Construction Programs

These programs include feasibility studies that can lead to design and construction of projects. 

• Continuing Authorities Program (CAP): Smaller, faster-to-implement projects that don't need authorization (e.g., flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, erosion protection). 
• General Investigation (GI): Larger, more complex projects that are specifically authorized by Congress and often involve regional-scale projects.
• Tribal Partnership Program (TPP): Allows federally recognized Tribes to partner with the Corps on studies and projects - can include feasibility and construction for water resources, ecosystem restoration, and related needs. 

These pathways typically require a cost share, and sponsors enter into a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) before design or construction begins. 

Technical Assistance Programs

These programs focus on studies, data collection, or planning support and do not include construction authority. 

• Planning Assistance to States and Tribes (Section 22 / PAS-T): Provides Corps expertise for water resources planning, modeling, and feasibility-level analysis. 
• Tribal Partnership Program (TPP): Can also be used for planning-only studies.

These partnerships result in technical reports or plans to support local decision-making rather than constructed projects. 

While technical studies are limited to a feasibility-level analysis, programs authorized for construction follow a series of planning and implementation phases. The steps and level of detail vary by program, but generally include:

Feasibility Phase

• The Corps and the non-federal sponsor define the problem, develop and evaluate alternatives, and recommend a preferred solution. 
• This phase typically ends with a feasibility report and a signed Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) if the project moves forward.

Design & Implementation (D&I) Phase

• Completion of detailed design and construction plans.
• Local non-federal sponsor acquires necessary real estate.

Operation & Maintenance (O&M)

• Long-term operation & maintenance of constructed projects are the responsibility of the local non-federal sponsor.