Administering Agency:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 

Contact::

Operations & Readiness Branch,  Albuquerque District, (505) 342-3686

(24-hour emergency number)

Statute:

Public Law 84-99, as amended

Assistance Available:

USACE is authorized to transport emergency supplies of clean drinking water for human consumption to any locality designated as a drought distressed area or which has a contaminated water supply. Assistance will only be to meet minimum public health and welfare requirements. 

Form of Assistance:

Emergency supply of clean drinking water for human consumption, and construction of wells (at state/tribal/local expense) if not commercially possible. Transportation of water normally provided by tanker trucks or small diameter pipelines. 

Beneficiaries:

Any locality faced with a threat to public health and welfare from a contaminated source or drought situation affecting the water system 

Qualifying Requirements:

• Water distribution system may be publicly or privately owned.
• State/tribal/local governments must make full use of their own resources, including the National Guard.
• Requests for assistance to the Corps must be initiated by the Governor or his/her authorized representative.
• The impacted area must have been declared a "drought distressed area" by the Governor and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
• A permanent solution is being actively pursued at the local level

Limitations:

• USACE assistance is supplemental to state and local efforts.
• Permanent restoration of water supply is a local responsibility.
• Applicants must furnish lands, easements, and right-of-way; make necessary relocations; and hold the U.S. free from damages.
• Purchase and storage costs are not eligible for Corps assistance

Application:

Application for program assistance will be made to USACE
District, but assistance is subject to approval at higher level. 

Comments:

Assistance is limited to work which is the most economical means of furnishing a temporary drinking water supply. Water will not be furnished for commercial processes. However, drinking water can be provided for employees, on-site customers, and preparation of retail meals. Water is provided only for human consumption, not for livestock.