The Section 408 Program

33 U.S. Code 408, or Section 408, provides the authority for USACE to grant permission for alterations or modifications to existing USACE civil works projects. Any individual, organization, or government entity seeking to alter, modify, or use any part of a federal project must obtain permission from USACE. This review and permitting process ensures that the proposed changes do not impair the usefulness of the project and are not detrimental to the public interest.

Getting Started
Regional Categorical Permission (RCP)
  • Regional Categorical Permission - Document that contains description of the categories and instructions on the program. This process allows the USACE to streamline reviews of the most common types of Section 408 requests.
  • NEPA Document - Outlines and establishes programmatic environmental compliance for the RCP program.
Contact a Section 408 Coordinator

Section 408 requests begin at the district level. Use the District Civil Works Boundaries map to identify the supporting district office your project is located.

Section 408 Boundaries

Resources

USACE Section 408 Webpage

Information, guides, and other tools designed to help you through the review process.

USACE Section 408 Database

Public database containing all received Section 408 requests where you can review the status of your request.

Engineer Circular (EC) 1165-2-220

USACE's internal guidance for designating a lead USACE district for a request.

EC 1165-2-220 Fact Sheet

Fact sheet containing highlighted information on EC 1165-2-220

National Levee Database

Search for all known levees in the U.S.

National Inventory of Dams

Search for all known dams in the U.S.

Section 408 Coordinators

Redirecting...
Chick Lock

Through deeds, not words, we are BUILDING STRONG®