Emergency Management
Emergency Water Assistance to drought distressed areas or areas with a contaminated water suppy
Administering Agency:
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
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Contact::
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Operations & Readiness Branch, Albuquerque District, (505) 342-3686
(24-hour emergency number)
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Statute:
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Public Law 84-99, as amended
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Assistance Available:
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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.
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Form of Assistance:
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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.
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Beneficiaries:
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Any locality faced with a threat to public health and welfare from a contaminated source or drought situation affecting the water system
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Qualifying Requirements:
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- 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
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Limitations:
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- 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
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Application:
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Application for program assistance will be made to USACE
District, but assistance is subject to approval at higher level.
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Comments:
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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.
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