Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration found under CAP Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, as amended, authorizes the Corps of Engineers to participate in the planning, engineering, and construction of projects to restore degraded aquatic ecosystem structure, function, and dynamic processes to a less degraded, more natural condition. Aquatic ecosystems include creeks, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Projects typically involve restoration of aquatic and/or floodplain areas. They can include wetland creation or enhancement, water management features, aquatic and floodplain native plantings, bank stabilization, habitat creation, fish passage, and the restoration of pool and riffle complexes in streams. A project is accepted for construction after a detailed investigation shows it is technically feasible, environmentally acceptable, and provides cost effective environmental benefits. Each project must be complete within itself, not a part of a larger project. Limited recreational features compatible with the ecosystem outputs of the project are permissible.
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The feasibility phase is 100% federally funded up to the first $100,000. Any feasibility costs above $100,000 are cost-shared 50% federal and 50% non-federal. Costs for design and implementation are shared 65% federal and 35% non-federal after signing a PPA. Work-in-kind can be credited after the Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement or PPA has been signed. The federal cost limit for CAP Section 206 projects is $10 million. Recreation features are shared 50% federal and 50% non-federal and cannot increase the federal cost more than 10%.
The sponsor will provide all lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations, and disposal areas and cash to equal not less than 35% of the total project cost. The sponsor is also responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and replacement once the project is completed.