By NOLAN POINTER

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” – a federal initiative that is in its fourth month – is providing greater focus on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ core Civil Works missions.

The initiative is also minimizing non-core programs, directing funding to priority water resources projects that will provide the greatest benefits to the nation. Shortening permitting timelines and reducing or eliminating extraneous regulations and paperwork that slow USACE’s delivery of Civil Works projects and programs is also part of the mission.

The initiative has been in effect since early February.

USACE commanders will be empowered to take informed risks in advancing critical water resources projects and programs to completion faster and at less cost.

The policy changes will also bring greater transparency and accountability for the program to the American public, project partners and sponsors, industry, and the elected leaders who make the annual funding decisions for the Civil Works program.

The plan consists of 27 initiatives grouped under five categories:

• Maximizing the Ability to Deliver National Infrastructure
• Cutting Red Tape
• Focus on Efficiency
• Transparency & Accountability
• Prioritization

The initiatives do not affect USACE execution of its emergency response support to natural and manmade disasters.