The purpose of an ecosystem restoration project is to restore historic habitat conditions to benefit fish and wildlife resources.

Section 206 - Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Corps to work with non-federal sponsors on projects that restore degraded aquatic ecosystems. Typical projects improve fish and wildlife habitat, reconnect rivers and floodplains, or enhance wetlands and streams. Projects are limited in size (up to $15 million in federal cost) and usually involve a cost-share agreement with a local sponsor. 

Section 1135 - Project Modifications for Improvement of the Environment 

Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Corps to modify existing Corps projects or their operations to restore the environment. These projects address past impacts of Corps-built structures (such as levees or channels) and improve fish and wildlife habitat. Like Section 206, projects are limited in size (up to $15 million federal cost) and require a cost-sharing partnership with a non-federal sponsor. 

Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States and Tribes (PAS-T)

Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act allows the Corps to provide technical assistance to states, tribes, and local governments through cost-shared studies. For ecosystem restoration, PAS can be used to evaluate environmental challenges (such as habitat loss, water quality issues, or stream degradation) and develop planning-level solutions. Unlike Section 206 or 1135, PAS-T does not fund construction; instead, it helps sponsors understand problems, compare alternatives, and prepare for possible future projects. 

General Investigations (GI) 

General Investigations (GI) are larger-scale planning projects that evaluate water resources needs, including opportunities for ecosystem restoration. Unlike the CAP or PAS-T programs, GI projects require a specific authorization from Congress before construction can proceed. The Corps works with non-federal sponsors to develop feasibility studies, which must be recommended to and approved by Congress. GI projects typically address complex or basin-wide challenges, and cost sharing applies to the feasibility study phase and construction costs. 

Tribal Partnership Program (TPP)

The Tribal Partnership Program (Section 203 of WRDA 2000, as amended) provides a way for federally recognized Tribes to work directly with the Corps on water resources studies and projects, including ecosystem restoration. Under this authority, the Corps can conduct feasibility studies and design and construct projects that support Tribal priorities such as habitat restoration, water quality improvements, or natural resource protection. Cost-share reduction and/or waivers may apply. 

Section 14

Section 22

Section 205 - Small Flood Risk Management Projects (CAP)

Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948 authorizes the Corps to plan, design, and construct small flood risk management projects with a non-federal sponsor. Typical projects include levees, floodwalls, or channel improvements that reduce flood damages to communities. Federal cost-sharing is limited (up to $15 million), with the remainder cost-shared with the sponsor. 

Section 208 - Clearing and Snagging for Flood Risk Management (CAP)

Section 208 of the Flood Control Act of 1954 authorizes the Corps to perform small-scale clearing and snagging of streams to reduce local flood risk. These projects are intended for targeted problem areas, such as removing obstructions or debris that block flow. Federal costs are limited to $500,000 per project, with cost-sharing from a non-federal sponsor. 

Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States and Tribes (PAS-T)

Under Section 22 of WRDA 1974, the Corps provides cost-shared technical assistance studies to states, tribes, and local governments. For flood risk management, PAS-T studies can evaluate flood hazards, assess alternatives, and help communities develop flood risk management strategies. This authority funds studies only - not construction - and is often used as an early step before pursuing a construction authority. 

General Investigations (GI)

General Investigations (GI) projects evaluate large or complex flood risk problems that often require basin-wide or regional approaches. Unlike CAP or PAS, GI projects require specific congressional authorization before construction can proceed. The Corps works with a non-federal sponsor to complete a feasibility study, which is recommended to and approved by Congress for construction authorization and funding. 

Section 203 - Tribal Partnership Program (203)

The Tribal Partnership Program (Section 203 of WRDA 2000, as amended) provides a pathway for federally recognized Tribes to partner with the Corps on flood risk management projects. TPP can address flooding concerns in tribal communities through feasibility studies, planning assistance, or design and construction of smaller projects. Cost-sharing requirements are flexible for Tribes and may be reduced or waived.