News from Around the Northwestern Division

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.
A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

By Makenzie Leonard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published June 8, 2026
William F. Hayden Park is a scenic public park on the side of Green Mountain in Lakewood, Colorado, attracting nearly 500,000 visitors annually. Prior to its existence as a public park, this stretch of Green Mountain was known by the Army National Guard as the Camp George West Artillery Range.
Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

By Louis R. Velasco Seattle District Published June 5, 2026
For Jacqui Bergner, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aquatic biologist, the rumble of a dredging vessel's engine wasn't just noise—it was the sound of her office. For one week, she called the massive hopper dredge Essayons home, working 12-hour shifts sifting through thousands of pounds of sand and mud. Her mission: to monitor for the accidental “take” of threatened green sturgeon.
Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published June 1, 2026
Many people will visit popular lakes across the Midwest this summer for recreation without ever knowing the reservoirs provide several other benefits. These benefits include irrigation, water supply for domestic use, and habitats for fish and wildlife. One of their primary purposes, however, is to provide critical flood risk reduction. Each year, the reservoir systems help save downstream communities from the potential loss of life and millions of dollars in flood damage. The reservoirs work together to collect and store water during high-water events and then release it once downstream flood risks have subsided. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, currently manages 35 tributary reservoirs with federally authorized flood control storage across several Upper Midwest and western states, including projects owned by USACE, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and local authorities.
Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 28, 2026
Sue Dalbey, director of the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, has been selected as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2025 Honorary Communicator of the Year for her leadership and outreach efforts in communicating USACE missions and programs.
District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

By Makenzie Leonard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 27, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District has completed the $250 million Pipestem Dam Spillway Modification Project, fulfilling a three-year commitment to residents of Jamestown, North Dakota, and communities downstream of the dam. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 19 to celebrate the milestone.
Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

By Nicole L. Celestine U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT Published May 26, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $20,395,700 contract award for the 11-gate replacement project at Albeni Falls Dam, in Oldtown, Idaho, signals a shift in how federal infrastructure projects are delivered: prioritizing efficiency and community transparency over bureaucratic hurdles, working as a regional team to efficiently deliver the design, hosting Industry Day events to incorporate input from industry experts and delivering a 'Hybrid contract,' a unique type of contract.

Latest News Releases

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,...

Public meeting to be held for former Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

8/13/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting a public meeting for the formerly used Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3 on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the Rand Community Center in...

Below normal runoff continues in the Upper Missouri Basin

Missouri River Water Management Division

8/10/2026

July runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2.0 million acre-feet (MAF), 61% of average. Runoff was below-normal to well-below-normal in the Fort Peck, Garrison, and Oahe...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins North Fork Skagit River Levee Repairs

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

8/10/2026

Repairs to the North Fork Skagit River levee system to provide 50-year flood protection for residential and agricultural lands in the Skagit Delta in the city of Mount Vernon, Washington, begins...

Drought vs. drawdown at Detroit reservoir: Top 5 questions answered

Portland District

7/28/2026

This summer, visitors to and residents near Detroit Reservoir are noticing lower-than-average water levels...

Heat broils eastern Washington, Idaho as federal water managers seek to salve river temperatures. Enter Dworshak Dam – calm, cool (water) and collected.

Northwestern Division

7/27/2026

The Clearwater and Snake rivers converge at Lewiston and the hot water from those two rivers mixing there is dangerous for salmon and steelhead that prefer cooler water temperatures. As dire as this...

White River Basin communities invited to open house for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

7/24/2026

Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District will host an open house Sept. 1 in Auburn, Washington to inform the public about the district’s efforts to update Mud Mountain...

Feature Stories

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

Kansas City District

8/17/2026

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...

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

Kansas City District

8/14/2026

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...

Omaha employees honored for saving taxpayers’ dollars

Omaha District

8/12/2026

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,...

Omaha District under new leadership following change of command

Omaha District

8/3/2026

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...

The Walla Walla District welcomes Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

7/31/2026

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...

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

7/29/2026

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...

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

7/27/2026

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...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

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

A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

Top Pages

Related External Links

Latest News Releases

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

Public meeting to be held for former Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3

Below normal runoff continues in the Upper Missouri Basin

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins North Fork Skagit River Levee Repairs

Drought vs. drawdown at Detroit reservoir: Top 5 questions answered

Heat broils eastern Washington, Idaho as federal water managers seek to salve river temperatures. Enter Dworshak Dam – calm, cool (water) and collected.

White River Basin communities invited to open house for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

Feature Stories

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

News from Around the Northwestern Division

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

A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

Top Pages

Related External Links

Latest News Releases

Feature Stories

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