MOBILE, Ala. – Today, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, announced a major initiative, “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork,” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Civil Works program.
“Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” will provide greater focus on USACE’s core missions, while minimizing non-core programs, direct funding to priority water resources projects that will provide the greatest benefits to the nation, shorten permitting timelines, and reduce or eliminate extraneous regulations and paperwork that slow USACE’s delivery of Civil Works projects and programs.
“President Trump has empowered his administration to work with lightspeed efficiency to make our government deliver more for all Americans. The Army Civil Works’ ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ initiative will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver critical projects and programs for the nation more efficiently, sooner, and at less cost than the current ways of doing business,” said Telle. “This will eliminate bureaucratic delays and provide fast, clear decisions needed to save lives and empower our economy.”
“Continuous Army transformation is about rapidly delivering war winning capabilities to the Army today, not years in the future. But that’s not all; we’re also transforming at home, too,” said Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll. “I’m incredibly proud of the ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ (BINP) transformation initiative the Army Civil Works and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teams recently unveiled. BINP will build and strengthen American infrastructure across our nation, increasing resiliency and providing tangible, long-lasting value for the American people.”
“Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” will enable USACE district commanders around the nation to execute the Civil Works projects and programs that benefit the nation. 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 transformation initiatives grouped under five categories:
- Maximizing the Ability to Deliver National Infrastructure
- Cutting Red Tape
- Focus on Efficiency
- Transparency & Accountability
- Prioritization
The transformation initiatives do not affect USACE execution of its emergency response support to natural and manmade disasters.
"The U.S. Army’s Civil Works program has been an invaluable cornerstone for more than 200 years. ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ will return USACE to a focus on its core missions and ensure the enterprise continues to be the most trusted national resource delivering water resources solutions,” added Telle. “This is only possible with President Trump’s leadership that has enabled our team to maximize our ability to deliver national infrastructure and cut red tape for the American people.”
As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ nationwide initiative, “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork,” the Mobile District is advancing partnership-based approaches that improve efficiency while maintaining environmental stewardship and public access across the Gulf Coast region.
One example is the District’s coordinated permitting framework for beneficial use of dredged material in Mississippi. Developed in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the structured review process has supported more than 595 acres of coastal restoration and enhanced 6.2 million cubic yards of material capacity. By establishing clear procedures and early coordination, the framework has improved predictability and efficiency while maintaining Clean Water Act compliance. This collaborative model may inform similar efforts elsewhere, where appropriate.
The Mobile District is also piloting and expanding the use of Challenge Cost Share Cooperative Management Agreements (CCSCMA) to improve recreation area management. Through these agreements, local governments and nonprofit partners assume certain operational responsibilities, helping reduce federal operational burdens while maintaining public access and service levels. The District currently has 12 agreements in place and is working to expand this model to additional recreation areas, including Carter’s Lake.
“The Mobile District is proud to be leading the way in implementing partnership-based solutions that strengthen how we deliver our mission,” said Col. Kelcey Shaw, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. “By piloting expanded use of cooperative management agreements and refining coordinated permitting processes, we are demonstrating how innovation and collaboration can improve efficiency while maintaining accountability and environmental stewardship.”
The District continues to execute a robust maintenance dredging and infrastructure program supporting navigation, flood risk reduction, and recreation across the region. Recent and ongoing efforts include repairs at Jim Woodruff Lock to sustain reliable navigation operations; stoplog replacements at Walter F. George Lock to enhance long-term infrastructure reliability; relocation of Buford Dam Road at Lake Lanier to protect critical dam features; shoreline stabilization and fishing deck repairs at Carter’s Lake; and sewer system improvements at Allatoona Lake in partnership with Bartow County to improve reliability and reduce long-term maintenance needs.
“Our focus remains on delivering reliable infrastructure that supports commerce, protects communities, and ensures continued public access,” Shaw said. “Through disciplined project execution and strong partnerships, we are positioning the Mobile District to meet current demands while preparing for future growth and resilience.”
For more information on the initiatives visit the website links below.