News from Around the Northwestern Division

Walla Walla District visits Gavins Point for operations collaboration, zebra mussel education

By Lisa Crawford Omaha District Published Sept. 14, 2026
A dozen U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District operations managers traveled to the corner of Nebraska and South Dakota to visit the Gavins Point Dam, Aug. 25-26, 2026, to collaborate and network with counterparts from the Omaha District as part of their quarterly operations management meeting.
Guarding the graveyard, Part 1: Coast Guard calls for USACE support

By Andria Allmond Published Sept. 12, 2026
While the American West may be considered largely tamed, the Pacific Ocean and the rivers that feed into it remain feral, unpredictable, and an opportunistic scavenger for even highly trained mariners. No other location in the Pacific Northwest boasts a more brutal body of water than the aptly named Cape Disappointment.
Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 3

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published Sept. 11, 2026
Third and final part of a series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The series is in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 2

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published Sept. 10, 2026
Part two of a three-part series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The series is in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 1

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published Sept. 9, 2026
Part one of a three-part series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The series is in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Joint Task Force Castle activated at Hill AFB

By Delanie Stafford Joint Task Force Castle Published Aug. 26, 2026
JTF Castle is the latest example of joint-service collaboration supporting strategic deterrence modernization. As the organization begins operations, its leaders emphasized a shared commitment to delivering the infrastructure necessary to support the Sentinel program and strengthen the nation’s long-term security.
From flood fight to recovery: Seattle District continues restoring flood protection across the Pacific Northwest

By Shelia Fourman Seattle District Published Aug. 26, 2026
The December 2025 flood event tested communities, infrastructure and emergency response organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District responded by operating around the clock, managing reservoirs, providing technical expertise, delivering critical flood-fighting supplies and coordinating directly with government partners. But the response did not end when the floodwaters receded. That work represents the next phase of the flood response, moving from emergency action to infrastructure recovery and ultimately, to greater resilience.
Kansas lake records state’s second successful osprey nesting three years after the first

By Christine E. Reinhardt, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Aug. 24, 2026
Prior to 2023, Kansas had never recorded a successful osprey nesting and fledging. As more of these predatory birds were seen in the state, it was just a matter of time before history was made. Perry Lake, located in northeast Kansas, did just that when it recorded the first successful osprey nesting in the state’s history. Beginning in 2019, and over the next few years, state and federal officials at Perry Lake worked together to protect an active osprey nest from storms, rising water levels and other environmental threats. After years of trial and error, the ospreys were finally successful, and the summer of 2023 marked the state’s first-ever recorded osprey nesting and fledging.
Memorial bench dedicated in honor of Bruce Dvoracek at Gavins Point Dam

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published Aug. 24, 2026
A memorial bench was recently dedicated at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Gavins Point Dam in honor of Bruce Dvoracek, who dedicated more than two decades of service to the project before his tragic passing in an automobile accident Aug. 5, 2022, shortly before his planned retirement.
USACE, Air Force open modernized helicopter, tactical response force facility supporting nuclear security

By Makenzie Leonard Omaha District Published Aug. 21, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Air Force marked a significant milestone in national nuclear defense infrastructure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 14, 2026, for the new 37th Helicopter Squadron and 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron Tactical Response Force building.
St. Vrain Creek flood risk reduction project nears completion in Longmont

By Ryan Hansen Omaha District Published Aug. 20, 2026
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District flood risk reduction project along the St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado, is substantially complete, marking another milestone in the community’s ongoing effort to improve flood resilience following the catastrophic flooding of 2013.
The city so nice they named it twice: How the Kansas Citys Levees mega project exceeded all expectations to reduce flood risk in the heartland

By Christine E. Reinhardt, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Aug. 17, 2026
Vertical construction is hard to miss. Say, a brand-new hospital or a four-story facility to house a national security and defense agency. Drive by and you are likely to notice as construction progresses skyward. But what about horizontal construction – that is, construction happening low to the ground and stretching several miles? It might not be as noticeable to passersby or be as visually impressive, but horizontal construction on a mega scale is no less of an engineering feat than its vertical counterpart. That is especially true when the construction reduces flood risk for 30,000 people and more than $10 billion in economic infrastructure, which is exactly what the Kansas Citys Levees project accomplished.
Ensure, maintain and prepare: Kansas City District holds continuity of operations exercise

By Christine E. Reinhardt, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Aug. 14, 2026
It’s said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a plan, whether in your personal or professional life, in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation is sometimes easier said than done. With September being National Preparedness Month, there is no better time than the present to make a plan for the worst-case scenario. All federal agencies are required by a Presidential Policy Directive to have a continuity of operations program. These programs ensure agencies can continue to operate mission essential functions in the event normal operations are disrupted. Practicing continuity of operations is an essential part of the program, allowing agencies to prepare before a real emergency.
Omaha employees honored for saving taxpayers’ dollars

By Lisa Crawford Omaha District Published Aug. 12, 2026
Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employees received the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal for their outstanding service and stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, July 16, 2026, at the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building in Omaha, Nebraska.
Omaha District under new leadership following change of command

By Ryan Hansen Omaha District Published Aug. 3, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, held a change of command ceremony July 28, 2026, at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha, Nebraska, welcoming Col. Joe Sahl and thanking outgoing commander Col. Robert Newbauer.
The Walla Walla District welcomes Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Published July 31, 2026
On July 15, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District held its change of command ceremony at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where Lt. Col. Kathryn Werback relinquished command to Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch.
Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published July 29, 2026
Natural resources specialists from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and other partners for a two-day Canada goose banding operation at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration in conserving North America's migratory bird populations.
The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

By Andria Allmond Published July 27, 2026
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of news commentaries on the Bonneville Dam safety reclassification. In this edition, the author will explain the basis of the reclassification, with future articles addressing specific aspects influencing the reclassification and evaluation. 
USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

By Louis R. Velasco U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Published July 20, 2026
During one of western Washington's most significant flood events in recent history in December 2025, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management dams, water managers and emergency response operations helped reduce flood risk across the Puget Sound region by holding back peak flows, protecting communities, and helping prevent an estimated $8.7 billion in potential flood damages.
Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published July 20, 2026
A functional spillway flow test was conducted at the Garrison Dam in late June marking a first for the Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project. Engineers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District conducted the test to evaluate the long-term performance and reliability of the structure while ensuring it is ready for future flood events.
Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

By Abigail Chipps Seattle District Published July 16, 2026
For the past four years, Kyle Comanor has managed water flows at dams near and within the greater Seattle area. In his role as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Seattle District’s senior water manager for western Washington, communicating with other agencies, especially those who forecast, is critical in making water management decisions that positively impact recreational water use, flood risk reduction and public safety.
Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT Published July 13, 2026
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts joined Col. Robert Newbauer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District commander, and project leaders for a tour of rehabilitation efforts on the R-562 levee system June 15, 2026.
USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

By Louis R. Velasco Seattle District Published June 17, 2026
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leaders celebrated a project groundbreaking May 28, 2026 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The project will serve as the “gateway” for future modernization efforts to the installation’s Minuteman III ICBM arsenal. The Commercial Entrance Control Facility has a simple but strategic purpose: enable easier and direct access for contractors and heavy construction machinery to Sentinel-related construction sites around the installation.

Latest News Releases

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26

HQ USACE Public Affairs Office

9/14/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces fall drawdown elevation targets for Lake Pend Oreille

Seattle District

9/4/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces Lake Pend Oreille elevation targets for the upcoming fall 2026 drawdown...

Missouri River system storage declining, Gavins point winter releases set at minimum rate

Missouri River Water Management Division

9/4/2026

August runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 1.0 million acre-feet (MAF), 73% of average. Runoff was well below normal in the Fort Peck and Garrison reaches due to dry soil...

Fort Peck hydroelectric generating units restored to service following fire

Omaha District

9/4/2026

Generating units at the Fort Peck Powerhouse have returned to service following an incident and localized fire late evening, Sept. 3, 2026...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repairing City of Renton's Cedar River Levee

Seattle District

8/27/2026

Repairs to the Cedar River Levee begin, Aug. 27, in Renton, Washington, starting on the Left Bank of the Cedar River Authorized Levee, next to Renton Municipal Airport. Public Law 84-99 (PL 84-99)...

USACE seeks comment on supplemental environmental assessment for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

8/18/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials are seeking public comments on the draft supplemental environmental assessment for the proposed update to Mud Mountain Dam’s Water Control Manual. USACE...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recognizes National Hydropower Day and Highlights Public-Private Energy Partnerships

USACE HQ Public Affairs Office

8/17/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is proud to recognize National Hydropower Day, Aug. 24. For more than 140 years, the USACE Hydropower Program has been providing the nation with ready,...

Feature Stories

Walla Walla District visits Gavins Point for operations collaboration, zebra mussel education

Omaha District

9/14/2026

A dozen U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District operations managers traveled to the corner of Nebraska and South Dakota to visit the Gavins Point Dam, Aug. 25-26, 2026, to collaborate and...

Guarding the graveyard, Part 1: Coast Guard calls for USACE support

9/12/2026

While the American West may be considered largely tamed, the Pacific Ocean and the rivers that feed into it remain feral, unpredictable, and an opportunistic scavenger for even highly trained...

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 3

Omaha District

9/11/2026

Third and final part of a series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept...

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 2

Omaha District

9/10/2026

Part two of a three-part series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,...

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 1

Omaha District

9/9/2026

Part one of a three-part series highlighting the firsthand experiences of Omaha District employees who supported search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,...

Joint Task Force Castle activated at Hill AFB

Joint Task Force Castle

8/26/2026

JTF Castle is the latest example of joint-service collaboration supporting strategic deterrence modernization. As the organization begins operations, its leaders emphasized a shared commitment to...

From flood fight to recovery: Seattle District continues restoring flood protection across the Pacific Northwest

Seattle District

8/26/2026

The December 2025 flood event tested communities, infrastructure and emergency response organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District responded...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Walla Walla District visits Gavins Point for operations collaboration, zebra mussel education

Guarding the graveyard, Part 1: Coast Guard calls for USACE support

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 3

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 2

Looking Back at Ground Zero, Part 1

Joint Task Force Castle activated at Hill AFB

From flood fight to recovery: Seattle District continues restoring flood protection across the Pacific Northwest

Kansas lake records state’s second successful osprey nesting three years after the first

Memorial bench dedicated in honor of Bruce Dvoracek at Gavins Point Dam

USACE, Air Force open modernized helicopter, tactical response force facility supporting nuclear security

St. Vrain Creek flood risk reduction project nears completion in Longmont

The city so nice they named it twice: How the Kansas Citys Levees mega project exceeded all expectations to reduce flood risk in the heartland

Ensure, maintain and prepare: Kansas City District holds continuity of operations exercise

Omaha employees honored for saving taxpayers’ dollars

Omaha District under new leadership following change of command

The Walla Walla District welcomes Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

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Feature Stories

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated