USACE Disaster Aid Supplemental

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released its long awaited workplan to use the $17.4 billion that Congress allocated for recovery projects in the areas affected by last year’s natural disasters.  Among others these include Texas, Florida, California, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The disaster recovery funds are spread across six Army Corps appropriations accounts: Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, and Expenses.  The largest account by far, the Construction account (attached) will fund 60 flood and storm damage reduction projects in 16 states and Puerto Rico at a total cost of $13.9 billion.  The studies and projects receiving funding are posted at www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Budget/ under "Supplemental Appropriations for Disasters 2018."  There are two separate categories under which projects are funded “Long-Term Disaster Recovery Investment Program” and “Short-Term Repairs.” 
 
Your company should be aware that some of the Army Corps’ districts that were impacted will need to lean on non-impacted districts for assistance due to the influx of work.  It is not a mistake if you see a non-impacted district soliciting for work in an impacted district.  For example, you may see the Albuquerque District advertising work that is in the Galveston district.  So make sure to keep an eye out for where the work is to be performed.   
 
Last year, AGC urged Congress to fund efforts to rebuild impacted communities and restore the critical infrastructure necessary to return a sense of normalcy for millions of people.  Congress included the disaster funding in the AGC-supported bipartisan budget bill for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.  AGC will continue to work with Congress and the Army Corps and will keep our members informed on the recovery progress.
 
Best Regards,
Jordan
 
Jordan F. Howard
Director, Federal and Heavy Construction Division
Associated General Contractors of America
2300 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 300, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-837-5368; Fax: 703-837-5406
www.AGC.org