The Omaha District can provide technical assistance to local communities, states and federally-recognized Indian Tribes in support of their efforts to plan for the wise and prudent use of the nation's water and related land resources under Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States.
Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States
Authority and Funding: Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974, as amended, provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to provide technical planning assistance. Section 22 is funded annually by Congress, and assistance is limited to $500,000 in federal funds per state or Tribe per year, based on available appropriations.
Section 22 studies are typically reconnaissance level in detail and do not include detailed design for project construction. These studies provide communities with the technical data and analysis needed to either prepare plans and specifications for implementation or request implementation funds. Typical problems and opportunities studied under this program include but are not limited to:
- Water quality
- Hazardous, toxic and radioactive wastes
- Environmental restoration
- Streambed degradation
- Flood hazard mitigation
- Hydropower
- Navigation
- Cultural resources
Cost: Individual studies, of which there may be more than one per state or Tribe, generally range in cost from $25,000 to over $100,000. Section 22 studies are cost shared between the federal government (50%) and a non-federal sponsor (50%). Up to one half of the non-federal sponsor's cost share (25% of the total study cost) can be provided as "in-kind" services.
Requesting Assistance: To request assistance under Section 22, please use the sample letter provided here to submit a written request to the Corps' Omaha District. This request should contain a brief description of the assistance needed and any additional concerns or issues.