Federal funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) feasibility studies is shrinking. The General Investigation (GI) program, historically the primary path for federally led studies, is declining, forcing Districts to make tough choices: descoping, terminating, or shifting studies to alternative pathways like Section 203.
Meanwhile, community needs keep growing. The demand for resilient, modern infrastructure isn’t slowing down. That’s where Section 203 comes in.
A Section 203 study allows a non‑federal interest — a city, state, or regional agency — to lead a USACE‑compliant feasibility study using local funds. Instead of waiting for limited federal appropriations, communities can maintain momentum and keep critical projects on track.
For communities, this is a path forward, unlocking federal funding for major infrastructure and keeping priority projects alive.
For HDR, it’s how we deliver what we do best: long‑term partnerships and resilient solutions, supporting projects from early planning through operations over a 6- to 15-year life cycle.
Uniquely positioned to lead in this space, we completed the first modern Section 203 study under the new framework in August 2025, giving us firsthand insight into how to navigate this evolving process.
Our team supports flood risk management studies, ecosystem restoration feasibility studies, and navigable channel modifications across USACE divisions, helping non-federal sponsors advance Section 203 studies toward a federal investment decision.
Image: U.S. map of USACE District Headquarters, USACE Division Headquarters, and Divisions with HDR Section 203 Experience: Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; Dallas, Texas; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2025, HDR helped redefine USACE Section 203 delivery, turning a complex assignment into a national milestone. As owner advisor to the Cedar Port Navigation Improvement District, HDR helped to charter the approach that led to the first Section 203 completed and submitted to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA (CW), with USACE providing technical assistance and supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) federal activities during the planning process. This approach has been possible only since 2020, when Congress authorized the Corps to provide these services to non-federal interests. Integration of the Corps into the 203 process streamlined reviews and enabled the submission of a complete, fully compliant, technically robust study to the ASA(CW) in under three years.
Harris County is advancing the nation’s largest USACE Section 203 effort — enhancing flood resilience for over four million residents. As lead firm for the SAFER Program, HDR is driving this transformative, multi-project initiative with rigorous economic analysis, federal coordination, and innovative approaches to flood risk management. Through SAFER, HDR is setting a new standard for large-scale, resilient infrastructure — and creating a model for nationwide flood risk reduction.
Along the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, the Sabine Neches Waterway is a nationally significant freight corridor long overdue for modernization. HDR is helping the Navigation District advance a Section 203 study that targets strategic channel improvements—enhancing safety, efficiency, and economic performance.
With deep expertise in channel design, hydrodynamics, and navigation impacts, HDR is delivering critical analyses that move the study through federal review, helping align sponsor priorities with lasting, high-impact improvements.
The City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Pikes Peak Waterways are partnering to restore over 10 miles of Monument and Fountain Creeks through downtown — tackling sedimentation, erosion, and barriers to aquatic life. HDR is supporting this sponsor-led Section 203 study to improve water quality, restore habitat, and create resilient, naturalized channels — all while establishing a clear framework for phased federal and local investments. As the first Section 203 study in the South Pacific Division, HDR is helping set a replicable model for urban watershed restoration that aligns community goals with federal priorities.
HDR is advancing a nationally recognized Section 203 study for the South Florida Water Management District — quickly becoming a model for others to follow. By tackling complex, compound flood risks and quantifying real-world benefits, our team is helping build a compelling case for federal investment.
With momentum toward Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2026, this effort showcases how the right technical approach can turn complexity into opportunity.
Water Resources Management Lead
(816) 625-8595 | Travis.rayfield [at] hdrinc.com (Travis[dot]Rayfield[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Former Kansas City and San Francisco District Commander and District Engineer
Travis is a water resources leader with 27 years of experience, including senior leadership roles with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he led large-scale feasibility programs and WRDA-authorized studies. He specializes in delivering USACE-aligned and Section 203 feasibility efforts, guiding non-federal sponsors through complex studies, coordination, and implementation.
Texas Area Water Manager
(713) 412-9294 | Timothy.Vail [at] hdrinc.com (Timothy[dot]Vail[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Former Galveston and Walla Walla District Commander and District Engineer
Tim is a water resources and civil works leader with 27 years of USACE experience, including command of multiple Corps Districts and service as military advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). He specializes in USACE Section 203–aligned feasibility studies and civil works programs, guiding complex projects from planning through implementation while coordinating federal, state and local partners.
Ports and Maritime Program Manager
(843) 327-7295 | Andrew.Thiess [at] hdrinc.com (Andrew[dot]Thiess[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Section 203 Study and HDR Resource Coordinator
Andrew is a senior project manager with over 30 years of experience leading complex industrial and infrastructure projects in the U.S. and internationally. His expertise spans construction management, engineering design, feasibility studies, and planning for maritime ports, petrochemical facilities, pipelines, power plants, and environmental remediation, enabling him to keep projects on track through challenging technical, environmental, and political conditions.
Environmental Director, Water
(925) 465-2803 | Leslie.Tice [at] hdrinc.com (Leslie[dot]Tice[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Integrated Planning and Environmental Strategist/Regulatory Compliance Specialist
Leslie is the environmental director for our water practice, with over 28 years of experience guiding environmental programs through planning, regulatory compliance, and impact analyses. She serves as an early-planning environmental strategist before a project is defined and works with project and program teams to define the optimal environmental approach, needs, risks and opportunities. She leads NEPA and state environmental impact analyses, integrating environmental considerations into planning and design early.
Army Civil Works Program Manager
(210) 278-0415 | Pete.Perez [at] hdrinc.com (Pete[dot]Perez[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Former Chief of Engineering and Construction at USACE Headquarters
Pete brings over 32 years of board experience across all aspects of civil works. As the chief of engineering and construction for USACE, he was responsible for delivering the diverse civil works portfolio, which included dam and levee safety, coastal resiliency and flood risk management, natural and nature-based features, and non-structural solutions. In his current capacity at HDR, he supports the team in navigating the complex civil works processes.
Civil Works Lead
(614) 787-3102 | David.l.Moore [at] hdrinc.com (David[dot]l[dot]Moore[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Dam and Levee Safety Expert Specializing in Flood Risk Analysis
David brings over 30 years of experience in dam and levee safety, flood risk reduction, and coastal resiliency. He has supported the USACE and local sponsors on flood risk and storm management projects, delivering FEMA levee certifications and advising on over 300 dams and levees nationwide. His expertise in hydraulic modeling, consequence analysis, and practical flood protection design and construction enables clients to make risk-informed decisions.
Coastal Programs Director; Resiliency
(904) 401-4623 | Angela.Schedel [at] hdrinc.com (Angela[dot]Schedel[at]hdrinc[dot]com)
Coastal Resilience Leader Specializing in Sea Level Rise Adaptation
Angela is the director of coastal programs, leading teams that restore and protect vulnerable coastlines. With 24 years in the U.S. Navy and a doctorate in civil engineering focused on sea level rise adaptation, she brings expertise in coastal resilience, dredged material reuse, and ecosystem restoration. Angela has taught ocean engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy, led national research teams at the Army Engineer Research & Development Center, and serves on multiple professional boards, guiding clients and communities in addressing coastal impacts.
Senior Wetlands Specialist
(702) 435-4975 | Ryan.Hammons [at] hdrinc.com (Ryan[dot]Hammons[at]hdrinc[dot]com) Section 203 Environmental Lead Specializing in Permitting Strategy and Risk Reduction for USACE Approval
Ryan is a senior wetland specialist and certified Professional Wetland Scientist with experience supporting USACE Section 203 studies through environmental planning, permitting strategy, and regulatory coordination. He specializes in Section 404 permitting, Section 7 consultation, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act compliance, key to developing permit-ready deliverables. Ryan supports water, federal, energy, and transportation clients, aligning environmental documentation with USACE expectations. He also contributes to ecosystem restoration and holds an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate for sUAS data collection.
Successful USACE Section 203 studies require more than leadership—they demand a multidisciplinary team with nationwide experience. Our broader bench includes specialists in planning, engineering, environmental compliance, economics, and stakeholder engagement who have supported feasibility studies across the country. Together, they bring the depth, technical rigor, and regional insight needed to advance sponsor-led studies efficiently, meet USACE expectations, and move projects from concept to authorization. These five highlighted team members are just a sample of our broader team.
Senior Project Manager, Water Resources
Five years as a civil works project manager at USACE, Galveston District, managing feasibility studies in shallow and deep draft navigation, shoreline stabilization, and flood risk management. Experience includes Section 203 studies for the Raymondville Drain Study (flood risk management) and Cedar Port Channel (deep draft navigation), as well as one year at HDR managing the SAFER 203 Study, a flood risk management effort spanning 11 watersheds in Harris County, Texas.
Water Business Development Lead
Eleven years supporting USACE feasibility and mega studies, including major river and levee systems and complex, nationwide flood risk and watershed programs. Representative projects: Little Blue River (MO); Manhattan Levee Improvements (KS); Shunganunga Creek (KS); Missouri River Bed Degradation Study; Lower Missouri River Navigation Study; Jefferson City, MO L-142 Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study.
Principal Economic Consultant
Twenty‑five years supporting USACE and USBR water resources economics, including recent service as flood risk management economics regional technical specialist for the South Pacific Division. Experience includes economic leadership and technical review for major studies such as the Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study, American River Common Features, Folsom Dam Raise, Pajaro River flood risk and life‑safety assessment, and the Central Valley Project Cost Allocation Study.
Senior Environmental Specialist
Twenty-three years supporting USACE, including the SAFER Section 203 Study. Representative Corps experience: Central Everglades Planning Project; Miami Port Expansion; Port of Jacksonville Expansion; Puerto Nuevo Flood Damage Reduction.
Senior Management Water Resources Consultant
Twenty-three years supporting USACE in a variety of roles, including DPM for the San Francisco District and chief of operations and regulatory for the South Pacific Division. Experience includes work on an abbreviated Pajaro study, the Oakland Harbor Turning Basin study, a General Reevaluation Report for the Upper Guadalupe River in the San Jose area, and a Regional Dredge Material Management Plan covering ports and channels throughout San Francisco Bay, as well as multiple studies under the Continuing Authorities and Tribal Partnership Programs.