has shifted from structural to nonstructural alternatives
for flood damage prevention. The nonstructural solu-
tion provides for the preservation of the undeveloped
flood plain, or, if it is occupied, moving people and
buildings from the area subject to flooding. This allows
the flood plain to be retained as a recreation site or
green area that will not be adversely affected by peri-
odic flooding. When a dam is required for flood protec-
tion, it is always developed as a multipurpose project
that provides other benefits such as water supply, hy-
droelectric power, fish and wildlife enhancement, and
recreation.
One of the most complex aspects of the civil works
program is balancing developmental needs against en-
vironmental concerns. The Corps assesses the environ-
mental impact of each project and incorporates meth-
ods of mitigating damage into the design. In addition, it
is actively engaged in protecting America's valuable
wetlands and in regulating construction, discharges,
and dredging in the nation's waters. The Corps is dedi-
cated to preserving and protecting our natural re-
sources for the use and enjoyment of future genera-
Vertical Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center was
tions.
largest building constructed in the world
The civil works organization retains the same flex-
Corps' ability to respond effectively to major engineer-
ible, highly decentralized structure that has served our
ing challenges facing the nation. The fact that other
nation so admirably in war and peace. It is staffed by
government agencies selected the Corps to perform
dedicated professionals possessing a wide range of
these projects demonstrates their recognition of the
planning, engineering, and construction management
Corps' unique capabilities. In each instance, many key
engineers were transferred from other Corps Districts
equipment for a major construction effort in peace in-
and Divisions on short notice.
volves many of the same problems and requires many
of the same skills needed to perform massive military
construction programs and to manage large-scale logis-
The Corps today
tics efforts in wartime. The civil works program offers
The missions of the Corps of Engineers are being
a unique training opportunity for Engineer officers.
carried out by an organization consisting of a head-
The civil works organization provides a rapid mobiliza-
quarters in Washington, D.C. and 14 Divisions, 39
tion capability that may prove decisive in a future war.
Districts, and five Research and Development Labora-
If the need should arise, the Army Corps of Engineers
tories throughout the United States and in selected
stands ready to switch from peacetime civil works ac-
areas overseas. Eleven Divisions and 36 Districts are
tivities to support of the National Defense in war and
involved in the civil works program, and 10 Divisions
to provide the engineering and construction base so
and 14 Districts are engaged in military construction.
necessary for success on the modern battlefield.
This organization is staffed by 860 military and 42,000
civilian-personnel.
The civil works program is more comprehensive and
complex today than ever before. The FY 1977 program
is funded at .6 billion and is executed by three-quar-
ters of the Corps' work force. It focuses on the effi-
cient development of the nation's water resources.
Navigation is the oldest civil works function. Water
carriers, the major movers of energy supplies, fertil-
izers, and agricultural commodities, provide the least
expensive and least energy consumptive mode of trans-
portation. The Corps is responsible for ensuring the or-
derly development of the inland waterways system as
an integral part of the over-ah transportation network.
This includes not only the construction of new facili-
ties, but also the maintenance, operation, and improve-
ment of existing locks and dams.
Through its nationwide organization, the Corps as-
sists in recovery from various national disasters. More
importantly, preventive measures undertaken since
the 1930's have resulted in an estimated savings of
Diversion tunnel under construction at New Melones Dam, California,
for every dollar invested. In recent years, the emphasis
another of the Corps' multipurpose dams
The Military Engineer, January-February 1977
16
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