The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) have jointly released the "State of the Infrastructure" report which offers insights into the agencies' infrastructure asset portfolio, management practices, collaborative initiatives, and future strategies.
Over the past five years, the two agencies have embarked on record investments in critical water resource construction projects, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and resilience.
USACE has launched 48 construction projects and successfully completed 61 during this period, marking significant progress in bolstering the nation's water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, USBR, under the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, has dedicated over $12 billion to water infrastructure and drought resilience projects. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Bureau has allocated $2.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund more than 420 individual projects.
Edward Belk, Jr., Director of Civil Works for the Army Corps, emphasized the historic nature of the current investment in the nation's Civil Works infrastructure. "We are at a critical moment in our history with a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s Civil Works infrastructure," said Belk. "Together, we can provide the most efficient and effective solutions to promote safety, economic well-being, and the environment in the West and across the country."
Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton underscored the collaborative nature of these endeavours. "We are moving forward with these urgent priorities while in close collaboration with Tribes, states, water managers, farmers, irrigators, and other stakeholders," Touton stated. "This historic funding underscores how proactive efforts from the Biden-Harris administration are helping increase water efficiency and conservation across the West."
Funding for USBR and the USACE's Civil Works programs comes from various sources, including annual Energy and Water Development Act appropriations, supplemental appropriations, non-federal cost-sharing partnerships, among others. In an ongoing effort to return the highest overall value to the nation from available funds, the Army Corps and Reclamation seek opportunities to work with their partners to:
develop planning study solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
to manage the cost, schedule, and scope of ongoing construction projects.
to use risk analysis to prioritize capital investment and maintenance needs.
