Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996

What the Corps of Engineers Can Do:
The Corps of Engineers can carry out aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection projects. Such projects generally include manipulation of the hydrology in and along bodies of water, including wetlands and riparian areas. A project is adopted for construction only after a detailed investigation determines that the project will improve the quality of the environment and is in the best interest of the public.

Charges for Assistance:
The initial study is 100% federally funded up to $100,000. All planning costs after the first $100,000 are cost shared 50/50. All design and construction costs are cost shared 65% Federal and 35% non-Federal. The Federal cost limit is $10,000,000. The non-Federal sponsor cost share can be a contribution of cash, Lands, Easements, Rights-of-way, Relocations, and Disposal areas (LERRDs) or work-in-kind. Work-in-kind may be provided subsequent to the execution of a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA).

Responsibility of Project Sponsor:
Formal assurance in the form of a Project Partnership Agreement must be executed with the project sponsor. The project sponsor normally agrees to the following:

  • Provide without cost to the United States all LERRDs necessary for the construction and subsequent maintenance of the project
  • Maintain and operate the project after completion without cost to the United States
  • Assume responsibility for all costs in excess of the Federal cost limitation of $10,000,000
  • If the value of the sponsor’s land contribution above does not equal or exceed 35 percent of the project cost, provide cash or work-in-kind contributions to make the sponsor’s total contribution equal to 35 percent

How to Request Assistance:
An ecosystem restoration project under Section 206 can be initiated upon receipt of a request from a prospective project sponsor.

Section 206 project requests should be directed to (309) 794-5704 or email customeroutreach@usace.army.mil.

Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, as amended, provides authority for the Secretary of the Army to carry out an aquatic ecosystem restoration, and protection project. Such projects will usually include manipulation of the hydrology in and along bodies of water, including wetlands and riparian areas.