Emergency Response and Recovery

The Corps provides emergency response to natural disasters under Public Law 84-99, which covers flood damage reduction and coastal emergencies. It also provides emergency support to other agencies, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under Public Law 92-288 (the Stafford Act) as amended.

Under PL 84-99, the Chief of Engineers, acting for the Secretary of the Army, is authorized to carry out disaster preparedness work; advance measures; emergency operations such as flood fighting, rescue and emergency relief activities; rehabilitation of flood control works threatened or destroyed by flood; and protection or repair of federally authorized shore protection works threatened or damaged by coastal storms. This act also authorizes the Corps to provide emergency supplies of clean water in cases of drought or contaminated water supply. After the immediate flooding has passed, the Corps may provide temporary construction and repairs to essential public utilities and facilities and emergency access for a 10-day period, at the request of the governor.

Under the Stafford Act and the Federal Response Plan, the Corps of Engineers has a standing mission assignment to provide public works and engineering support in response to a major disaster or catastrophic earthquake. Under this plan, the Corps will work directly with state authorities in providing temporary repair and construction of roads, bridges, and utilities, temporary shelter, debris removal and demolition, water supply, etc. The Corps also provides support to other government agencies in accomplishing their missions under the Federal Response Plan. The Corps is one of the federal agencies tasked by FEMA to provide engineering, design, construction and contract management in support of recovery operations.

For more information contact the Chief of the Emergency Management Branch at 410-962-2013 or 410-320-8189.