The Programs and Project Management Division (PPMD) conducts feasibility, reevaluation, and other studies to determine the engineering, environmental, and economic viability of proposed water resources projects. PPMD 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.

Before Congress considers these projects for authorization, the Corps must analyze the project's costs, benefits, and if and how the project could impact people and/or the environment. Planning usually begins with a preliminary reconnaissance study to define the problem, identify possible solutions and cost estimates, and outline the economic and environmental pros and cons of each option.

If the preliminary recon indicates a need for continue the study, Corps personnel will advance to the second stage and conduct a detailed feasibility study. Assuming the project continues on, the PPMD will prepare an environmental impact statement and preliminary engineering plans, only making said engineering plans after Congress authorizes the project. 

The division also manages project development to ensure the project's quality and that it is successfully completed on time and within budget. It assigns a single project manager to oversee each project and work together with people from other Corps divisions from throughout the nation. Project managers track the project from start to finish and involve the local cost-sharing sponsor in all aspects of planning.

Project managers serve as the single point of contact for information. They oversee the project's budget, programming, and administrative aspects, provide the project's study managers, design engineers, and construction management personnel much-needed time to focus on their respective responsibilities.