what to do before a flood or storm happens can make our communities safer places to live and work.

Public Comment Period

Feedback from the public and our partners is key to the success of the USACE Levee Safety Program, and provides opportunity to build trusting and transparent relationships. The draft agency guidance, Engineer Circular 1165-2-218: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Levee Safety Program, was available on the Federal Register for public comment February 25 to July 27, 2020. 

USACE received 54 responses with comments and input by online response form, email, or letter during the open comment period. A draft summary of the comments received is available here; full responses can also be viewed on the Federal Register docket. 

Revised Draft Engineer Circular^NEW!

A revised draft of the Engineer Circular is now available. This version of the guidance was updated to incorporate feedback received during the public comment period. It has been streamlined to focus on the key policies of the program.

The draft now includes appendices that provide additional detail on the various tools available in the Levee Safety Program. Should you have feedback on or questions about this draft and the new appendices, please email us at EC218@usace.army.mil.

Information Sessions

During the open comment period, USACE hosted two virtual information sessions on March 4, and on July 22. 

• View the presentation materials from March 4 here.
• View the presentation materials from July 22 here, or watch the presentation here. 

USACE planned to host five in-person sessions during the open comment period. However, due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, these sessions were postponed. 

Because USACE has been unable to host in-person information sessions, we are offering to meet in small group settings, virtually or face-to-face where possible. If you are interested in scheduling a small group meeting about the Levee Safety Program Engineer Circular, please email EC218@usace.army.mil.

Helpful Links and Resources:

• View the revised draft Engineer Circular with appendices here. USACE welcomes your feedback on this revised draft guidance. 
• View the previous draft Engineer Circular, available for public comment from February 25 to July 27, 2020, here. e-Reader versions are also available for Android and Kindle.
• View all comments submitted during the open comment period on the Federal Register docket. 
• Read a draft summary of the comments received during the open comment period, to be finalized once the Engineer Circular is published, here.
• View a fact sheet, USACE Levee Safety Program Guidance, about the February 2020 draft guidance here.
• View a fact sheet, USACE Levee Safety Program Guidance Public Comment Period, about the opportunity for public comment on the Engineer Circular here.
• Take a look at this fact sheet that covers key facts about the Levee Safety Program and PL 84-99 Rehabilitation Program here.^NEW!