ASFPM Joins Coalition in Recommendations for USACE Water Resources Planning
The Association of State Floodplain Managers joined a coalition of 83 organizations in a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers on recommendations for water resources principles, requirements, and guidelines (PR&G), environmental justice, and tribal policies.
Developed in response to an invitation for public comment on the Modernization of Army Civil Works Policy Priorities, the recommendations urge the USACE to: adopt new planning steps that first explore solutions using natural and nature-based features or nonstructural measures; establish new requirements for benefit-cost analysis; define the term “unwise use of floodplains” and provide examples; describe types of activities that qualify as natural or nature-based features; establish clear criteria for project decisions; and empower impacted communities.
The letter also outlines 10 policy and procedural recommendations for the Corps to adopt to ensure effective and meaningful engagement with communities of color, economically disadvantaged communities, and Indian tribes — starting with building authentic relationships from the onset of any project, not after plans are already developed.
Organized by the Water Protection Network, the coalition included regional, state, and national organizations, such as Anthropocene Alliance, Environmental Defense Fund, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
