How it Started
The Department of the Army Regulatory Program is one of the nation's oldest federal programs, initially focused on protecting the navigable capacity of the nation's waters. Over time, it has expanded in complexity and authority due to changing public needs, policy, case law, and new statutory mandates.
Why it's Important
The program aims to protect the Waters of the United States while permitting reasonable development through balanced decisions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evaluates permit applications for most construction activities in the nation's waters, including wetlands. The Great Lakes and Ohio River Division oversees regulation and permitting in the Great Lakes region and Ohio River basin, issuing over 10,000 permits annually. Our goals are to protect the aquatic environment, efficiently manage the permitting process, and ensure fair decisions for the public.