State allotments from the nation-wide appropriation are limited to $300,000 annually but, typically, are much less. Individual studies, of which there may be more than one per state per year, generally are on the order of $25,000 to $50,000. There is no direct cost to the state.

Each year, states may request studies under this program. The Corps will then accommodate as many studies as possible within the funding allotment. Study ideas often are prompted by a local identification of needs. The program can encompass many types of studies (i.e., water supply, water quality, water conservation, hydropower development, flood control, erosion, and navigation).

Typical studies are at the reconnaissance level of detail, and do not include design for project construction. The studies involve the analysis of existing data for planning purposes, using standard engineering techniques. This program cannot be used as a source of field data. Most studies become the basis for state and local planning decisions.

Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States

A full range of technical services and guidance is available.

Technical Services

The Corps can obtain and interpret the following types of data for private entities; as well as federal, state, and local governments:

Flood sources and types
Flood depths and water surface elevations
Floodwater velocity
Extent of flooding
Duration of flooding
Flood frequency
Obstruction of floodflows

Planning Assistance

Planning assistance can be made available by the Corps to help state and local entities implement or meet the following requirements:

Floodplain regulations
Flood warning and emergency preparedness
Flood proofing measures
Permanent floodplain evacuation and relocations
The National Flood Insurance Program

The Corps can assist in all aspects of floodplain management planning, ranging from helping a community identify a floodplain and possible related problems (present or future) to a broad assessment of remedial measures involving the modification of both the flood and floodplain occupation. Guides and pamphlets are available on many topics (i.e., flood proofing, floodplain regulations, floodplain occupation, economics of floodplain regulations, and important natural floodplain values). These guides and/or pamphlets are available for use by agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Floodplain Management Services assistance is available upon request to other federal agencies; as well as to states, counties, cities, and other local entities. Requests from the general public will be honored in cases where information is readily available. Nearly all of the services provided under the program are at 100-percent federal cost. However, some involvement by the entity or individuals requesting assistance is encouraged. For example, requesters may be able to furnish field survey data, maps, historical flood information, or other types of support.

Telephone requests may be made for readily available information (i.e., copies of reports or pamphlets), or for floodplain information requests for locations that can be easily described.

Telephone requests should be directed to 208-345-2065.

Written requests (see sample letter) should be made for assistance that may involve a significant amount of staff effort, as well as for site-specific information at locations that are best described with a map.

District Engineer
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Walla Walla District
ATTN: Planning Division
201 North Third
Walla Walla, WA 99362-9265

Dear Sir:

This letter is to seek the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Floodplain Management Services. (Identify location of problem, and briefly describe the type of services requested.)

Your consideration of this request would be appreciated. Please contact (name, address, telephone) for further coordination.

Sincerely,

Assistance for channel renovation should be requested, by letter, to the Walla Walla District (see sample letter).

District Engineer
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Walla Walla District
ATTN: Planning Division
201 North Third
Walla Walla, WA 99362-9265

Dear Sir:

This letter is to seek the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for channel renovation technical serivces (briefly describe the type of project for which assistance is requested).

Your consideration of this request would be appreciated. Please contact (name, address, telephone) for further coordination.

Sincerely,