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Hi, I'm Col. Rhett Blackmon and welcome to the Galveston District! We are part of the U.S. Army’s winning team as the world’s premier engineering organization. We are a full-spectrum engineer force of high quality, dedicated soldiers and civilians. We are also your neighbors, your friends, and your family, striving to make a positive impact on people's lives.
It's important to note that our progress would not be possible without our federal, state and local agencies, collaboration with tribal nations, as well as partnering with industry and academia, both old and new.
Just a few examples of our team's recent efforts include:
▪ USACE currently has around 450 people from across the United States (including from our team at Galveston) actively supporting wildfire recovery efforts with Los Angeles County, the state of California, and FEMA. It's a great feeling to see the real-time, positive impacts we're making for the people of Altadena. See how we're helping.
▪ Our District recently supported the leadership development of junior officers and senior noncommissioned officers from the "Lumberjacks" of the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, from Fort Cavazos, Texas, with an overview tour of the District's operations and civil works projects. Watch our report here.
▪ USACE and our partners delivered one of the largest beneficial use projects in the history of Galveston District along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. About five million cubic yards of dredged material from the project went into restoring marshes in the Corpus Christi and Nueces bays. Learn more here.
Please don't hesitate to contact our staff on our Contact page if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Building Strong, Army Strong, Essayons!
Col. Rhett Blackmon, Galveston District Commander
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a federal agency in the Department of Defense that provides vital public engineering services across the United States and around the world.
Our missions include maintaining and improving the nation’s waterways for navigation, reducing risk from floods and natural disasters, building and managing military and civil infrastructure, restoring and protecting the environment, and supporting emergency response and recovery. Our work strengthens national security, supports economic growth through reliable infrastructure, and enhances community resilience — positively impacting millions of lives through sustainable engineering solutions.
We have approximately 37,000 dedicated civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 130 countries worldwide. Through deeds, not words, we are BUILDING STRONG.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District has a rich heritage in Texas history and plays a key role in America’s well-being. We serve the nation as part of the world’s largest public engineering, design and construction management agency, and we successfully execute our mission of providing vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.
Our Area of Responsibility spans 50,000 square miles, encompassing the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico (an area that includes 48 counties, two parishes and 16 congressional districts.) Our AoR also contains more than 1,000 miles of channels (750 shallow-draft and 250 deep-draft) serving 28 ports and 700 miles of coastline.
We are one of four districts (Galveston, Forth Worth, Little Rock and Tulsa) in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division (headquartered in Dallas).
Mission: The USACE Galveston District is committed to providing vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen our nation's security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.
Vision: A great engineering force of highly disciplined people working with our partners through disciplined thought and action to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the nation's engineering challenges.
From the natural beaches of Sabine Pass near Port Arthur, to the rich diversity of bird and marine wildlife along the Laguna Madre near Port Isabel, the sweep of the Texas coast contains varied and fragile ecosystems juxtaposed with highly industrialized areas that host a national economic powerhouse.
We are involved in virtually every mile of the 367-mile coastline, and play an integral role in both the preservation of nature’s treasures that are a living part of the Texas coastal region, as well as serving and preserving the industries that fuel commerce and power our nation. USACE has been an active player in the development of the Texas coast for many years, but a milestone was the establishment of the Galveston District in 1880 to oversee river and harbor improvements along the entire Texas coast. Nearly 20 years later, after the Great Storm of 1900, USACE helped Galveston recover from the deadliest hurricane in American history and build protection against future hurricanes. That protection, the iconic Galveston Seawall, helped protect Galveston during Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Over the years, our involvement with the Texas coast has seen the construction and maintenance of 1,000 miles of channel with 16 major deep draft ports along the Texas coast that generate over $9 billion in federal tax revenue through the handling of more than 500 million tons of cargo annually. Our projects and oversight includes:
Debts owed to USACE can be paid via credit/debit card, check, or money order. Credit/Debit card payments may be made online at www.pay.gov. In the "Search" box enter "USACE" and select 'Search'. Select 'Continue to the Form' under "United States Army Corps of Engineers Finance Center", complete the required fields and submit. You may also pay with a credit/debit card over the phone by calling 901-873-9151. Payments by check or money order should be made payable to "USACE" and mailed to the address listed on the bill. Please include your Bill Number on the check/money order.
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction.
Yes! Please visit this link to learn more.
Please visit our FOIA page where you will find extensive information to include mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers of USACE FOIA offices.
To get information regarding contracting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, please visit our Business With Us page. Information provided includes Small Business, USACE Business Opportunities on FedBizOpps, Central Contractor Registration (required to do business with the Corps), Federal Business Opportunities Website and e-mail information to direct your contracting questions to the Directorate of Contracting.
Contractors are our force-multiplier during a disaster response. We count on them to help us meet our mission requirements quickly and completely. The USACE has pre-awarded contracts for major emergency response missions, such as bottled water, packaged ice, debris, and temporary roofing. These contracts are part of the Advanced Contracting Initiative. ACI provides depth to the Corps’ ability to respond quickly and effectively.
The USACE developed a contractor registry to assist us with our disaster response mission. The Corps uses its engineering and contracting capabilities to support FEMA and other federal, state and local government agencies in a wide variety of missions during natural and man-made disasters.
Information in this registry will be used by Corps offices that are looking for specific goods or services during emergencies. Submission of information is voluntary. Information will be considered for official use only within the federal government.
Submission of information to USACE Disaster Resource Contractor Registry does not expressly or implicitly commit the federal government to procurement of products or services.
All companies doing business with the Army Corps of Engineers MUST be registered with the Central Contractor Registration and all registrations must be in an active status. The registration will become active within 24 to 48 hours following completion of the registration process.
Please visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Learning Center at https://ulc.usace.army.mil/ or email the USACE Learning Center at dll-ulc-registrar@usace.army.mil.
Yes, please visit Career Development to learn more!
Pathways Programs – Executive Order 13562 establishes the “Pathways” program (OPM will issue implementing regulations) which consists of the following:
Internship Program – The Pathways Internship Program is for current students and replaces the existing SCEP and STEP. Participants will be referred to as “interns” and must be enrolled in qualifying institutions, as determined by OPM. Interns must have meaningful work experience and agencies must set clear expectations regarding their work experience. The current SCEP and STEP Programs will continue until OPM issues final regulations in May 2012.
Recent Graduates Program – This program is intended to promote careers with the federal government by providing individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying education institutions or programs with developmental experiences in the federal government. Participants will be referred to as “recent graduates” and must have obtained a qualifying degree, or completed a qualifying career or technical education program, as determined by OPM, within the preceding two years, except for veterans who due to military service obligations, must be appointed within six years of obtaining a qualifying degree or completing a qualifying program. OPM must issue final regulations implementing this new program. We anticipate OPM issuing implementing regulations within 6-12 months.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program – This program is applicable to individuals from a variety of academic disciplines at the graduate level. Participants will continue to be known as PMFs or Fellows and must have received, within the preceding two years, a qualifying advanced degree, as determined by OPM. OPM will establish the eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications for the program, as well as a process for assessing eligible individuals for consideration for appointment as a PMF. The present PMF program will continue until OPM issues final regulations within the next 6-12 months with the program changes.
Student Educational Employment (STEP) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) – Provides for periods of attendance at accredited schools combined with periods of career-related work. This is a formally structured program and requires a written agreement by all parties (agency, school, and student) as to the nature of work, continuation in, and successful completion of the program. Students who have met all the requirements of this program may be noncompetitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment in an occupation related to their academic training and work study experiences.
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) – Provides flexibility to appoint students on a temporary basis to jobs that may or may not be related to their academic field of study. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that can last for as long as the individual is a student. Appointments are not to exceed one year; extensions are permissible in one-year increments. Students may be converted to the Student Career Experience Program when requirements of that program are met and an appropriate position is available.
Yes, please visit Corps Retirees for more information!
Employment verifications are now retrieved by the employee through MyBiz.
We hire talented and motivated U.S. citizens in our offices in the nation and around the world. Current job openings can be found on OPM's USAJOBS website.
For all the the latest jobs from the Galveston District, please visit us at our LinkedIn Site. Resumes can be sent directly to SWG-HR-Vacancies@usace.army.mil.
We offer:
Benefits:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District understands that growing leaders will produce a substantial return on investment and enable the agency to remain relevant during tough economic times. The Corps’ Leadership Development Program, established to develop results-oriented leaders who lead people and change successfully in complex environments, is a framework from which employees build critical skills that help develop them into tomorrow’s leaders.
CWMS glossary available here.
Regulatory glossary available here.
Please visit https://www.pof.usace.army.mil/EEO/
We cannot/do not provide personal information regarding former/current employees.
The Galveston District Gallery of Distinguished Employees was established to honor those former employees of the district, who over their careers have been clearly exception:
To achieve this honor, nominees must have:
Of the numerous employees that have served the Galveston District, there are more than 30 individuals named on the first floor of the Jadwin Building that have been previously inducted into the gallery. This honor is not bestowed lightly.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts strive to achieve sustainability while providing a full range of Environmental Quality (compliance, conservation and pollution prevention) support to military installations throughout the world; seeking ways and means to assess and integrate natural resource laws, values, and sound environmental practices. A Corps' district project manager is fully empowered to coordinate EQ compliance and stewardship initiatives in support of installation activities. Corps personnel provide support in National Environmental Policy Act documentation, Base Realignment and Closure Act environmental initiatives, resource management plans, low impact development, invasive species management and in all military conservation, compliance, and pollution prevention efforts. USACE technical and project management support sound environmental stewardship.
The Principles and Guidelines for Water and Land Related Resources Implementation Studies are the rules that govern how federal agencies evaluate proposed water resource development projects. Federal water planning has been guided by a process that has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years. The first set of "Principles and Standards" was issued in September 1973 to guide the preparation of river basin plans and to evaluate federal water projects. Following a few attempts to revise those initial standards, the current principles and guidelines went into effect in March 1983. Find out more about the revised principles and standards which include a number of important changes that modernize the current approach to water resources development in this country.
As a prominent federal entity, a key participant in the use and management of many of the nation’s water resources, a critical team member in the design, construction, and management of military and civil infrastructure, and as responsible members of the nation’s citizenry, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers strives to protect, sustain, and improve the natural and manmade environment of our nation, and is committed to compliance with applicable environmental and energy statutes, regulations, and executive orders. Executive Order (EO) 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, states that sustainability “means to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.” The EO emphasizes that sustainability should not only be a natural part of all USACE decision processes, but should also be part of our organizational culture. The USACE is a steward for some of the nation’s most valuable natural resources, and we must ensure our customers receive products and services that provide for sustainable solutions that address short and long-term environmental, social, and economic considerations.
Sustainability and the Agency Mission: The mission of the USACE is to provide vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters. In achieving this mission, the USACE must contribute to the national welfare and serve the public by providing quality and responsive services to the nation, the Army, and other customers in a manner that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable, and that focuses on public safety and collaborative partnerships. See the links below for more information:
The National Environmental Policy Act is our basic national charter for protection of the environment. It is foremost a procedural law that helps ensure that federal decision makers take a hard look at the potential effects of a proposed action and allow the public and other stakeholders to comment on the federal agency’s effects analysis and consideration of reasonable alternatives. The NEPA analysis helps these decision makers understand the environmental consequences of the alternatives in comparative form before making a decision. This “hard look” is informed by the public and other stakeholders, starting with a project or study’s scoping phase. The environmental review process that accompanies Corps planning studies and its value to the public are not always easy to understand. Recognizing this, and to help the public and organizations effectively participate in federal agency environmental reviews, the Council on Environmental Quality wrote the informational A Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA.
Recommended reading to submit helpful input:
Yes! Please see our Galveston District Brochure!
Please visit this page for more information!
The Southwestern Division is comprised of:
The Jadwin Building, located at 2000 Fort Point Road on the east end of Galveston Island, Texas, serves as the headquarters for the USACE Galveston District. Named after Lt. Gen. Edgar Jadwin, a former chief of engineers, the building houses offices for most of the district employees. Additional area offices are located in Brownsville, Corpus Christi and Port Arthur, with project offices in Houston, Matagorda, Brazoria and Wallisville, Texas.
Brig. Gen. Samuel M. Mansfield (1880-1886) Maj. Gen. Oswald H. Ernst (1886-1889) Maj. Charles J. Allen (1889-1893) Col. Alexander M. Miller (1893-1897) Col. Charles S. Riche (1897-1898) Col. James B. Quinn (1898) Col. Charles S. Riche (1898-1903) Lt. Gen. Edgar Jadwin (1903-1907) (COE: 1926-1929) Col. J.C. Oakes (1907-1910) Brig. Gen. G.P. Howell (1910-1911) Col. E.I. Brown (1911-1912) Col. Charles S. Riche (1912-1916) Col. E.N. Johnston (1916-1917) Maj. R.C. Smead (Maj. C.E.-ORC) (1917-1919) Col. Spencer Cosby (1919-1920) Col. L.M. Adams (1920-1924) Col. B.B. Browne (1924) Maj. Gen. Julian L. Schley (1924-1928) (COE, 1937-1941) Col. B.B. Browne (1924-1927) Col. Milo P. Fox (1928-1933) Brig. Gen. E.M. Marks (1933-1937) Col. F.S. Besson (1937-1941) Col. L.H. Hewitt (1941-1942) Col. W.G. Saville (1942-1943) Col. J.H. Anderson (1943-1944) Col. H.M. Yost (1944-1945) Col. David W. Griffiths (1945-1947) Maj. Gen. B.L. Robinson (1947-1949) Maj. Gen. E.I. Davis (1949-1951)
Col. J.D. Lang (1951-1954) Col. W.P. McCrone (1954-1957) Col. E.A. Hansen (1957-1960) Col. H.C. Brown (1960-1961) Col. J.S. Maxwell (1961-1964) Col. J.E. Unverferth (1964-1967) Col. Franklin B. Moon (1967-1970) Col. Nolan Rhodes (1970-1973) Col. Don S. McCoy (1973-1976) Col. Jon C. Vanden Bosch (1976-1979) Col. James M. Sigler (1979-1982) Col. Alan L. Laubscher (1982-1985) Col. Gordon M. Clarke (1985-1987) Col. John A. Tudela (1987-1989) Col. Brink P. Miller (1989-1992) Col. John P. Basilotto (1992-1994) Col. Robert B Gatlin (1994-1996) Col. Eric R. Potts (1996-1998) Col. Nicholas J. Buechler (1998-2001) Col. Leonard Waterworth (2001-2004) Col. Steven Haustein (2004-2006) Col. David C. Weston (2006-2010) Col. Christopher W. Sallese (2010-2013) Col. Richard P. Pannell (2013-2016) Col. Lars N. Zetterstrom (2016-2019) Col. Timothy R. Vail (2019-2022)
Yes! Visit this link for more information!
Please download our high water operations policy.
What is a Master Plan?
A Master Plan is a strategic planned land use management document that guides the management and development of all project recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of a project.
A Master Plan does not:
A Master Plan also helps to accomplish important goals like:
What is risk?
Simply put, flood risk is the probability that an area will flood combined with the negative consequences, such as property damage or the loss of life. In more detail, this risk is the combination of several factors: the probability that the amount of runoff will be large enough to cause flooding, the ability to reduce human risks and damage from a flood, and the actual consequences should flooding occur. Reducing any one of these factors can reduce flood risk. Residual flood risk may remain after all efforts to reduce the risk are complete; it is the exposure to the risk and potential loss remaining after other known risks have been countered, factored in or eliminated.
Three elements of risk
Risk comprises these three elements: 1) the likelihood that natural events will take place, 2) the performance of the infrastructure during these events (such as dams and/or levees), and 3) the consequences of poor performance or failure. Risk allows the Corps to consider a dam or levee (or system of levees) in the context of its purposes, ecosystems, budgets, past design decisions, both current knowledge and the uncertainty of future flood events or any combination of these factors.
This graphic, while showing a leveed environment, illustrates the same risk components in a dam environment: that risk is a function of hazard, performance and consequence.
Reducing flood risk
Reducing risk starts with an awareness and understanding of your own potential to face flooding from localized heavy rain to large-scale hurricanes.
While no entity or organization can eliminate flooding, this awareness at all levels of a community leads to shared responsibility. Individual, neighborhood, community, state and federal actions all add up to better solutions to reduce those risks.
Federal, state and local government entities share their responsibilities for flood risk management through programs and authorities. Many federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, oversee programs to promote flood risk management and assist states and local communities to reduce flood damage. The goal of USACE's Flood Risk Management mission is to save lives and reduce property damage from flooding.
Visit Partners in Shared Responsibility to learn about the federal role in flood risk management. Flood risk management programs and resources available to states and communities across the country
Silver Jackets: partners in risk reduction
The Corps participates and promotes awareness of the Texas Silver Jackets program, a collaborative state-led interagency team that continuously works together to reduce flood risk in Texas. Visit https://silverjackets.nfrmp.us/State-Teams/Texas.
An updated approach to flood risk management
The government once used the term “flood control” for its efforts to protect people and property from flooding, but no one agency or set of actions can “control” or eliminate flooding. There are limits to both the ability to predict floods and the level of protection that the Corps, other agencies or human measures can provide.
The Corps focuses its policies, programs and expertise on reducing overall flood risk. This includes the appropriate use of structures such as dams, levees and floodwalls. It also promotes alternatives such as land acquisition, flood-proofing and landowners’ consideration of the purchase of flood insurance. Such alternatives reduce the risks to public safety, reduce long-term economic damages and improve the natural environment.
The Corps’ National Flood Risk Management Program is moving away from the heavily engineered solutions seen 50 years ago. It embraces a more comprehensive flood risk reduction strategy that emphasizes the importance of property owners, residents, communities and government understanding their roles and responsibilities in reducing overall flood risks before actual flooding occurs. For information, including an overview of flood risk management grants, visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Please visit our Library Program at https://www.usace.army.mil/Library/
Yes! We conduct semi-annual Stakeholder Partnering Forums with non-federal sponsors, customers and agency partners to collaborate on best practices regarding programs ranging from ecosystem restoration to flood risk management, maintaining and improving Texas coastal navigation systems, and regulatory oversight of U.S. waters at our Galveston headquarters. Please visit here for more information on our next forum!
The Galveston District provides technical and management services in engineering, environmental, construction and emergency response to federal, state and local agencies that do not have in-house capabilities and to those who are interested in combining their resources with the Corps’ – creating a partnership to support various needs and projects. The district partners with the Department of Homeland Security, International Boundary and Water Commission, Environmental Protection Agency and supports sister districts to execute a robust military construction program that benefits Soldiers and their families. The Galveston District provides quality planning, design and construction services to other federal agencies, including contributing to the defense mission and Army vision by building communities of excellence from which Army power can be projected worldwide.
A feasibility study is the initial step in the USACE process for addressing many of the nation’s significant water resources needs. A feasibility study establishes the Federal interest, engineering feasibility, economic justification and environmental acceptability of a project. An interdisciplinary team of hydrologists, engineers, biologists, and economists work together to identify the problems, develop and evaluate solutions, resolve conflicting interests, and prepare recommendations. The recommendation is presented in a Chief’s Report that goes to Congress for authorization and construction.
A PPA is a legally binding agreement between the government and a non-federal sponsor (state, municipal government, flood control district, port authority, etc.) for construction of a water resources project. It describes the project and the responsibilities of the government and the non-federal sponsor in the cost sharing and execution of work.
To streamline implementation and achieve national consistency, policy compliance, legal sufficiency, and equitable treatment of project sponsors, the Corps has developed models for drafting individual project specific agreements. For each model posted, there are also links for: 1) the history and applicability of the model; and 2) the implementation memo for the model that specifies the approval and signature authority for a project specific agreement developed using that model.
Please visit this link for more information.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District supports the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Program, enacted by Congress in Public Law 96-510, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. The legislation made provisions for the Superfund program's use of the existing capabilities of other federal agencies in meeting its objectives. The EPA and Corps signed agreements in 1982 and 1984 stating, that upon EPA request, the Corps will manage design and construction contracts and provide technical assistance to EPA in support of remedial response cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Under these agreements, the Corps may be assigned the following responsibilities:
The appearance of the external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of these websites or the information or services contained therein. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. These links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this Army website.
The Office of Public Affairs (PAO) is responsible for handling these requests and works closely with SWG program offices to plan industry programs and to identify the appropriate speakers and topics that support our operations, programs, regulatory, and environmental compliance mission-oriented activities.
Contact the USACE Galveston District's Public Affairs Office to report a broken link or technical issues regarding navigating throughout the site.
In 2013, the district expanded the Corps in the Classroom Program to include the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Program, the Water Safety Program and the Computer Donation Program. Whether being invited into the classroom or hosting students at one of our many facilities, staff works with partners to engage with thousands of children each year in one of more than 50 events to either promote STEM or water safety or provide computer technology to students.
The USACE Galveston District has been an integral part of the coastal community for since 1880, providing vital public engineering services to areas along the Texas coast. With coastal engineering being the district’s primary mission, the USACE Galveston District staff have naturally made water safety a top priority and worked to cultivate strong relationships within the communities in which they live, work and play. Wanting to enhance current efforts, staff engages in an agressive water safety community outreach and public information campaign to educate those who use Corps facilities and enhance the commitment of community leaders to promote public safety and reduce water-related fatalities. Because the efforts to educate the community about water safety exceeds the ability of any one agency, state, federal or local, to address on a comprehensive basis, staff partners with local communities to implement this Water Safety Program to educate visitors at Corps lakes, recreational areas and public facilities.
A part of the federal government’s Computers for Learning Program, the district’s computer donations assist schools in making modern technology an integral part of every classroom while reducing landfill waste following an ongoing refresh of three-year-old computers at the district’s headquarters.
The STEM Program seeks to build relationships between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District employees and underrepresented middle and high school students to encourage an interest in STEM courses and the pursuit of engineering and science career fields. The USACE Galveston District’s program directly supports the USACE STEM initiative to partner with others to strengthen STEM-related programs and motivate students to seek STEM-related occupations.
The Golden Age/Golden Access passports have been replaced with the "America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass," an Interagency Senior Pass for age-related discounts and an Interagency Access Pass for disability-related discounts. Please visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm where you will find "Age & Disability Discount Passes" information such as where you need to go to obtain a pass, which government agencies handle the pass, and helpful links.
Visit our "Corps Lakes Gateway" website at https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm which provides recreation information including activities, discounts, volunteering, directions, fees, amenities, discount pass information, and campground hosting. You may also visit the newly-designed Recreation.gov website to find a link to national parks, national wildlife refuges, forests, waterways and national recreation areas.
Yes! See our Environmental Consultant List Updated Oct 2022 Environmental consultants are the professionals working in environment consultancies or persons running his/her own private businesses that address a variety of environmental issues for their clients. These professionals are students of environmental engineering or environmental science and may be familiar with the laws, rules, regulations and processes associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Regulatory Program.
We update our Environmental Consultant list regularly. To submit your information for inclusion on the Environmental Consultant list, please email the following information to CESWGRegulatoryInbox@usace.army.mil.
This list is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to serve as an endorsement or as certification of the qualifications of those listed. The following consultants have been added to the list per their request.
Most permits issued by the Corps of Engineers such as Letters of Permission, Nationwide, and General Permits do not have a permit fee. Individual Permits have fees of $10 for individuals and $100 for businesses, once the permit has been issued and accepted by the permittee. There are no fees charged to other governmental bodies.
Performing work in waters of the United States without authorization by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a valid permit can have serious repercussions. Work can include placing fill in waters of the U.S. (including wetlands) and/or work (such as dredging) or construction of a structure in navigable waters.
Compliance is an important part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Regulatory Program. The majority of all district actions involving the reported violations are referred from the public. The Corps can prescribe corrective action, impose fines, and/or prescribe the removal of the offending fill, work or structure.
Reporting Violations - Please email, CESWGRegulatoryInbox@usace.army.mil, with all available information about the location and/or activity. We will use the information provided to initiate an investigation. However, for best results, we ask that you also attach maps, photographs, and any other pertinent information to your email. You may also contact us at:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District Regulatory Branch, Compliance Section Attn: Chief of Compliance P.O. Box 1229 Galveston, TX 77553-1229 409-766-3869
In addition to the Galveston District's main office, there is a field office located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Corpus Christi Field Office has full authority and responsibility for compliance issues in their area. They may be contacted at:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Corpus Christi Field Office 5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite 306 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 361-814-5847
The district engineer must determine the compensatory mitigation to be required in a DA permit, based on what is practicable and capable of compensating for the aquatic resource functions that will be lost as a result of the permitted activity. The purpose of a functional assessment is to evaluate current wetland functions and predict potential changes to a wetland's functions that may result from proposed activities. A wetland is compared to similar wetlands that are relatively unaltered. The approach is based on combining variables that are typically structural measures or indicators that are associated with one or more ecosystem functions. Functions normally fall into one of three major categories: (1) physical {e.g., storage of surface water), (2) chemical {e.g., removal of elements and compounds), and (3) biological {e.g., topography, depth of water, number and size of trees). The HGM approach to functional assessment estimates the change in functioning induced by alteration of a wetland, either positive or negative. Negative effects (i .e, reductions in sustainable levels of functioning) are normally determined in association with dredge-and-fill permits. The permit review process could use output from an assessment as one tool to determine if the project results in significant degradation. Output from HGM models can also be used to determine the amount of positive effects (i.e., increases in sustainable levels of functioning) associated with compensatory mitigation requirements, normally through restoration of previously altered wetlands of the same type. For more information on the Galveston District's iHGM policy, please see our Standard Operating Procedure.
Wetlands are areas that are periodically or permanently inundated by surface or ground water and support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. A significant natural resource, wetlands serve important functions relating to fish and wildlife; food chain production; habitat; nesting; spawning; rearing and resting sites for aquatic and land species; protection of other areas from wave action and erosion; storage areas for storm and flood waters; natural recharge areas where ground and surface water are interconnected; and natural water filtration and purification functions. Although individual alterations of wetlands may constitute a minor change, the cumulative effect of numerous changes often results in major damage to wetland resources. The review of applications for alteration of wetlands will include consideration of whether the proposed activity is dependent upon being located in an aquatic environment.
A Nationwide Permit (NWP) is a type of general permit that is issued every five years by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), for specific activities that have no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse effects to the aquatic environment. There are currently 57 active NWPs, covering a range of activities, including, but not limited to, maintenance, survey activities, structures in navigable waters, bank stabilization, mining activities, renewable energy activities, transportation activities, residential, commercial, recreational and institutional developments, and aquatic habitat restoration, establishment and enhancement activities. On January 13, 2021, the Corps published a notice in the Federal Register (86 FR 2744) announcing the reissuance of 12 NWPs and issuance of 4 new NWPs. In that final rule, the Corps also reissued the NWP general conditions and definitions. Those 16 NWPs and the NWP general conditions and definitions went into effect on March 15, 2021. On December 27, 2021, the Corps published a notice in the Federal Register (86 FR 73522) announcing the reissuance of the remaining 40 existing NWPs and issuance of 1 new NWP. Those 41 NWPs went into effect on February 25, 2022. The NWP general conditions and definitions in the January 13, 2021.
The U.S. Corps of Engineers has an administrative appeal process whereby applicants and landowners may appeal denied permits, declined proffered permits, or approved jurisdictional determinations (decisions that are made at the district level). The request for an appeal of such decisions are appealed to the division office. Requests for appeal must be received by the division office within 60 days of the date of the appealable decision. A site visit or an appeal conference or meeting may be conducted during the appeal process. A decision on the merits of the appeal based on the administrative record is normally made in 90 days. The division engineers will either uphold the district’s decision or send the case back to the district, with direction to make a new decision.
Visit the Southwestern Divisions's website to: 1) learn more about the appeal process, including the regulations, forms, flow charts, previous appeal decisions, and other division administrative appeal web pages; 2) view a series of informational videos designed to educate potential appellants on the Regulatory appeal proces and; 3) view the list of current appeals.
RIBITS (Regulatory In Lieu Fee and Bank Information Tracking System) was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with support from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide better information on mitigation and conservation banking and in-lieu fee programs across the country. RIBITS allows users to access information on the types and numbers of mitigation and conservation bank and in-lieu fee program sites, associated documents, mitigation credit availability, service areas, as well information on national and local policies and procedures that affect mitigation and conservation bank and in-lieu fee program development and operation. Click here to proceed.
The Corps of Engineers issues the following types of permits: Letters of Permission, Nationwide Permits, General or Regional Permits and Individual Permits.
Performing unauthorized work in waters of the United States or failure to comply with the terms of a valid permit can have serious consequences. You would be in violation of Federal law and could face stiff penalties, including fines and/or requirements to restore the area. Enforcement is an important part of the Corps regulatory program. Corps surveillance and monitoring activities are often aided by various agencies, groups, and individuals, who report suspected violations. When in doubt as to whether a planned activity needs a permit, contact the nearest district regulatory office. It could save a lot of unnecessary trouble later.
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 requires approval prior to the accomplishment of any work in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States, or which affects the course, location, condition or capacity of such waters.
Navigable waters of the United States (33 CFR Part 329) are defined as waters that have been used in the past, are now used, or are susceptible to use as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce up to the head of navigation. Section 10 and/or Section 404 permits are required for construction activities in these waters.
Typical activities requiring Section 10 permits include:
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires approval prior to discharging dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States. Waters of the United States (33 CFR Part 328) include essentially all surface waters, including all navigable waters and their tributaries, all interstate waters and their tributaries, all impoundments of these waters, all wetlands adjacent to these waters, and certain isolated wetlands. The term "wetlands" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include tundra, permafrost areas, swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.
Recognizing Wetlands is a brochure containing more information on wetland identification.
The 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual is the technical resource used to delineate wetlands and specifies the criteria for an area to be classified as a wetland.
Typical activities requiring Section 404 permits include:
Certain activities are exempt (33 CFR 323.4) from Section 404 permit requirements.
Section 103 of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act requires approval for the transportation of dredged material for the purpose of dumping it in ocean waters.
Since two to three months is normally required to process a routine application involving a public notice, you should apply as early as possible to be sure you have all required approvals before your planned commencement date. For a large or complex activity that may take longer, it is often helpful to have a "pre-application consultation" or informal meeting with the Corps during the early planning phase of your project. You may receive helpful information at this point which could prevent delays later. When in doubt as to whether a permit may be required or what you need to do, don't hesitate to call a district regulatory office.
The Corps has been involved in regulating activities by others in navigable waterways through the granting of permits since passage of the Rivers & Harbors Act (Section 10) of 1899. At first, this program was meant to prevent obstructions to navigation, although an early 20th century law gave us regulatory authority over the dumping of trash and sewage. Passage of the Clean Water Act (Section 404) in 1972 greatly broadened this role by giving the Corps authority over dredging and filling in the "waters of the United States," including many wetlands.
Yes, USACE has a Centers of Expertise (CX) Program. The program provides an inventory of specialized knowledge and skills within USACE that can furnish beneficial and expert assistance to all USACE elements. Learn more about our Centers of Expertise!
To find information about joining the Army, please visit the U.S. Army website at http://www.goarmy.com/ or contact your local Army Recruiter.
Please visit https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/FAQ-Acronym-List/ for a list of USACE acronyms.
Note: The chart below is not up-to-date.
Executive Office The executive office and subordinate offices directly support the Commander and Deputy Commander.
Counsel The Office of Counsel is primarily responsible for the delivery of USACE legal services to the Galveston District. This includes preventative law, alternate disputes resolution, and ensuring compliance with government regulations, policy and guidance.
Emergency Management Emergency Management's primary mission is emergency preparedness and coordinating response for natural disasters and/or national emergencies.
Equal Employment Opportunity The EEO Office provides leadership and direction in creating and sustaining a diverse workforce and an environment free of discrimination at USACE. The EEO Office and USACE work proactively to enhance the employment of women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. This is achieved through policy development, oversight, complaints prevention, outreach, education and training programs.
Internal Review The Internal Review Office mission is to provide independent, objective, reliable and timely auditing service to improve programs and operations, as well as ensure compliance with laws, regulations and policies. One of their key roles is to monitor risks and ensure that controls in place to mitigate those risks. Internal review is available to the command to help identify efficiencies, strengthen management control systems and improve the effectiveness of risk management.
Public Affairs The Public Affairs Office is the principal point of contact for the Galveston District. The PAO is responsible for ensuring that the public is informed about the District's activities and about the priorities and policies of USACE.
Resource Management Office Resource Management mission responsibilities include: providing sound financial leadership, enhancing internal controls, and upholding fiscal accountability while providing timely, accurate, and reliable financial information.
Safety and Occupational Health Safety and Occupational Health provides the commander and staff with advice and assistance in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluation of safety and health programs. They ensure that required safety features are incorporated into all plans, designs, specifications, operating and maintenance procedures and training programs.
Security The Security Program's mission includes physical security, personnel security, communications security, operations security and information systems security. This ensures USACE employees and visitors will have a safe and secure environment in which to operate.
Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Their mission is to develop small businesses and maximizes their opportunities for procurements within our footprint on a continual basis, thereby ensuring a broad base of capable small business firms to support our mission and strengthen our Nation’s economic development.
Contracting Division Contracting Division provides comprehensive acquisition solutions in times of peace, war and disaster for the Galveston District and our partners. We provide many business opportunities in the civilian community through our missions of navigation, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, emergency management, beneficial use, regulatory, and support for others.
A/E and Construction Branch A/E and Construction Branch is responsible for: administration and award of A/E design and professional services contracts; coordinating all Engineering during Construction performed by A/E firms; maintaining liaison with A/E firms during life of design contract.
Business Oversight Branch The Business Operations Branch of Contracting Division is responsible for policy development and implementation, regulatory compliance, peer reviews, cost price analysis, systems analysis, procurement analysis, responding to information requests, budgeting and financial performance.
Mega Projects Branch Services and Supplies Branch Services and Support Contracts Branch prepares and issues solicitations and awards contracts for service and supply requirements.
Engineering and Construction Division Engineering and Construction Division provides management of quality engineering and construction products and services. We provide oversight on navigation and flood related projects, and oversee permit procedures and real estate functions. The Engineering and Construction Division has three main branches that, in turn, have subordinate sections and offices.
H&H Reservoir Control Branch
Geospatial Branch Geospatial Branch is a team of geospatial specialists consisting of engineers, physical scientists, and geographers that provides geospatial consulting services and integrates geospatial technology into the project management business process. This includes: conducting enterprise geographic information system (eGIS); developing eGIS implementation plans; implementing eGIS technology and work processes; developing decision-making tools and procedures that facilitate the widespread use of geospatial data leading to greater efficiencies in support of customer needs; performing spatial analysis and data modeling.
Hurricane Flood Risk Reduction Design Branch
Construction Branch Construction Branch develops and implements District policy for construction management functions and advises designers and contracting officers on construction and contract management matters. Our goal is to provide quality products and services through state-of-the-art technology, ensuring uncompromised quality to our customers. Our purpose is to manage construction to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction with attention to safety, the environment, quality, timeliness, and budget. The EC Division is also responsible for all construction program requirements, including contract administration, quality assurance, construction management, and technical services.
Mega Projects Division
Operations Division Operations Division constructs, operates and maintains the Galveston District's navigation and flood control projects.
Navigation Branch Navigation Branch provides safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems (channels, harbors, and waterways) for movement of commerce, national security needs, and recreation. Activities in the Civil Works Navigation Program include planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and further improving navigation channels, locks and dams.
Operations Branch Operations Branch oversees water navigation, hydropower, geospatial data, recreation, coastal management, and emergency operations.
Programs and Project Management Division The Programs and Project Management Division is responsible for project management and general oversight for all district work, including water resources projects, project operation and maintenance, support to other agencies and military projects or programs. Program Management Branch Program Management Branch oversees program analysis and development for the District. It administers the Planning, Programs and Project Management Division, or P3MD, operating budget, develops program budget guidance for use by each branch chief in preparing their annual budget submission in close coordination with the Resource Management Office. Project Management Branch Project Management Branch is responsible for overall management of the District's civil works, military and environmental project workload. Serves as the principal advisor to the project manager on project schedule and fund management and other issues on assigned projects. Participates as a key member of the District's Congressional briefing team as well as in briefings to potential regional, state, and local project sponsors.
Regulatory Division Regulatory Division issues permits for proposed regulated activities. Areas that the Galveston District regulates include, but are not limited to, tidal marshes, seasonally saturated forested and non-forested wetlands, swamps, rivers, bays, and streams. Compliance Branch Evaluation Branch Policy Analysis Branch Admin Unit
Real Estate Division Acquires, manages and disposes of real estate; Executes DoD executive agent responsibilities; Executes specialized programs; Provides real estate services on an as-needed basis to our government partners; and Performs unique contingency capabilities. Management and Disposal Branch
Acquisition and Realty Services Branch
Appraisal Branch
Mega Projects Support Branch
Other
ACE-IT U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Information Technology is the enterprise IT service delivery team for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ACE-IT supports the mission requirements of USACE customers by delivering mission-focused IT services using an enterprise service delivery model. ACE-IT designs, engineers and operates two major data centers and a worldwide data network, in addition to providing direct on-site command and control, coordination, planning and operations and maintenance support for routine and emergency information technology resources and services. Human Resources At USACE, a Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) is used interchangeably with Human Resources (HR). The CPAC is a regionalized personnel action center assigned to a specific command or installation. The CPAC manages recruits/hires, staffing actions, classification, in- and out-processing, employee relations, and labor relations.
Library Program The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Library Program offers many different resources to its customers, including reference, interlibrary borrowing, Internet and database searching, regulations and policy and maps for review and downloading.
Logistics Management The Office of Logistics Management provides infrastructure support and program management in the areas of maintenance management, transportation management, supply and facilities management; acquisition services; and travel, freight, transportation, relocation, warehousing, property, office moves, building and grounds maintenance, locksmithing, and custodial services. Logistics is also responsible for management of the Jadwin Building.
Planning and Environmental The Planning and Environmental Branch is responsible for initiating studies of various water resources related projects and developing recommendations to Congress on the appropriateness of funding these projects. These studies involve flood risk management, navigation, shore protection, environmental restoration and recreation. We provide expertise in plan formulation, environmental planning and economic analysis, and are responsible for the Continuing Authorities Program and Planning Assistance to States programs, which provide information and assistance on water resource concerns to the public.