Engineering Division
Engineering Division's
involvement in a project begins early, with the collection and processing of field data
needed for reconnaissance and feasibility studies and to establish construction costs.
Engineering Division employees, working closely with team members in other divisions, use
the data to develop and evaluate project alternatives.
Once the planning studies have been completed and Congress has authorized construction
of the project, Engineering puts its technical experts to work in the design phase of the
project. During design, Engineering Division refines and updates the data used from
planning the contractual reports and prepares the detailed plans (drawings) and
specifications (legal and technical requirements) for the project's construction.
When the design of the project is finished, Engineering Division team members provide
field data and technical support during construction. They continue to collect and process
the data needed to guide project operation and ensure timely and effective maintenance.
Engineering Division consists of eight branches: Cost Engineering, Engineering Control,
Geotechnical, General, Hydraulics and Hydrology, Civil, Design Services, and Structures.
Planning, Programs and Project Management Division
The PPPMD conducts feasibility, reevaluation and other studies to determine
the engineering, environmental and economic viability of proposed water resources
projects. Before Congress considers such projects for authorization, the Corps must
analyze the costs, benefits and impacts on people and the environment.
Planning usually begins with a preliminary reconnaissance study that defines the
problem, identifies possible solutions and cost estimates, and outlines the economic and
environmental pros and cons of each option. If the reconnaissance study indicates it makes
sense to study the proposal further, the next stage is to conduct a detailed feasibility
study. If the project moves forward, the PPPMD prepares an environmental impact statement
and the preliminary engineering plans. Detailed engineering plans are made only after
Congress authorizes the project.
The division also manages project development to ensure quality and successful
completion on schedule and within budget. It assigns a single project manager to oversee
each project. Working with people from all divisions, project managers track the project
from the earliest to the final stages. They involve the local cost-sharing sponsor in all
aspects of planning and strive for the highest quality standards.
Project managers serve as the single point of contact for information. They oversee
budget, programming and administrative aspects, which allows study managers, design
engineers and construction management personnel the time to focus on their
responsibilities.
PPPMD is responsible for securing and managing the utilization of all the district's
civil works funding, as well as identifying and reporting on work force requirements.
Construction Division
Construction Division assists in the planning and design stages of a project, and
oversees construction contracts to guarantee that the contractors' work meets quality
standards.
Once the plans for a project have been completed, Construction Division personnel
ensure that contractors can fairly and properly bid on a project, that plans and
specifications assure a constructable project, and that construction of the project meets
the operating needs when completed.
When the contract for construction of a project is awarded, division team members
manage the contracts to assure quality construction and a quality product provided on
schedule and within budget
The Lafayette and New Orleans area offices are subdivisions of Construction Division
that administer construction contracts. Quality assurance teams are assigned to each
project or contract to monitor the contractor's performance for compliance with
construction contract plans and specifications.
Operations Division
Once a project is completed, our Operations and Readiness Division normally operates
and maintains it. They operate and maintain district navigation and flood control
structures, such as the Old River Control structure, Morganza Floodway and Bonnet Carre'
Spillway on the Mississippi River. In all, the division operates one ship lock connecting
the Inner harbor Navigation Canal to the Mississippi River and 15 other locks and
navigation structures on various waterways in southern Louisiana.
Operations also maintains the navigability of district waterways, a major year-round
task that involves conducting hydrographic surveys and extensive dredging to maintain
river channel depths, removing sunken vessels and other obstructions, and controlling
nuisance aquatic plants that choke waterways.
Another important part of the division's mission is its Regulatory Program. Regulatory
Functions Branch processes permit applications for construction or placement of dredge or
fill material in navigable waters and wetlands of southern Louisiana. This is a highly
visible and often controversial activity that involves the Corps' responsibility to
protect both navigation and environmentally sensitive wetlands.
As if all of that wasn't enough, Operations Division also supports state and local
governments in responding to natural catastrophes. It typically provides assistance when
local governments cannot handle the effects of a natural disaster. This can include
supplying sandbags during floods to working with other government agencies to help rebuild
a city after a hurricane.
Real Estate Division
When the district is involved with land or property transactions, it turns to
professionals in Real Estate Division. Real Estate Division acquires, manages and disposes
of property in connection with our civil works projects and some projects for other
federal agencies.
Real Estate's involvement in a project begins during the reconnaissance and feasibility
study phases and continues throughout the life of the project. Once it is decided that
real estate requirements are necessary for a project, Real Estate team members go to work.
Attorneys determine the property rights to be acquired, right-of-way maps are prepared,
real estate appraisals are made, and negotiations are conducted with landowners. Real
estate interests are acquired either by direct purchase or through court proceedings.
Real Estate also manages the property once it has been acquired. Much of this includes
allowing other entities (local, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations,
corporations and individuals) to use the land for various purposes. In addition, Real
Estate is charged with disposing of lands no longer needed.
