The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers's Civil Works Program is the nation's foremost water resources development program. The origins of Civil Works date back to 1824 when Congress provided funds to USACE for navigation improvements. The Seattle District Civil Works Program was traditionally centered on navigation and flood control.

Since the Water Resources Act of 1986, Seattle District has assumed a growing role in environmental restoration offering many programs for helping communities, counties, tribes, and other non-federal governments. USACE helps these organizations solve water resource problems including a broad range of authorities and missions that support the nation. 

All together, Seattle District's Civil Works boundaries encompass over 99,000 square miles including 4,700 miles of shoreline. The boundaries stretch from Western Montana to North Idaho and much of Washington State including the Columbia River system.

The primary mission areas for the Civil Works Program are:

• Navigation
• Flood Risk Management
• Ecosystem Restoration
• Emergency Operations
• Recreation

• Seattle District has been serving the Pacific Northwest since 1896.
• Boundaries cover western Washington, the Columbia River system upstream of the Yakima River, northern Idaho, and western Montana to the Continental Divide.
• 99,000 square miles and 4,700 miles of shoreline.
• 6 operating projects; including flood control, hydropower, locks, and water supply.