Typical studies are only planning level of detail; they do not include detailed design for project construction.  The program can encompass many types of studies dealing with water resources issues.  Types of studies conducted in recent years under the program include the following:  water supply/demand, water conservation, water quality, environmental/conservation, wetlands evaluation/restoration, dam safety/failure, flood damage reduction, coastal zone protection, and harbor planning.

There are two types of efforts available through the PAS program as described below.

1. Comprehensive Planning
Assistance to a State or a partner working with the State in development of a Comprehensive Plan may include planning for the development, utilization, and conservation of the water and related resources of drainage basins, watersheds, or ecosystems located within the boundaries of that State, including plans to comprehensively address water resources challenges such as the state water plan. Comprehensive plans can extend across state boundaries provided both States agree. 

Comprehensive planning activities through the PAS program are cost shared (50 percent) with the study partner, and voluntarily contributed funds in excess of cost share may be provided by the non-Federal partner.  The non-Federal cost share for preparation of a state comprehensive water resources plan may be provided by funds or through the provision of services, materials, supplies, or other in-kind services. 

2. Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance provided through the PAS program includes support of planning efforts related to the management of state water resources, including the provision and integration of hydrologic, economic, or environmental data and analysis in support of the State’s water resources management and related land resources development plans identified in the state water plan or other water resources management related state planning documents, such as state hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery plans and plans associated with changing hydrologic conditions, climate change, long-term sustainability, and resilience.  

Technical assistance activities through the PAS program are cost shared (50 per cent) with the study partner, and voluntarily contributed funds in excess of cost share may be provided by the non-Federal partner.  The cost-share for technical assistance must be provided by funds (not in-kind).

Study Process.  The process for PAS investigations begins after a state, regional, local government, or Native American Indian tribe requests Corps of Engineers assistance under the program.  The Corps of Engineers will work with the requesting organization to develop a scope of work and assemble the appropriate study team for the effort being requested.  Once a scope of work has been developed, a cost sharing letter agreement will be prepared and sent to the sponsor for their signature.  Once the both parties have signed the agreement, the study may begin, subject to the availability of both Federal and local funding.

How to Request Assistance.  For more information on how to request assistance, please contact our Outreach Coordinator Brian Schneider via email at Brian.M.Schneider@usace.army.mil.

Planning Assistance to States Fact Sheet