This Public Notice announces the Section 408 Review of the Centennial-Rainey Levee Setback and Ecosystem Enhancement Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is reviewing the City of Pocatello’s proposal to alter portions of the Portneuf River Flood Risk Reduction Project, as part of the Rainey Park Stream Restoration and Wetland Creation Project. The alteration will re-construct the existing levee alignments (Set-back) to establish aquatic habitat, and public access within the Portneuf River. The Alteration is located with the City of Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho.

The USACE is reviewing the proposal as it would alter Portneuf River Flood Risk Reduction Project authorized under the Columbia River Basin Plan by the Flood Control Act of 1950. The USACE is conducting this review pursuant to its authority under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, codified at 33 United States Code (USC) 408 (Section 408).

Additionally, the Bureau of Reclamation proposes to provide funding through a WaterSMART grant for the City of Pocatello to perform the project and has completed an Environmental Assessment for the proposal. The Final EA can be found at the weblink below.

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/raineypark/index.html

Alteration of a federally authorized project: The City of Pocatello proposes the Centennial-Rainey Project include three major components: levee setbacks, ecosystem enhancements, and recreation and community amenities. Portions of the proposed project which will impact the federal project include the following: setback of approximately 625 linear feet (LF) of right bank levee adjacent to Rainey Park, setback of approximately 790 LF of left bank levee/high ground adjacent to Centennial Park. In the existing footprint of the Right Bank Levee, a side channel and wetlands will be constructed. Rainey and Centennial Parks will be redesigned to accommodate the proposed levee setbacks and to improve access to the river.

Public Scoping Comments:

USACE is requesting comments regarding the proposed bridge replacement from the public; federal, state, and local agencies and officials; and other interested parties. Comments will be considered in determining whether it would be in the public interest to approve the proposed project.

All comments received will become part of the official record and are subject to public release under the Freedom of Information Act including any personally identifiable information such as names, phone numbers, and addresses.

How can I comment?

There are several ways that you can provide input on this study.

Interested parties should submit comments regarding the Section 408 Review of the Centennial-Rainey Levee Setback and Ecosystem Enhancement Project to USACE.  

Comments should be sent electronically to cenww-section408@usace.army.mil. Message subject must read: Section 408 Review: NWW-2019-0001 City of Pocatello, Centennial-Rainey Levee Setback and Ecosystem Enhancement.

Correspondence must be dated between the date of this Public Notice 30 April 2026 and be electronically submitted by the comment due date, 15 May 2026

Alternatively, comments may be sent and postmarked by the due date 15 May 2026 to:

For additional information, please send an email to: cenww-section408@usace.army.mil, attention to: Marve Griffith

This public notice is issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District.