PROPOSED REGIONAL CATEGORICAL PERMISSION PROGRAM FOR SECTION 408 REQUESTS
AUTHORITY:
The authority to grant permission for temporary or permanent use, occupation or alteration of any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works project is contained in Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, codified at 33 U.S.C. 408 (“Section 408”). Section 408 authorizes the Secretary of the Army, on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, to grant permission for the alteration or occupation or use of a USACE project if the Secretary determines that the activity will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the project. The Secretary of the Army’s authority under Section 408 has been delegated to the USACE, Chief of Engineers. The USACE Chief of Engineers has further delegated the authority to the USACE, Directorate of Civil Works, Division and District Commanders, and supervisory Division Chiefs depending upon the nature of the activity.