Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published June 6, 2023
By 1962, Ice Harbor Lock and Dam had been built and construction of the second lower Snake River dam, Lower Monumental, was being passed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. The third dam in the queue was right on the heels of Lower Monumental, but construction could not begin until the details of its downstream neighbor were determined.
Untapped Possibilities: Could navigation on the “Big Muddy” provide clean solutions for a more sustainable future?

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published June 2, 2023
The words “green” and “clean” are likely not the first that come to mind when thinking of ground transportation in the U.S. Trucks on the interstate and railroads are probably what come to mind first, but the greenest and cleanest form of ground transportation is one that often gets overlooked: waterway navigation. As the oldest form of transportation, navigation on U.S. waterways is not a new concept. At face value, navigation of the nation’s waterways and environmental sustainability may not seem to be related. Except they are, as navigation has very little negative impact to our environment.
USACE signs historic project partnership agreement with City and County of Denver

By Makenzie S. Leonard USACE Omaha District Published June 1, 2023
On May 8, 2023, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor, and Denver Mayor, Michael B. Hancock formally signed a partnership and historic intergovernmental agreement that will result in a multi-million-dollar investment, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds for the South Platte River and Tributaries Project (SPRT) in Adams and Denver Counties in Colorado.
Employee Spotlight: Robin Nitcher

By Jessica Schaeffer, Kanas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published May 31, 2023
Most U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lake projects are within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area. Many of those who work for our lake and project offices have grown up in the community they work in. Sometimes, those who grew up in the project’s backyard are the best stewards for the it. One such steward is Robin Nitcher, administrative officer at Pomona Lake project. Nitcher grew up three miles from Pomona Lake located in Vassar, Kansas, and would frequently visit before she became an employee. In May 1986, she started as seasonal clerk before working her way to a permanent position. She worked her first stretch at Pomona Lake until 2008 and then transferred to Melvern Lake. She worked at Melvern Lake for two years before transferring to Perry Lake to work as an administrative officer.
Omaha District begins construction of helicopter facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

By Frederick Hoyt Omaha District Published May 24, 2023
OMAHA, Neb.—A recent groundbreaking ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming marked the start of construction on a new helicopter operations and training facility for the U.S. Air Force's 582nd Helicopter Squadron.
More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City Distrit Published May 16, 2023
At first glance, the new rock, also called riprap, that has been placed along the banks of Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, might not look like much. However, this seemingly insignificant riprap plays a critical role not only in the mitigation of further shoreline erosion, but also in the protection and preservation of two cultural sites at the lake. Over 11,000 feet of riprap was placed along the shoreline of Harlan County Lake earlier this year. After the 2019 flood, areas of the lake’s shoreline had eroded 50 to 100 feet, with some areas having eroded as much as 400 feet since 1985. Even without experiencing flood conditions, the lake’s shoreline is susceptible to erosion.
Building Leaders: Officers from the Kansas City District attend Leader Professional Development at Fort Leonard Wood

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published May 15, 2023
From April 24 – 29, the officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District gathered with other military leaders throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for Leader Professional Development, or LPD. The week-long event included many educational experiences and was a great example of the U.S. Army’s policy to continuously develop their leaders. This valuable opportunity was dedicated to building relationships and sharing operational knowledge across USACE.
Protect and Preserve: Kansas City District works to manage habitat for endangered species

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published May 15, 2023
Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world observe Endangered Species Day. This day is a chance to learn about fish, wildlife, and plants in need of protection. For many U.S. Army Corps of Engineer employees, this day is another day in a career dedicated to preserving vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. USACE has one of the largest environmental missions in the federal government. The Kansas City District’s conservation biologists, environmental specialists, natural resource specialists, natural resource managers and park rangers see this day as a chance to educate others on the efforts they are making to protect endangered species on federal land.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District partners with U.S. Air Force as Sentinel Program purchasing agent

By Sarah Rich USACE Omaha District Published May 11, 2023
The U.S. Air Force is replacing the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM to modernize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The Minuteman III ICBM have been operational since the early 1970s, and upon completion, the new Sentinel ICBM will maintain effective land-leg nuclear capabilities through 2075. The program will replace missile fields at the following air forces bases: F.E. Warren, Wyo., Malmstrom, Mont., and Minot, N.D.
Juvenile salmon benefit from spring spill

Northwestern Division Published May 8, 2023
In April, the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started spilling water on the Snake and Columbia rivers to help juvenile salmon migrate downstream. We met up with Julie Ammann, Reservoir Control Center chief at Bonneville Lock & Dam to check it out.
'We’ll cross that bridge…': A history of Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published May 3, 2023
Lower Monumental Lock and Dam sits on a remote stretch of the Snake River, in a landscape of wheat fields and rolling hills. The only town within a 20-minute drive is Kahlotus, Washington, six miles north, with a population of less than 200. The only major road is State Highway 261, which crosses the river at Lyons Ferry, 18 miles upriver.
Stopping the Breach: Kansas City District Engineers work to prevent a future levee breach at Sherman Army Airfield, Fort Leavenworth

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published May 3, 2023
Known to many as both “the best hometown in the Army” and “the intellectual center of the Army,” Fort Leavenworth is famous for being the home of the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, also known as the CGSC, and many other prestigious tenants. While possibly lesser-known than some of the other notable tenants at Fort Leavenworth, the installation’s own Sherman Army Airfield is no less significant. As a joint-use facility, the airfield is an important feature to civilians and military alike. Unfortunately, after the historic 2019 Missouri River flood, the airfield was devastated. In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District has been working to make repairs and design mitigation measures to prevent future flood damage to the airfield.
USACE Omaha District’s real estate team participates in a national recruiting inleasing event

By Nyime J. Gilchrist USACE Omaha District Published May 1, 2023
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Real Estate Division representatives recently participated in a national recruiting inleasing event in Pheonix, Arizona. The conference provides a platform for service representatives to review real estate portfolios and managing leasing actions for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 fiscal-year productions. Participants included USACE representatives as well as others from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Phanna Cea

By James F. Lowe, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published May 1, 2023
In the span of the first six years of Phanna Cea’s life, she had experienced life in a refugee camp and immigrated twice to flee from unrest in the southeast region of Asia during the Vietnam War. For Cea, a native Cambodian, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District hydraulic engineer, these years didn’t define her but grew her strength and appreciation for her home country’s heritage.
As unique as they come: Big Piney Weir Project at Fort Leonard Wood

By Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published April 26, 2023
What do hellbenders, water supply and construction all have in common? It’s the Piney Weir Project at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri! The $5.8 million project in the woods of Fort Leonard Wood will repair a roughly 80-year-old weir in the Big Piney River. A weir is a low dam built across a river to raise water levels upstream. At Fort Leonard Wood, the weir does just that, but serves a special purpose to the military community living and working on the installation.
Lasting Impressions: Kansas City District establishes district-wide Summer Student Intern Program

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published April 14, 2023
As the school year winds down, many college students will be focused on finals and making plans for the summer. For those looking for professional experience in the form of a summer internship, there are seemingly endless options available. The difficult choice may not be if they should do a summer internship, but where and with whom. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hopes to attract some of these students with its newly established Summer Student Intern Program. There are separate intern programs within the Kansas City District, and although there have been summer interns in the past, 2023 will be the first year the program is district-wide. Previously, each division or section in the district oversaw their own summer intern program. Now, the program will be standardized so that all student interns have a similar experience.
First Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project is a story of success for the Walla Walla District

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 12, 2023
The Walla Walla District recently completed dredging work at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers near Lewiston, Idaho and downstream of Ice Harbor Dam. This is the first project the district has completed using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.
From water to watts: A history of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 10, 2023
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam boasts some of the most cutting-edge hydropower technology in the world. Two advanced technology turbines currently sit in the powerhouse, with a third one on the way. These new turbines were designed to improve fish passage and generate electricity more efficiently.
Creating the foundation for lasting change

By Jessica Schaeffer, Kansas City District Public Affairs U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published April 3, 2023
In 2006, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Natural Resource Section gained a new partner, the Corps Foundation. The Corps Foundation was founded by retired USACE employees and partners who volunteer their time to support recreation at USACE lake and river projects. During their time as employees or contractors, the foundation’s board of directors were able to see the needs within the organization and created the non-profit foundation. The Corps Foundation has provided over $2.93 million in support of recreation, education and advocacy at USACE lake and river projects across the nation.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District selected to partner in innovative project delivery pilot program

By Nyime J. Gilchrist USACE Omaha District Published March 31, 2023
The South Platte River and Tributaries Project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District was recently selected to participate in a civil works Public-Private Partnership pilot program.
Technology Management Office: improving USACE partnerships through innovation

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published March 31, 2023
Imagine if you were told that a new software platform could save you 40% of the time you currently spend on administrative tasks at work. What could you do with that extra time? That is the exciting question that many within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers might be asking themselves when a new construction management platform is released to the enterprise. The Technology Management Office, or TMO, a branch of the Construction Management Innovation Office within USACE Headquarters, is working hard to develop and deliver a new construction management platform. The new platform will be designed to foster a more efficient, collaborative working environment by streamlining and modernizing current construction management processes.
Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 4

By Abigail Voegeli, Christine Paul, Jessica Schaeffer and Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published March 30, 2023
Over this past month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District has highlighted the unique stories of five women, offering their experience, mentorship and advice to inspire the next generation of USACE employees. The lessons these women have shared bring a spirit of determination, motivation and passion to the district. This final installation of the Women’s History Month series is dedicated to words of advice from these women to current and future USACE employees.
Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 3

By Christine Paul, Jessica Schaeffer and Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published March 22, 2023
While the path to success has led each of these five women to different places within USACE, they have all had the benefit of accumulating important lessons throughout the course of their careers and their lives. The lessons vary among the women, but one thing they all have in common is the value these lessons bring to each new opportunity.
Setting the standard: Kansas City District recommits to delivering quality

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published March 22, 2023
Since its inception, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, has worked hard to solidify itself as a trusted federal partner who engineers quality projects for the nation. Within the organization, a select few districts have taken the commitment to quality a step further. The Kansas City District is one district that puts quality above all else. One way the Kansas City District ensures quality remains at the forefront is by providing district-wide training. Leadership at the district required all Kansas City District employees to attend the Project Delivery Business Program, or PDBP, training during the first quarter of 2023.
A step towards navigable waters: A history of McNary Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published March 20, 2023
As people moved into the Pacific Northwest, communities grew around the rivers, especially the Columbia and Snake. Back then, the rivers were temperamental and hard to navigate. However, there was a vision to create a river highway, one that would allow barges to carry cargo from the Pacific Ocean to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, 465 miles inland.
Leading the way: Kansas Citys Levees Program

By : Jessica Schaeffer, Kansas City District Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published March 16, 2023
Unless you work or live near the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, the significance of the rivers may not be at the forefront of your mind. It is, however, at the forefront of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District’s mind. The Kansas City District supports flood risk reduction on the Missouri and Kansas Rivers by delivering sustainable solutions to meet the ever-growing water resource needs of the Heartland and the nation.
Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 2

By Christine Paul, Jessica Schaeffer and Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published March 15, 2023
The path to present day looks drastically different for all five of these women. Although each of their paths took them in different directions, all were fortunate enough to have had mentors that guided them along the way. Mentorship, coupled with lifetimes of experiences, has helped propel these women to success.

Latest News Releases

Rapid mountain snowmelt; above-average May runoff

6/6/2023

Warm temperatures in the mountainous region of the upper Missouri River Basin has led to a quick melt of the mountain snowpack. The rapid melting combined with precipitation in the western half of the...

Fort Peck releases to decline during maintenance

5/5/2023

Releases from Fort Peck Dam will be reduced from 9,000 cubic feet per second to 6,000 cfs on May 22. Releases will be increased back to 9,000 cfs on June 2. If the maintenance work is completed...

Spring precipitation improves Missouri River Basin runoff forecast

5/4/2023

Late season plains snowpack accumulation and subsequent melting led to increased runoff throughout the upper Missouri River Basin during April. For the month, runoff was 4.7 million acre-feet, 159% of...

Missouri River Spring Virtual Public Meeting - Make Up - April 20

4/13/2023

A virtual make up meeting has been scheduled for April 20 at 1 p.m. after two in-person meetings were canceled due to weather on April 4. The virtual meeting can be accessed at the QR code and the url...

Upper basin runoff forecast improves with spring precipitation

4/7/2023

The latest 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa is showing improvement. The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 26.4 million...

Missouri River Spring Public Meetings in South Dakota CANCELED

4/3/2023

Missouri River Public Meetings scheduled for April 4, in Fort Pierre and Lower Brule, South Dakota have been canceled due to the forecast blizzard...

Water managers begin spring spill to benefit juvenile salmon

4/3/2023

Federal water managers will begin spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water over spillways instead of through turbines during annual “spring spill” operations at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’...

Feature Stories

Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

6/6/2023

By 1962, Ice Harbor Lock and Dam had been built and construction of the second lower Snake River dam, Lower Monumental, was being passed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. The third...

Untapped Possibilities: Could navigation on the “Big Muddy” provide clean solutions for a more sustainable future?

6/2/2023

The words “green” and “clean” are likely not the first that come to mind when thinking of ground transportation in the U.S. Trucks on the interstate and railroads are probably what come to mind first,...

USACE signs historic project partnership agreement with City and County of Denver

6/1/2023

On May 8, 2023, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor, and Denver Mayor, Michael B. Hancock formally signed a partnership and historic intergovernmental agreement that will...

Employee Spotlight: Robin Nitcher

5/31/2023

Most U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lake projects are within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area. Many of those who work for our lake and project offices have grown up in the community they work in...

Omaha District begins construction of helicopter facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

5/24/2023

OMAHA, Neb.—A recent groundbreaking ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming marked the start of construction on a new helicopter operations and training facility for the U.S. Air...

More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

5/16/2023

At first glance, the new rock, also called riprap, that has been placed along the banks of Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, might not look like much. However, this seemingly insignificant riprap plays a...

Building Leaders: Officers from the Kansas City District attend Leader Professional Development at Fort Leonard Wood

5/15/2023

From April 24 – 29, the officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District gathered with other military leaders throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division at...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

Untapped Possibilities: Could navigation on the “Big Muddy” provide clean solutions for a more sustainable future?

USACE signs historic project partnership agreement with City and County of Denver

Employee Spotlight: Robin Nitcher

Omaha District begins construction of helicopter facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

Building Leaders: Officers from the Kansas City District attend Leader Professional Development at Fort Leonard Wood

Protect and Preserve: Kansas City District works to manage habitat for endangered species

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District partners with U.S. Air Force as Sentinel Program purchasing agent

Juvenile salmon benefit from spring spill

'We’ll cross that bridge…': A history of Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

Stopping the Breach: Kansas City District Engineers work to prevent a future levee breach at Sherman Army Airfield, Fort Leavenworth

USACE Omaha District’s real estate team participates in a national recruiting inleasing event

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Phanna Cea

As unique as they come: Big Piney Weir Project at Fort Leonard Wood

Lasting Impressions: Kansas City District establishes district-wide Summer Student Intern Program

First Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project is a story of success for the Walla Walla District

From water to watts: A history of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

Creating the foundation for lasting change

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District selected to partner in innovative project delivery pilot program

Technology Management Office: improving USACE partnerships through innovation

Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 4

Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 3

Setting the standard: Kansas City District recommits to delivering quality

A step towards navigable waters: A history of McNary Lock and Dam

Leading the way: Kansas Citys Levees Program

Life Lessons & Learning: A celebration of women in the Kansas City District, Part 2

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