News and Updates

13 May 2026

USACE announces new RRS module 

4 May 2026 – USACE announces new RRS module The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announce the launch of a new module on its Regulatory Request System (RRS) that allows users to self-verify that a pre-construction notification is not required for a proposed activity covered under a nationwide permit. This new module leads users through a series of questions about their proposed activity to determine whether notification to USACE is required. Questions are presented in a stepwise, sequential order, and if the information provided through the RRS results in a response that the proposed activity qualifies for an existing nationwide permit without a requirement to submit a pre-construction notification users will immediately be provided with correspondence. If the information provided results in the response that a pre-construction notification or other permit application may be required, the user is provided with the option to apply for a permit or preapplication meeting through the appropriate RRS application module. RRS is a web-based platform designed to simplify the permitting process and enhance user experience. In addition to this new module, RRS enables users to submit permit applications, screen for activity-based no permit required actions and exemptions, request jurisdictional determinations, and schedule pre-application meetings, all through a user-friendly interface. We encourage you to explore the Regulatory Request System and its new features by visiting rrs.usace.army.mil. For additional information or to provide feedback, please contact us at rrs@usace.army.mil.

18 Mar 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comments on potential future changes to the nationwide permits

Expiration date: 5/15/2026

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on March 16 that it is seeking input from all interested parties on ways to increase the efficiency of the nationwide permit program. Nationwide permits authorize activities that are similar in nature and cause no more than minimal adverse environmental impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. Activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities. The comments being solicited in this notice will be considered in future rulemaking related to the nationwide permits. The 2026 nationwide permits went into effect March 15, 2026. Potential modifications to the nationwide permits may occur before the 2026 nationwide permits expire March 15, 2031. More information on the nationwide permits can be found at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/Nationwide-Permits/.

8 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the publication in the Federal Register of the 2026 Nationwide Permits (NWPs)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the publication in the Federal Register of the 2026 Nationwide Permits (NWPs) USACE Published Jan. 8, 2026 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today the publication in the Federal Register of the 2026 Nationwide Permits (NWPs). The 56 reissued and one new 2026 NWPs in the rule are necessary for work in streams, wetlands and other waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. See link below for more details. 

7 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces finalization of nationwide permits

USACE Public Affairs Office Published Jan. 7, 2026 PRINT | E-MAIL WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will reissue 56 existing nationwide permits and issue one new permit for work in wetlands and other waters that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. One existing permit will not be reissued. See link for more details.

9 Jul 2025

3 July 2025 – USACE seeks public comments on new NEPA implementing procedures for the Corps Regulatory Program and Section 408 Program:

Expiration date: 8/4/2025

The Department of the Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced we are seeking comments on an interim final rule that establishes new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations at Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 333 for the USACE Regulatory Program and the USACE Section 408 Program. The interim final rule became effective on July 3, 2025 for Regulatory Program permit applications and Section 408 permission requests submitted to the USACE on or after July 3, 2025. The new USACE NEPA implementing procedures at 33 CFR 333 replace the Corps Regulatory Program’s previous NEPA implementing procedures at 33 CFR 325, appendix B. A public notice soliciting comments on the interim final rule was published in the July 3, 2025, Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/03/2025-12360/procedures-for-implementing-nepa-processing-of-department-of-the-army-permits. Department of the Army and USACE will accept written comments through August 4, 2025. Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov at docket number COE-2025-0006.”

8 May 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages use of Regulatory Request System for an improved permitting experience

Last year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduced its new Regulatory Request System (RRS), an online application portal that allows the public to submit permit applications and other information when requesting permission to dredge, fill or conduct activities in jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S. RRS is accessible at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs. RRS users can submit individual permit applications, general permit pre-construction notifications, jurisdictional determination requests, and other information needed during the permit evaluation process using easy-to-follow online submission forms. Applicants can also track the status of their requests using a user-friendly dashboard. RRS benefits the applicant by eliminating the burden associated with the preparation and mailing of paper applications. It also reduces some of the effort associated with processing applications and data entry making the permitting process more efficient. Click here to learn more about the benefits of RRS (RRS Testimonial Video). For more information on the USACE Regulatory Program visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/. For further details or to provide feedback about the RRS, please contact USACE at rrs@usace.army.mil.

14 Apr 2025

SPN: Special emergency processing procedures for activities subject to Executive Order 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency.

On April 14th, 2025, USACE issued a Special Public Notice (SPN) announcing the establishment of special emergency processing procedures for activities subject to Executive Order 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency. The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the United States (U.S.) Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District has established special emergency processing procedures in accordance with 33 CFR § 325.2(e)(4) for the National Energy Emergency established by Executive Order (EO) 14156, which was issued on January 20, 2025 under the President’s legal authorities, including the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq) and section 301 of title 3, United States code. The SPN, along with the associated "Alaska District SOP for Processing of Permit Applications in Emergency Situations Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 14156 and 33 CFR 325.2(e)(4), 26 March 2025", are posted on the Special Public Notice page.

28 Jan 2025

2024 Draft National Wetland Plant List Public Comment Period

Expiration date: 3/31/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as part of an interagency effort with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, is announcing the availability of the draft changes to the 2024 NWPL and soliciting public comments. The Federal Register Notice (FRN) for the 2024 NWPL update can be found here https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/28/2025-01798/national-wetland-plant-list. These proposed changes include wetland indicator status rating changes to one species in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plan and Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regions, one species in the Midwest and Northcentral and Northeast Regions, and, as a result of research conducted by the Wetlands Regulatory Assistance Program (WRAP), eight species in the Alaska Region (read the full report here: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/49509). Comments on these proposed changes should be emailed to nwpl@usace.army.mil. The public comment period ends on 31 March 2025.

26 Sep 2024

USACE closes regulatory Kenai Field Office in Soldotna

Expiration date: 10/25/2024

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District’s Regulatory Division closed its Kenai Field Office Sept. 23 located in Soldotna. While the physical office will no longer be operational, the staff remain committed to providing support and ensuring uninterrupted service to the community and stakeholders. Field office personnel will be available for meetings and site visits by appointment. The public can communicate with the Kenai team by sending correspondence to the address below: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN: Kenai Field Office P.O. Box 6898 JBER, Alaska 99506-0898 Alternatively, emails may be directed to cepoa-rd-kenai@usace.army.mil. Phone inquiries can be made at the mainline at (907) 753-2712, 907-753-2689 or 907-227-3124. The mission of USACE’s Regulatory Program is one of the oldest in the federal government. Initially, it served to protect and maintain the navigable capacity of the nation’s waters. Time, changing public needs, evolving policy, case law and new statutory mandates have led to modifications to the program and its authorities. USACE’s jurisdiction as related to the Department of Army permit application process includes Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972, under which USACE regulates the discharge of dredge and fill materials in waters of the United States; and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, under which USACE is responsible for the protection and maintenance of the nation’s navigable waterways.

31 Jan 2024

USACE launches new Regulatory Request System

USACE announces the launch of its new Regulatory Request System (RRS). RRS is designed to make the review of permit requests a transparent and efficient process for the public. RRS, currently in a beta version, provides general information on the Regulatory Program and allows the public to submit pre-application meeting requests and jurisdictional determination requests. Additional capability is scheduled in Spring 2024. This added capability will allow users the ability to electronically submit individual and general permit applications and other necessary information, saving time and reducing the need for paper-based submissions. RRS will streamline the permit application process and underscores USACE commitment to modernizing our application process, meeting user expectations, and providing a transparent, straightforward process for the timely review of permit requests. For additional information on or to provide feedback on RRS, please contact the rrs@usace.army.mil.