Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Order Code RS20866
Updated February 3, 2005
The Civil Works Program of the
Army Corps of Engineers: A Primer
Nicole T. Carter
Analyst in Natural Resources Policy
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Betsy A. Cody
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is an Executive Branch agency within
the Department of Defense. At the direction of Congress primarily through Water
Resources Development Acts (WRDA), the Corps undertakes water resources
development projects under its civil works program. The Corps mission has expanded
beyond the original responsibility of improving and maintaining navigable channels; it
now includes flood control, disaster relief, environmental restoration, municipal water
infrastructure, and other activities. The non-federal sponsors and the federal
government (through the annual Energy and Water Development Appropriations Acts)
share the cost of most Corps projects. This report outlines the agency’s organization,
project development process, civil works appropriations, and evolution of its
responsibilities. There are no plans to update this overview report.
Corps of Engineers and its Civil Works Program
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is an Executive Branch agency located
in the Department of Defense that has military and civilian responsibilities. The military
program provides engineering, construction, and environmental management services for
Department of Defense agencies. Under its civil works program at the direction of
Congress, the Corps plans, constructs, operates, and maintains a wide range of water
facilities.
The civil works program is headed by a civilian Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Civil Works. A military Chief of Engineers oversees the Corps’ civil and military
operations and reports on civil works matters to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works.
The Corps operates as a military organization with a largely civilian workforce (34,600
civilian and 650 military personnel). Eight divisions throughout the nation coordinate
