Army Unveils 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' Initiative

New plan aims to streamline Civil Works programs and accelerate delivery of critical water infrastructure projects

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The U.S. Army has announced a major new initiative called 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' for its Civil Works program. The initiative, led by Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam R. Telle, is designed to provide greater focus on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' core missions, minimize non-core programs, direct funding to priority water resources projects, shorten permitting timelines, and reduce extraneous regulations and paperwork that have slowed USACE's delivery of Civil Works projects and programs.

Why it matters

The 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative is part of the Trump administration's broader push to streamline government bureaucracy and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects. By empowering USACE district commanders to take informed risks and execute projects more efficiently, the plan aims to strengthen American infrastructure, increase resiliency, and provide tangible benefits to communities across the nation.

The details

The 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' plan consists of 27 initiatives grouped under five categories: Maximizing the Ability to Deliver National Infrastructure, Cutting Red Tape, Focus on Efficiency, Transparency & Accountability, and Prioritization. Key elements include improving commercial navigation through enhanced dredging capacity and innovative dredged material management, streamlining regulatory permitting, and implementing a 'R.A.P.I.D.' planning framework to yield high-quality, authorizable projects more efficiently.

  • The initiative was announced on February 23, 2026.

The players

Adam R. Telle

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who is leading the 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative.

Daniel P. Driscoll

Secretary of the Army, who praised the 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' transformation initiative.

Matthew Chase

Colonel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District commander, who highlighted how the initiative will enhance the district's ability to deliver results more efficiently and effectively.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army's Civil Works program, which has been an invaluable cornerstone for more than 200 years and will be the focus of the 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Adam R. Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (newsdakota.com)

“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.”

— Daniel P. Driscoll, Secretary of the Army (newsdakota.com)

“The 'Civil Works Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative will enhance our ability to deliver results for the communities we serve more efficiently and effectively. From flood risk management to commercial navigation, aquatic ecosystem restoration, disaster response and more, we recognize the imperative for continuous improvement as we focus on building, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure the nation relies on every day.”

— Matthew Chase, Colonel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District commander (newsdakota.com)

What’s next

The 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative will be implemented across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program over the coming months and years, with a focus on streamlining processes, accelerating project delivery, and maximizing the impact of the Corps' infrastructure investments.

The takeaway

The 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative represents a significant shift in the U.S. Army's approach to its Civil Works program, prioritizing efficient project execution and tangible results over bureaucratic red tape. By empowering USACE district commanders and cutting unnecessary regulations, the plan aims to strengthen critical water infrastructure and deliver real benefits to communities across the nation.