The Department of the Army Regulatory Program is one of the oldest programs in the federal government. Initially, the Regulatory Division served a fairly simple, straightforward purpose: to protect and maintain the navigable capacity of the nation’s waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
In 1972, the Clean Water Act was signed into law, and the Army was directed to administer Section 404 of the Act, which regulates the discharge of dredged material, fill material or both into waters of the United States. In 1977, the Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction was increased to include wetlands as part of the waters of the United States.
Every year, Alaskans begin work on numerous construction projects that could potentially impact the state’s rivers, streams, wetlands and other aquatic resources. Many of these projects have tremendous value for individuals, communities and the economy.
Through the Regulatory Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures that environmental impacts on aquatic resources from these projects are avoided, minimized and mitigated. Our mission in the Alaska District is to serve the public interest in the state, providing responsive, quality service by balancing protection and reasonable use of aquatic resources through professional administration of the Regulatory Program.
The Alaska District is dedicated to protecting Alaska’s waters while allowing reasonable and necessary development to move forward. The Corps asks for your help in spreading the word to others about the permit requirements outlined here and solicits your views on better ways of attaining the goals of this program.
The understanding and support of Alaskans is vital to the success of the program. We must work together to protect Alaska’s water resources, ensuring their use and enjoyment for future generations, while enabling responsible development.
Your comments, questions and suggestions can be sent to your local Regulatory Office. Click here for a contact list of the Alaska District's Regulatory offices.