CHARLESTON DISTRICT

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal statute. FOIA generally provides that any person has a right to request access to federal agency records, except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. There are several point to keep in mind regarding the FOIA. 

• Your request must be made in writing and you must provide a "reasonable description" of the records you are seeking.
• Agencies have 20 working days to provide an initial response.
• Agencies and requesters are encouraged to work together to define the scope of the request and the timing of the response.  

To assist you with your request, we have provided information which details the procedures, rules and regulations pertinent to the Freedom of Information Act. Also provided are links to various sites, which you may find helpful in understanding and interpreting the Act. 

FOIA requests applicable to the Charleston District should be made in writing and addressed to: 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Office of Counsel
Attn: FOIA Officer
69A Hagood Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403-5107

Date

Freedom of Information Act Request

Agency Head or FOIA Officer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Office of Counsel
ATTN: FOIA Officer
69A Hagood Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403-5107

Dear FOIA Officer: 

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. subsection 552, I am requesting access to [identify the records as clearly and specifically as possible]. 

If there are any fees for searching for or copying the records, please let me know before you fill my request. [Or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed $______, which I agree to pay.]

If you have any questions about handling this request, you may telephone me at ___________ (home phone) or at ___________ (office phone). 

Sincerely,

{Requesters Name Here}