Each year, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deploys hundreds of its trained personnel and resources across the United States and its territories to respond to emergencies and aid in disaster response and recovery. Under the National Response Framework (NRF) and authorities of the Stafford Act; USACE works under the direction of FEMA as a member of the federal team to support State and Local governments in responding to major disasters. USACE also has its own authority to directly respond to State and Local needs related to flooding or coastal emergencies under Public Law 84-99.
The NRF defines 15 Emergency Support Functions (ESF’s) with each having a designated Coordinating Agency. As the coordinating and primary agency for Emergency Support Function #3 – Public Works and Engineering; USACE is responsible for coordinating and executing several missions in the post-disaster environment. The core missions are listed below. However, it is commonplace for FEMA to request additional support and technical assistance beyond these core mission areas: