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Section 204: Beneficial Use of Dredged Material

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Published Jan. 18, 2024
Updated: Nov. 12, 2024
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Ecosystem Restoration in Connection With Dredging (Section 204)

Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to plan, design and build projects to protect, restore and create aquatic and ecologically related habitats in connection with dredging of authorized Federal navigation projects. Typically, these projects involve the beneficial use of dredged material from navigation channels to improve or create wetlands or waterbird nesting habitats.

Project Process. The process for Section 204 projects begins after a non-federal sponsor requests Corps of Engineers assistance under the program. When funding is available, the Corps of Engineers prepares a feasibility study, beginning with an estimate of the overall scope and cost of the study and a determination of whether the project is in the federal interest. The feasibility study formulates alternatives to achieve the restoration, evaluates the environmental effects of the alternatives, documents the project requirements, and provides a scope and cost estimate for project implementation. If the feasibility report recommends a plan for implementation, the Corps of Engineers prepares detailed project plans and specifications and obtains any required federal permits. The Corps of Engineers then manages construction of the project by a private contractor.

Cost Sharing Requirements. Cost sharing is based on the increase in cost of the ecosystem restoration project compared to the cost of disposal of dredged material without the ecosystem restoration project. Only the increased cost above the cost of the disposal option that would have been implemented without ecosystem restoration (referred to as the Base Plan) is cost shared. The Corps of Engineers funds the study and design. A non-Federal sponsor must contribute 35 percent of the cost of construction above the cost of the Base Plan, and 100 percent of the cost of operation and maintenance of the ecosystem restoration project. The Federal per project expenditure limit is $10 million. The sponsor is credited the value of real estate necessary to implement the project. The sponsor cannot receive credit for work in kind under this program.

Study Cost

The feasibility study and design is Federally funded.

Project Cost

Non-Federal sponsor pays 35 percent of total project construction cost in excess of the base plan cost.

 

How to Request Assistance. Requests for assistance should be in the form of a letter (see sample provided below) describing the location and nature of the problem and requesting assistance under the program. The request should be submitted by a state or local government agency to your local district planning chief. 

{LETTERHEAD OF LOCAL SPONSOR}

{LETTEHEAD OF USACE POINT OF CONTACT}

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to seek the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under (Reference the authority under which assistance is requested and identify the type and location of the problem.)

(Briefly describe your perception of the nature and severity of the problem.)

(Briefly describe the known issues which would affect the acceptability of any recommended solutions, from the perspective of municipal and local governments, and/or the public.)

We are aware as local sponsor that we will assume costs for lands, easements, right-of-way, relocations and disposal areas (LERRD) and/or assume costs to demonstrate ownership of such.  We also will assume responsibility for any operation and maintenance of the project. Your consideration of this request will be appreciated.  Please contact (name, address, telephone, etc.) for further coordination.  

The [NAME OF AGENCY OR COMMUNITY] has designated [NAME OF LOCAL CONTACT AT AGENCY AND PHONE NUMBER] as the point of contact for this project.

 Sincerely,

{AGENCY OFFICIAL} 

 


Project Planning Services for Water Resources

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides expert Project Planning Services to help communities across the Great Lakes and Ohio River region address complex water resource needs. Our planning approach combines environmental expertise, engineering, and community collaboration to create solutions that protect people, enhance ecosystems, and support local economies.

Explore the services we offer to learn how we can support your project.

Our Services

Flood Risk Management
USACE helps communities develop strategies to reduce the impact of flooding through projects that manage floodplains, strengthen infrastructure, and improve resilience. [Link to detailed page or more info]

Ecosystem Restoration
We partner with local organizations to restore vital ecosystems, including wetlands and habitats for wildlife, ensuring sustainable environmental benefits. [Link to learn more about restoration projects]

Shoreline and Streambank Protection
Our team works to protect rivers, streams, and coastlines from erosion, helping communities maintain safe, stable shorelines and waterways. [Link for further details]

Harbor and Navigation Development
From dredging to channel improvements, USACE supports harbor projects that enhance waterway navigation, promoting safe and efficient transportation. [Link to navigation services]

Planning Assistance to States and Tribes
USACE offers technical support and guidance to states and tribal governments, assisting with water resource planning and management tailored to their unique needs. [Link to assistance programs]

How We Plan Projects

Each project we undertake follows a six-step planning process to ensure it meets community needs and complies with environmental and federal standards:

  1. Identify Problems and Opportunities
  2. Inventory and Forecast Conditions
  3. Formulate Alternative Plans
  4. Evaluate Effects of Alternative Plans
  5. Compare Alternative Plans
  6. Select Recommended Plan

Our planners work closely with partners at every stage to ensure that proposed solutions are practical, sustainable, and community focused.

Why Partner with USACE?

With a wealth of expertise in water resources and a commitment to sustainable development, USACE is uniquely equipped to support local and regional projects. Our planning services provide access to federal resources, environmental compliance guidance, and a team of professionals dedicated to long-term water resource solutions.

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