EP 1165-2-1
30 Jul 99
funds. The reconnaissance phase is expected to accomplish the
following four essential tasks:
(1) Determine that the water resource problem(s) warrant
Federal participation in feasibility studies. Comprehensive review of
other problems and opportunities is deferred to feasibility studies.
(2) Define the Federal interest based on a preliminary
appraisal consistent with Army policies, costs, benefits, and
environmental impacts of identified potential project alternatives.
(3)
Prepare a Management Plan.
(4) Assess the level of interest and support from non-Federal
entities in the identified potential solutions and cost sharing of
feasibility phase and construction. A letter of intent from the non-
Federal sponsor stating the willingness to pursue the feasibility
study described in the Management Plan and to share in the costs of
construction is required.
The reconnaissance phase shall be based on the P&G and the needs of
prospective non-Federal sponsors. The outputs of the reconnaissance
phase are a Section 905(b) (WRDA 86) Preliminary Analysis and a
Management Plan. The feasibility (second) phase will be conducted
under current Federal guidelines and statutes and will result in a
feasibility report with a recommendation to Congress. This two-phase
procedure is intended to result in concentration of resources on those
studies with substantial non-Federal support, and should increase the
proportion of completed studies that lead to implementation of
projects.
d. Programming. Feasibility studies, once initiated, are to be
prosecuted with a view to completion in as short a period as possible
and at the least cost consistent with achieving sound, professional
determinations and quality reports. The reconnaissance phase should
be scheduled for completion within 6-12 months from initial
obligation of funds to a signed Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement
(FCSA). The feasibility phase should, normally, be completed in no
more than three years from the date of the first allotment of funds
after completion of the reconnaissance phase. Reporting officers must
be alert to the need to terminate study at any time when accumulated
information establishes this is advisable. When no recommendation for
Federal action can be made, the goal is nevertheless to conclude the
study in such a way that a useful product can be provided to non-
Federal interests. Report organization will be the same as for
reports in which Federal action is recommended, but abbreviated to the
essential information needed to support the recommendation, consistent
with the level of study. It may, however, be expansive enough to
record any basic data developed in the course of study which might be
of future use to local interests.
7-2.
Processing and Review of Preauthorization Planning Reports.
a. Assignment. Investigations of potential water resources
projects by the Corps are commonly authorized in acts or resolutions
of Congress. After the President has signed a Congressional Act
authorizing an investigation, or after the Chief of Engineers has
received formal notification of a committee resolution authorizing an
investigation, the Chief of Engineers normally assigns the task of
report preparation to (1) the division which has jurisdiction in the
area subject to investigation, who in turn, assigns the task to the
7-2
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