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The following provides a summary of several available U.S. Army Corps of Engineer programs intended to assist local communities in accomplishing emergency flood mitigation and flood fighting.
ADVANCE MEASURES ASSISTANCE
Response to an imminent flood threat. Requires governor's written request for federal assistance. Assistance consists of two types: construction of temporary projects, e.g. levees, and self help. Self help includes both (1) technical assistance to local communities, e.g training on how to fill and place sandbags, and (2) providing flood proofing materials; i.e. sandbags and plastic sheeting. Technical assistance can be provided to advise homeowners on construction possibilities and permit requirements but will not include the performance of any design work for individual home or business protection. For information on Advance Measures Assistance contact Mr. Gary Shoffstall at (716) 879-4160.
Brochures that explain this program in more detail are:
- Buffalo District Emergency Operations
- Advance Measures Fact Sheet
- Summary of Design Steps For Emergency Shore Protection;
- Sandbags & Sandbag Estimation Form
- Protecting Your House From Flood Damage
- Low Cost Shore Protection
FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS
Corps activities which supplement state and local governments (not individual homeowners or businesses) to fight floods. Response activities include providing technical assistance, performing emergency repairs to flood control projects and providing materials and/or equipment to fight floods. For additional information on flood fighting contact Mr. Gary Shoffstall at (716) 879-4160 or Ms. Debbie Lewandowski (716) 879-4157.
Publications that explain this program in more detail are:
FCW REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Provides for repair of Flood Control Works (FCW) damaged or destroyed by floods and Federally authorized and constructed shore protection structures damaged or destroyed by wind, wave or water action of other than an ordinary nature. Eligible structures will be restored to pre-disaster conditions. Sponsors must provide a local cooperation agreement and cost sharing. For additional information contact Mr. Gary Shoffstall at (716) 879-4160.
Publications that explain this program in more detail are:
EROSION CONTROL
Corps statutory authorities provided by Public Law 84-99, limit the Corps to fighting floods and do not permit action to prevent erosion. On occasion, programs or projects that prevent or mitigate flood damage also control erosion. This is a side benefit that cannot be considered in providing flood fighting assistance. The Corps does have authority under Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act to construct emergency projects to prevent shoreline erosion that endangers developed public properties such as major highways, bridges and public facilities or nonprofit public services such as city halls, libraries, schools, churches etc.. Additional information can be obtained from Mr. Edward Gustek at (716) 879-4143.
A publication that explains this program in more detail is:
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act, the Corps regulates all work within navigable waterways including, but not limited to: structures in, over or under a navigable waterway, excavation and dredging. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Corps regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into all waters of the United States including wetlands.
A publication that explains this program in more detail is:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have jointly developed expedited emergency permit procedures for property owners along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and their navigable bays and tributaries. The procedures were developed in response to the threat of shoreline damage from unseasonably high water levels coupled with seasonal storms. The procedures will facilitate the construction of new or the prompt repair of damaged erosion control structures intended to protect human health, safety and welfare from high water.
Property owners experiencing erosion problems or damage to existing bank stabilization structures, as a result of high water conditions, should immediately contact their local NYSDEC regional office for an application package. (A list of NYSDEC offices is provided below). The property owner may also wish to contact a qualified contractor to discuss project design options. Once the application, including drawings, is submitted to the NYSDEC, it will be reviewed to determine if the project is eligible for the expedited procedures. A permit will be issued for projects which qualify and will include both NYSDEC and Corps authorizations. For those projects which are determined NOT to qualify for the expedited procedures, a copy of the application will be forwarded to the Corps office. These projects will be reviewed by both agencies under their normal procedures.
Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara Counties: Steven Doleski, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC, 270 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14203-2999 (716) 851-7165;
Orleans, Monroe, Wayne Counties: Al Butkas, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC, 6274 East Avon-Lima Road, Avon, New York 14414 (716) 226-2466;
Cayuga and Oswego Counties: Ralph Manna, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC, 615 Erie Boulevard West, Syracuse, New York 13204-2400 (315) 426-7400;
Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties: C. Randy Vaas, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC, State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, New York 13601 (315) 785-2245
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