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<br />mJ) <br /> <br />GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM <br /> <br />US Army Corps <br />of Engineers <br /> <br />WHAT CAN THE CORPS DO? The Corps of Engineers' General Investigation (GI) program is used to solve large complex <br />problems. Hooding, ecosystem restoration, planning, and comprehensive watershed planning are all candidates for this program. <br /> <br />The GI process is basically done in two steps. The first step, which is 100% Federally funded, is the preparation of a Reconnaissance <br />Report. The Reconnaissance Report is cursory in nature, and basically identifies the problem, identifies a potential non-federal sponsor, <br />ensures that there is a Federal interest, and outlines a study plan for pursuing further action. Preparation of the Reconnaissance Report <br />has a limit of $100,000, and must be completed within 1 year. If the Reconnaissance Report identifies a likely project, as well as a non" <br />federal sponsor who is willing to share in the costs, then the project would move into the second step of the GI process, which is the <br />Feasibility Phase. During the Feasibility Phase, an in-depth, comprehensive analysis is performed which results in an array of alternative <br />solutions to the problems identified. These solutions are evaluated and a "best plan" is determined based on economic justification, <br />- technical adequacy; environmental compliance; socio-economiceffects, and other factors; Once approved; the Feasibility Report " , <br />becomes the document on which Congressional authorization is based. If the project is authorized by Congress, the Corps and the project <br />Sponsor can move ahead with detailed design and construction. <br /> <br />WHAT ARE THE LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES? Costs for a GI study are shared between the federal government and a non-federal <br />Sponsor in accordance with the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended. Preparation of the Reconnaissance Report is <br />done at full federal expense. The Feasibility Phase, however, is cost shared 50% Federal, 50% non-federal. A Feasibility Cost Sharing <br />Agreement (FCSA) is signed between the sponsoring entity and the Corps of Engineers. The non-federal sponsor may contribute up to <br />100% of their share (50% of the study costs) in the form of in-kind services. Cost sharing for construction of Congressionally authorized <br />projects is 65% Federal, 35% non-federal. <br />