The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) is a useful tool to support smaller community projects without the lengthy study and authorization process typical of most larger Corps of Engineers projects. It allows the Fort Worth District to plan, design and construct projects of limited size, cost, scope and complexity. It is ideal for funding projects for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, erosion control and streambank protection.

The CAP draws on a collection of ongoing water resource authorities issued under several different laws. Under each, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, is authorized to plan, design and implement water resources projects. These projects do not require specific congressional authorization. This program is funded by Congress and works on a cost-share basis with a sponsoring agency, such as a city, county, state or other group.

To promote comprehensive collaborative planning, CAP also supports formulation of multipurpose projects. Examples of multipurpose functions: flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, recreation, water supply, storm damage reduction and education.

CAP authorities

Under CAP, the Fort Worth District supports communities under four different authorities. Click on the links below for opportunities each offers.

• Four authorities at a glance
• Section 14 – Streambank Erosion Protection
• Section 205 – Local Flood Damage Reduction
• Section 206 – Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
• Section 1135 – Environmental Restoration
• All 9 legislative authorities at a glance

Summary of the CAP Process

• Key points and process at a glance
• Typical project timeline
• Flow chart showing approval process 

Sponsor Tool Kit

• Sample Study Request Letter
• Sample Feasibility Cost Share Agreement (FCSA)
• Sample Project Partnership Agreement (PPA)
  • Section 14 – Streambank Erosion Protection
  • Section 205 – Local Flood Damage Reduction - Structural
  • Section 205 – Local Flood Damage Reduction - Structural and Recreation 
  • Section 206 – Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
  • Section 206 – Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation
  • Section 1135 – Environmental Restoration
  • Section 1135 – Environmental Restoration and Recreation
• Engineering Regulation ER 1105-2-100 - Planning Guidance Notebook with Appendix F: Continuing Authorities Program  
• Executive Order 11988 Updated 2015 - Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input

CAP projects

• Olmos Creek, San Antonio, Section 206 (DI) 
• San Marcos River, San Marcos, Section 206 (DI)

• Waco WMARRS CAP Section 14 Draft

Completed CAP projects

• Big Cypress Bayou Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration, Section 1135
• Colorado River, Caldwell Lane, Travis County, Section 14
• Farmers Branch Creek, White Settlement, Section 205
• Little Fossil Creek, Haltom City, Section 205
• Nokomis Road, Ten Mile Creek, Lancaster, Section 14
• Pecan Creek, Gainesville, Section 205
• Spring Lake, San Marcos, Section 206
• Civil War Powder Magazine, Jefferson, Section 14 Feasibility (F) Phase
• Lewisville Lake, Frisco, Section 1135 Design & Implementation (DI) Phase
• Rio Grande Ecosystem Restoration, Laredo, Section 206 (DI)
• Village Creek, Kennedale, Section 205 (F)
• Walnut Branch, Seguin, Section 206 (DI) 
• Willis Creek, Brownwood, Section 205 (F)

Corps of Engineers water resource programs other than CAP:

• General Investigations Program            
• Flood Plain Management Services
• Planning Assistance to States

To request assistance or for additional information, please contact:

Zia Burns
Programs and Project Management Division
U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth
P.O. Box 17300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817-886-1633

CAP contacts within Texas but outside of the Fort Worth District boundaries: The Fort Worth District serves the CAP program in about 53 percent of Texas as shown on the map at the top of this web page. Three Corps of Engineers districts, listed below, serve the rest.

Galveston District

Texas area served: Rio Grande watershed downstream from Laredo and all counties on or near the Texas Gulf Coast as shown in the map above. CAP point of contact: 409-766-3130

Tulsa District

Texas area served: Red River and Canadian River basins CAP point of contact: 918-669-7236

Albuquerque District

Texas area served: Pecos River basin and the rest of the Rio Grande watershed from El Paso to Amistad Reservoir (just upstream of Del Rio) CAP point of contact: 505-342-3361