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<br />m <br /> <br />SECTION 205 <br /> <br />US Army Corps <br />of Engineers <br /> <br />Authority for: SMALL FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION PROJECTS <br /> <br />WHAT CAN THE CORPS DO? Section 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act, as amended, provides authority to the Corps of Engineers <br />to plan and construct small flood damage reduction projects that have not already been specifically authorized by Congress. A project is <br />accepted for construction only after detailed investigation clearly shows its engineering feasibility, environmental acceptability, and <br />economic justification. Each project must be complete with in itself, not part of a larger project. The maximum federal expenditure per <br />Project is $7 million, which includes both planning and construction costs. Costs of lands, easements, and operation and maintenance <br />must be non-federal. <br />There are two types of projects: structural and nonstructural. Structural projects may include levees, flood walls, detention dams, and <br />diversion channels. Nonstructural alternatives, which have little or no effect on water surface elevations, might include such measures <br />as floodproofing, relocation of structures, and flood warning systems. <br />, AfteraStll!~_~U()_clllagencYreqlJ~~~i1P()tentialp~oj~(;t,-!hec:orps will conduct a feasibility studyif it appears the problem may have a <br />federal interest and if funds are available. The feasibility study begins at federal expense. After approximatdy $20,OOOnas oeen ' <br />Expended, a decision is made whether to continue the study and if cost sharing is required. Study costs in excess of $100,000 are shared <br />50/50 with the non-federal sponsor according to a Feasibility Study Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA). In the feasibility study the problem <br />is defined, the federal interest is determined, potential solutions are identified, and the most feasible plan is chosen. The costs, benefits, <br />and environmental impacts of the potential project analyzed. A draft project cooperation agreement (PCA) is drawn up by which the <br />federal Government and the sponsor agree to share project costs. No more than 3 years should pass between the start of the feasibility <br />study and the time the project is ready for construction. <br /> <br />WHAT ARE THE LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES? Costs for Section 205 flood damage reduction projects are shared between the <br />Federal government and a non-federal sponsor in accordance with the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended. During <br />construction the local sponsor must contribute a minimum of 35 percent of the total project cost. The local sponsor (a state or local <br />government) must have the legal and financial capability to fulfill the requirements of cost ,sharing and local cooperation. The sponsor <br />generally must agree to the following: <br />. Contribute in cash the local share of project planning and construction costs. <br />. Provide all lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations, and dredged material disposal areas. <br />. Provide any additional cash contributions needed to make the local sponsor's share of the flood damage reduction cost at least 35 <br />percent. <br />