EP 1130-2-500
27 Dec 96
CHAPTER 9 - COOPERATING ASSOCIATIONS PROGRAM
9-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance for the USACE Cooperating Associations
Program.
9-2. Guidance - General.
a. Cooperating Associations are encouraged at Civil Works water resource projects, fee
owned lands and other areas for which the Corps has administrative and management
responsibilities.
b. Associations are non-profit, tax-exempt corporations whose partnership with the Corps
results in the enhancement of and contributions to the Corps mission, particularly in regard to
natural resource management. Agreements will be entered into as determined appropriate by the
District Commander.
c. Associations are encouraged at all levels within the Corps Headquarters, Districts,
MSCs and Laboratories to accomplish broad goals, natural resource management, interpretation,
and visitor service activities.
d. Corps facilities are provided to the Association at no cost if such use is incidental to
the normal operation of the facility. This is in recognition of the services that the Association is
contributing to the public. If the Association's use of the Corps facility is over and above normal
Corps operation costs for the facility, the Corps will be reimbursed at an agreed upon, but
nominal cost in recognition of the services that the Association is contributing to the public. Any
necessary real estate instruments will be a separate document from the cooperative agreement.
e. Associations encompass organizations which have a wide variety of objectives.
Therefore, at any one location the Corps may determine that multiple Cooperative Agreements
with an assortment of suitable organizations would be in the public interest.
f. A wide range of programs may be pursued under Agreements, for example; special
event planning and sponsorship, habitat improvement, staff and volunteer training, scientific
research, membership activities, publications, archeological activities, trail construction and
maintenance, interpretive programming, support, and technical assistance. This list should be
used as an indicator of possibilities, not as all inclusive.
9-3. Guidance - Administration. An Agreement is required for each Association working with a
Corps Civil Works element (see Appendix P). Appendix P is a typical example; however,
Agreements should be designed to reflect the specific nature of the activities and/or programs for
each Association. At a minimum, the Agreement should provide for the following:
a. Associations will follow all appropriate state and federal laws and regulations to
establish and maintain their nonprofit and tax-exempt status. Appendix Q is a sample of a typical
Association's articles of incorporation and by-laws.
b. All Agreements will contain provisions for termination, should an Association fail to
acquire or maintain its non-profit, tax-exempt status, or to fulfill its purpose as stated in the
Agreement.
9-1
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