Since 1936 the Corps has completed approximately 400 major lake and reservoir projects, emplaced over 8,500 miles of levees and dikes, and implemented hundreds of smaller local flood damage reduction projects.

These projects have prevented an estimated $706 billion in river and coastal flood damage, most of that within the last 25 years. The cumulative cost for building and maintaining these projects to date is $119 billion. That means for every dollar spent, more than six dollars in potential damages have been saved.

Typically, Corps flood damage reduction projects are turned over to states, local communities or the private sector for ongoing operation and maintenance creating jobs and revenue in those areas.

The Corps quick response to floods also helps the economy by preventing or reducing damage to businesses. The Corps ability to rapidly restore utilities, clear roads and rivers, and reinstate other vital services allow companies to get back to business quickly, reducing flood related revenue losses.

Finally, through the Flood Plain Management Service program the Corps responds to state and local requests for flood hazard information. Last year this service responded to more than 44,000 requests for information. This data has helped protect over $6 billion in property from potential flood damage.

revised 10/31/05

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