Program Name	Section 206: Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program
Program Information
Sponsor(s) (fed, state, etc.):	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Program Description / Purpose:	Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to construct aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection projects. Such projects will usually 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, and clearly shows the engineering feasibility and environmental justification of the improvement.
Program Requirements / Restrictions:	A local sponsoring organization must furnish formal assurance of local cooperation. The entire non-federal share of the total project cost may be credited as work-in-kind. Each project is limited to a federal cost-share of not more than $5 million and includes all project-related costs, local sponsor assumes responsibility for costs in excess of $5 million. Each project must be complete within itself, not part of a larger project. The local sponsor must provide all lands, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations necessary; provide 35% cost share for the project; agree to hold the U.S. free from claims for damages; provide all access routes and relocations of utility necessary; operate and maintain the project after completion; and comply with provisions of pertinent federal acts in carrying out responsibilities of the project.
Legislative Authority:	Water Resources Development Act of 1996
Program Active:	Yes
Program Website:	http://www.usace.army.mil
Other Information:	The feasability study, if approved, begins at the federal expense. For more information visit: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/pservices/cap.htm https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/planning/cap/home.asp
Eligibility Information
Eligible State(s):	Nationwide
Geographic Scope:	U.S.
Other Eligibility Requirements:	Sponsors include public agencies such as cities, local improvement districts, and watershed groups, private interests if no future operation and maintenance is required, and large national non-profit organizations if they can commit to future operation and maintenance.
Award Information
Assistance Type:	Grants
Resources Available:	65% of total project implementation cost
Match Required:	Yes
Required Match Percentage:	35% of total project implementation cost
Application Information
Application Deadline:	Rolling: can apply anytime
Application Review Time Length:	Varies
Application Available Online?	No
Selection Priorities / Criteria:	A project is accepted for construction after a detailed investigation shows it is technically feasable, environmentally acceptable, and provides cost effective environmental benefits.
Contact Information
Primary Contact:	Laura Hicks Portland District, Chief, Planning Branch U.S. Army Corps of Engineers PO Box 2946 Portland, OR  97208-2946 Phone: (503) 808-4703 Fax: Email: laura.l.hicks@usace.army.mil
Primary Contact:	Rebecca Kalamasz US Army Corps of Engineers - Walla Walla District 201 N 3rd Avenue Walla Walla, WA  99362 Phone: 509-527-7277 Fax: Email: Rebecca.L.Kalamasz@usace.army.mil
Primary Contact:	Larry Oliver U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District 696 Virginia Rd. Concord, MA  01742-2751 Phone: 978-318-8347 Fax: Email: lawrence.r.oliver@usace.army.mil
Example of Funded Projects
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is conducting a Feasibility Study under Section 206, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration on the 12 mile reach of the Salmon River near Challis, Idaho. The study is being conducted in partnership with the Custer Soil and Water Conservation District, Bonneville Power Administration, University of Idaho (U of I), Idaho Fish and Game, Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project and others. One of the major goals of the study is to meet specific habitat needs for Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout listed under the Endangered Species Act. Chinook salmon use the Round Valley reach of the Salmon River as a holding area for adults and a rearing area for juveniles with a small amount of spawning occurring. Steelhead use the area as a holding area for adults, a rearing area for juveniles with significant spawning occurring within the reach. Bull trout likely pass through the area seasonally with some adults and juveniles overwintering in the area. Habitat and natural river functioning have been impeded by various human-induced practices since settlement in the valley. In addition to improving habitat conditions for fish, the partners in this restoration effort wish to restore, to the extent possible, natural floodplain functioning to provide a healthy functional river system. To accomplish this, private landowners will have to become an integral part of the project by providing lands where a variety of restoration measures can be implemented. The U of I has conducted conceptual hydraulic modeling of the reach that visually demonstrates floodplain areas prone to inundation under various flow levels. This modeling will be used to develop site-specific plans on individual land-owners’ parcels. The intent will be to satisfy the landowners’ needs (e.g., bank erosion) while providing environmental benefits and fairly compensate the landowners for the use of their lands. Measures may include development of a riparian corridor, construction of habitat and cover structures, fencing, opening of side channels for periodic flooding, and removing or breaching of existing flood control structures. The feasibility portion of this project is expected to be completed in early 2003, with construction beginning during the summer of 2003. Construction is likely to occur over the course of several years as different landowners become partners. For more information, visit http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/salmonriver/overview.htm Other examples of successfully funded projects: Indian Creek, Caldwell, ID Portneuf River, Lava Hot Spring, ID Fox Creek, Huntsman Reach, Driggs, ID Boise River at Eagle Island, Boise, ID Paradise Creek, Moscow, ID
Topic Areas
Coastal Waters Wetlands Floodplains Wildlife & Natural Communities
Data Collection & Analysis Planning & Growth Management Collaborative Processes Habitat Restoration
Last Updated:	5/11/2010