Army Corps of Engineers: Efforts to Assess the Impact of Extreme Weather Events

Abstract : The Corps plans, designs, and constructs water resources infrastructure, such as dams and levees. According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are increasing. Much of the Corps infrastructure was built over 50 years ago and may not be designed to operate within current climate patterns, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 included a provision for GAO to study the Corps management of water resources in preparation for extreme weather. This is the first in a series of reports GAO is issuing on this topic. GAO s other reports will examine operations and dam and levee safety, which GAO plans to issue in fiscal year 2016. This report explores (1) how the Corps prepares for and responds to extreme weather events in its planning and operation of water resources projects, and (2) the extent to which the Corps has assessed whether existing water resources infrastructure is prepared for extreme weather events. GAO reviewed Corps guidance on planning, operations, and assessments, and interviewed Corps officials from headquarters and eight districts selected, in part, on number of projects. GAO previously recommended that the Corps work with Congress to develop a more stable funding approach. The Corps has not taken action, but GAO continues to believe the recommendation is valid. Agencies had no comments on a draft of this report.