Water resources projects, particularly those planned and constructed by the Corps of Engineers, affect the health and safety of millions of Americans and often involve large scale structural measures with multiple and complex impacts that can radically transform entire ecosystems. Many reports have looked at the ecological and economic implications of these projects and opportunities for improving the planning process.
- Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorizations, Appropriations, and Activities
Report by the Congressional Research Service on the authorization and appropriations process for Corps projects. (July 2015) - Corps of Engineers Water Resources Infrastructure: Deterioration, Investment, or Divestment?
This National Academy of Sciences report, the second in a series of five, critiques the Corps’ Civil Works program, pointing out that our country’s era of building big with concrete is over. (October 2012) - Increasing Vulnerability to Hurricanes: Global Warming’s Wake-Up Call for the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts
This report highlights the increased vulnerability of communities to climate change and calls for a comprehensive prioritization system for Corps of Engineers projects. (August 2008) - Failure to Hold Water
Economics of the New Lock Project for the Industrial Canal, New Orleans(December 2007) - America’s Flood Risk is Heating Up
As Temperatures Rise, The Army Corps of Engineers Must Improve the Nation’s Flood-Control System. This report highlights the changes that are needed in Corps of Engineers’ planning to address the challenges of global warming (April 2007) - Delaware River Deepening Dumped Again
This report challenges the most recent Corps economic study for the Delaware River Deepening project, and highlights the project’s environmental threats(March 2007). - National Academy of Public Administration
Prioritizing America’s Water Resources Investments: Budget Reform for Civil Works Construction Projects at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(February 2007) - Unnatural Disasters, Natural Solutions: Lessons from the Flooding of New Orleans
This American Rivers’ report highlights the poor project planning, flawed design, and misplaced priorities that led to the flooding of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The report also provides case studies on communities that took a different approach to flood protection by using nature based solutions. (August 2006) - An Economic Analysis of Expanding Ohio River Locks
Report highlighting the fiscal and environmental issues as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers explores enlarging the lock system on the Ohio River. (March 2006) - Twice-Cooked Pork
Report by a coalition of environmental organizations on the flaws in the Corps’ Mississippi River Navigation Study (April 2004) - Crossroads
Congress, The Corps of Engineers, and the Future of America’s Water Resources (March 2004) - Troubled Waters
Congress, the Corps of Engineers, and Wasteful Water Projects (March 2000)