When a storm hits, Corps of Engineers' built and maintained dams and reservoirs hold excess water gradually to prevent or reduce downstream flooding. These flood control structures provide fun, as well as safety. Boating, swimming, fishing and camping come courtesy of Corps' reservoirs. Reservoirs provide water supply storage for communities and protected ecosystems for fish and wildlife. In cities near waterways, floodwalls, levees and diversion channels all work to keep storm water out of homes, schools and businesses.
The Corps also helps reduce flood damage by preventing additional construction in areas most prone to floods. To reduce flooding along coastlines, the Corps erects barriers, builds breakwaters and reinforces dunes and beaches.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established the National Flood Risk Management Program in May 2006 for the purpose of integrating and synchronizing Corps' flood risk management programs and activities, both internally and with counterpart activities of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, other federal agencies, state organizations and regional and local agencies.