The Federal Response Plan, developed through the efforts of 27 departments and agencies, describes the basic methodology by which the Federal government will mobilize resources and conduct activities to assist Sates in coping with the consequences of significant disasters.

Within the Plan, the Department of Defense has designated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the primary agency for planning, preparedness, and response under the Emergency Support Function #3, Public Works and Engineering. The purpose of this Emergency Support Function is to provide lifesaving or life protecting assistance to augment efforts of the affected State(s) and local response efforts following a major or catastrophic disaster.

The process begins by local government identifying their requirements for public works and engineering assistance to the State. If sufficient resources are not available at the State, the requirement will be forwarded to the ESF #3 element in the Disaster Field Office. The Corps will then assign the mission to one of its offices in or near the disaster area to deliver the required Federal assistance.

Public Works and Engineering support includes technical advice and evaluations, engineering services, construction management and inspection, emergency contracting, provision of emergency power, emergency repair of wastewater and solid waste facilities and real estate support. Some of the activities within the scope of ESF #3 include:

• Emergency clearance of debris for reconnaissance of the damage areas and passage of emergency personnel and equipment.
• Temporary construction of emergency access routes which include damaged streets, roads, bridges, ports, waterways, airfields, and any other facilities necessary for passage of rescue personnel.
• Emergency restoration of critical public services and facilities including supply of adequate amounts of potable water, temporary restoration of water supply systems, and the provision of water for fire fighting.
• Emergency demolition or stabilization of damaged structures and facilities designated by State or local governments.
• Technical assistance and damaged assessment, including structural inspection of structures.
• While the Corps is coordinating public works and engineering activities under the Federal Response Plan, it may also be simultaneously providing direct assistance under its own Flood Control and Coastal Emergency authorities.

Some of the resources which can be utilized in support of the ESF #3 mission include:

• The Corps of Engineers' Prime Power Battalion which may be activated and rapidly deployed to a disaster area. This is a specialty unit that is trained and capable of providing emergency electrical power.
• Access to other military units - their personnel, equipment and supplies - such as Army Engineer Units, Navy Seabee Construction Units and Warehouse Managers is also available.
• Eleven other Federal agencies and departments have been tasked in the Plan to support the ESF #3 mission with their expertise and capabilities. These agencies are:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Department of Commerce (DOC)
• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
• Department of Interior (DOI)
• Department of Labor (DOL)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• General Services Administration (GSA)
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has a support role to other agencies and departments within the Federal Response Plan.

Each Corps office is responsible for emergency preparedness and develops plans for responding to disasters. These plans are based on hazards unique to their area of responsibility and the plans are coordinated with the states and other Federal agencies, as appropriate. In addition, the Corps participates in Federal and state coordination meetings and exercises. Through this interface, partnerships are developed that are invaluable during emergencies.

The Corps' capabilities and expertise extends to all Corps employees - engineers, chemists, biologists, geologists, accountants, and many others - regardless of their location, as well as the services of the four Corps laboratories.

The Corps' professional competence, emergency contracting authorities and real estate capabilities are key assets when providing emergency services. Working relationships with the private architect-engineer and construction industry are also called upon to meet Corps missions.

Though the Corps' role has principally been focused on engineering and construction in the past, today's Corps, with a broad set of missions and capabilities, is a dynamic emergency response organization, ready to serve your community and the Nation when disaster strikes.

For additional information on ESF #3, Public Works and Engineering, and the Corps' role in Federal response, contact a Corps of Engineers office directly.