FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — More than 150 people joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Regulatory Division on Aug. 4 for a Regulatory Transformation Workshop at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale.
The one-day event brought together people who work with—or simply want to better understand—the USACE Regulatory Program. Participants included permittees, applicants, environmental consultants, federal, state and local agencies, and other members of the public with an interest in the program.
About 80 people attended the workshop in person, with another 70 joining virtually. Representatives from South Florida county and city governments, state regulatory agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) took part, along with applicants and consultants from across the region.
Jacksonville District Regulatory staff led the sessions, sharing updates and practical guidance based on their experience managing one of USACE's busiest Regulatory Programs. Project managers also spoke about reviewing complex permit applications and what applicants can do to help move the process forward.
The workshop covered a range of topics, including program updates, jurisdiction, mitigation, Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, and requirements under the Endangered Species Act and Essential Fish Habitat.
Presenters also discussed what makes an “A+” application and offered examples drawn from common permitting situations.
A live demonstration of the Regulatory Request System (RSS) gave participants a closer look at the online tool, which can be used to submit applications, report violations, request pre-application meetings and complete other regulatory requests.
The Regulatory Program continues to change as policies evolve and jurisdictional issues are addressed through the courts. The workshop gave USACE a chance to help people understand those changes and explain how to use available tools and processes more effectively.
“We hope people left with something they can use,” said Kelly Unger, Jacksonville District's West Permits Branch Chief. “Whether that is a better understanding of the Regulatory Request System, clearer expectations for an application or an answer to a question, the goal is to help people work through the process more smoothly.”
Although participants had only a few clarification questions during the event, the workshop created space for direct conversation between USACE staff and those who regularly work with the Regulatory Program.
“We want people to leave with the information they need to submit stronger applications and respond more effectively when additional information is needed,” Unger said. “That helps everyone.”
There are no additional Regulatory Transformation Workshops scheduled at this time. Those who were unable to attend may request workshop materials by emailing mailto:OutreachWorkshop@usace.army.mil.
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