News from Around the Northwestern Division

Project Snowpack, innovating future floodplain weather prediction

By Makenzie Leonard USACE Omaha District Published Sept. 29, 2023
Historic flooding of the Upper Missouri River Basin in 2011 prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District to explore additional solutions in improving flood prediction. This led to the implementation of Project Snowpack, a multi-state and federal agency program that will revolutionize floodplain management throughout the region.
Paddling the distance

By Jessica Schaeffer, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 29, 2023
Each year, hundreds of adventurous paddlers brave 340 miles of the Lower Missouri River within a matter of 3 1/2 days as part of the annual Missouri American Water MR340 race hosted by Missouri River Relief. As the world’s longest non-stop river race, MR340 is a test of endurance. It is also an opportunity for people around the nation and world to learn more about the Missouri River and how the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the lower Missouri River Basin. Within the training all paddlers must do before the race, a warning is given to keep an eye out for the structures along the Missouri River including dikes, chutes and revetments. These structures are placed and maintained by the Kansas City District, so the Missouri River is able to self-maintain a navigation channel.
Kansas City District, Missouri Silver Jackets host extreme-flood response tabletop exercise

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 29, 2023
Be prepared—it’s the best way to handle an emergency when one occurs. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers knows this, and that’s why they partnered with the Missouri Silver Jackets team to host a tabletop exercise simulating an extreme flood event in the Kansas City metropolitan area. This exercise, the first of its kind in a decade, included participants from multiple levee and drainage districts, fire departments, public works, emergency management specialties, local, municipal, county and federal entities who support the levees during flood emergencies.
Kansas City District continues legacy of dedicated work on the Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 27, 2023
The Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth is a state-of-the-art building, boasting three floors full of custom stained-glass windows and military artifacts from many different countries and centuries. The building houses the Command and General Staff College, a joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational college and the U.S. military’s premier school of tactics. It is also one of the Kansas City District’s many projects at Fort Leavenworth from over the years. The district has a long and proud history of partnership with Fort Leavenworth. The Lewis and Clark Center is one of the largest projects the district has done for the installation. Completed in 2007, the building has since required repairs on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Now, the Kansas City District is continuing its commitment to this building and taking the lead on the repairs.
Ready, willing and able: Kansas City District’s Debris Planning and Response Team ready to respond when disaster strikes

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 12, 2023
September is National Preparedness month, which is intended to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies across the country. Although the month of September is dedicated to this important observance, at the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Debris Planning and Response Team stands ready every day in case disaster strikes. When a disaster occurs, whether natural or manmade, and the state in which it occurred is not equipped to handle the response and cleanup afterwards, the governor may declare a State of Emergency, which is needed prior to a request for federal assistance. The president then may declare a federal disaster, which allows for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to access federal funding for the cleanup. FEMA contracts with USACE Planning and Response Teams to execute the cleanup mission after a disaster.
The intern experience— Omaha District hosts 23 engineering students

By Sarah Rich USACE Omaha District Published Sept. 11, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Engineering Division welcomed engineering students from nine different state universities to its summer Student Intern Program. The goal of the program is to provide engineering students with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom with real-world work experience.
More than mandatory – Omaha District trains new employees to encourage a growth mindset

By Sarah Rich USACE Omaha District Published Sept. 7, 2023
The staff at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District is growing. With a budget increasing year-over-year, taking on new projects, and a commitment to delivering engineering solutions effectively, hiring initiatives are taking place across the district’s offices and divisions.
Sustainable rivers program (SRP)

By Lewis Lambert, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 1, 2023
The Sustainable Rivers Program improves the health and life of rivers by changing dam operations to restore and protect ecosystems, while maintaining or enhancing other project benefits. The SRP was first considered in 1998 when the Nature Conservancy approached the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about improved operations of the Green River Dam in Kentucky. SRP began in fiscal year 2002 with funding of $50,000 for environmental flows on the Green River.
The end of a long journey: a history of Lower Granite Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Aug. 25, 2023
It was early in the morning and a steam-powered paddleboat made its way up the lower Snake River, trimmed with colored flags. The date was June 19, 1975, and the mood was festive. The vessel was heading for Lower Granite Lock and Dam, whose pool had been raised just four months prior.
Truman and Stockton Dams produce hydropower for region: Celebrate National Hydropower Day

By James F. Lowe Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published Aug. 24, 2023
With the National Hydropower Association declaring August 24, 2023, as National Hydropower Day, the Kansas City District wants to celebrate our hydropower plants at Harry S. Truman Lake and Stockton Lake in central Missouri. The NHA theme for this year: hydropower is the key. What does that mean? Well, hydropower is key to cleaner communities. Hydropower production does not add to greenhouse gasses that contribute to higher temperatures on earth. Water runs through turbines in the dam and produces energy by turning the turbines with assistance from gravity.
People fuel the future of the Omaha District

By Samuel Weldin Omaha District Published Aug. 22, 2023
In the heart of Omaha, a keen and youthful mechanical engineer, Adam Nebelsick, has embarked on his first career step forward as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. With an unwavering passion for engineering and a commitment to professional growth, Adam has quickly become an involved member of the Special Projects Branch, Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants Mandatory Center of Expertise since joining the district in January of this year.
Architect of the Year transforms District training and knowledge sharing

By Kimberly Lopes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Published Aug. 21, 2023
For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2023 Architect of the Year, the best part of the job is helping others reach their full potential. “It’s rewarding knowing that other people are benefiting from the services that I can provide,” said Breanna McBride, a senior architect at the Seattle District.
USACE, Minot Air Force Base break ground on new helicopter operations facility

By Frederick Hoyt Omaha Distict Published Aug. 20, 2023
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.— A late afternoon groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 15 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota marked the official start of construction on a new Helicopter Operations Tactical Response Alert Facility for the Air Force’s 54th Helicopter Squadron, 91st Security Forces Group's tactical response force.
Spotlight on Omaha District’s Riverdale Real Estate Office

By Sarah Rich USACE Omaha District Published Aug. 14, 2023
The Omaha District spans over all or part of 10 states, covering 700,000 square miles. Project offices outside of the District office in Omaha, Neb. help to support this large area of responsibility. Omaha District’s Real Estate division has a dedicated team placed at the Garrison Project Office in Riverdale, N.D. This Riverdale Real Estate Office also works with additional staff members at its two satellite offices in Fort Peck, Mont. and Bismarck, N.D.
USACE National Water Safety Program: Promoting Safety in Style

By Jessica Schaeffer, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published Aug. 7, 2023
June, July and August are usually looked upon as some of the most fun months, but these can also be the deadliest. Most drownings at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lake projects occur in the summer months. The need to inform the public on how to safely recreate on USACE waters led to the formation of the National Water Safety Program. After World War II, USACE became the powerhouse for not only military construction but also civil works construction, including the construction, operation and maintenance of multi-purpose reservoirs, also referred to as lakes. One of a reservoir’s authorized purposes is recreation, especially water recreation.
Piezometers: An essential component to dam safety

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Aug. 3, 2023
Congress has invested $665,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to install new prefabricated staircases for the safety of maintenance workers who use the staircases to inspect the condition of Luck Peak Dam.
Omaha District completes first construction project under Tribal Partnership Program

By Delanie Stafford USACE, Omaha District Published July 27, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District recently completed an $11.6 million project in partnership with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe to address erosion of shoreline banks in Lower Brule, South Dakota.
USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published July 25, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District has started the installation process in Unit 1 for another adjustable blade turbine designed for improved fish passage. The Corps has been working diligently to decrease fish injury and improve survival rates through turbines designed for improved fish passage at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
No Fail Mission: Military Corrections Complex undergoes renovations at Fort Leavenworth

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 24, 2023
There is only one maximum security prison in the U.S. that houses male U.S. military members that have been convicted of crimes or violations under the Uniform Code of Justice. That prison is located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and is known as the United States Disciplinary Barracks. The United States Disciplinary Barracks is part of a larger Military Corrections Complex located at Fort Leavenworth, which is comprised of the Joint Regional Correctional Facility and several support and administrative buildings. The United States Disciplinary Barracks is the facility which houses individuals sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, and the Joint Regional Correctional Facility is the facility which houses individuals sentenced to less than 10 years in prison.
Agricultural Research Services Works with USACE for New Research Facilities

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 19, 2023
American farmers face many challenges in an often unpredictable economic and ecological climate. But perhaps they can rest a little easier knowing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Agricultural Research Service, or ARS, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, are working together on a project to support the nation’s agricultural sector. This project will ultimately help to improve conditions for America’s farmers when 21 new ARS research facilities are constructed across the nation.
Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published July 18, 2023
In May 1948, floodwaters on the Columbia River overtopped the cofferdam where construction was underway on McNary Lock and Dam. This flood, one of the largest on record, was one of many documented in the region since the mid-1880s. The propensity for flooding in the Northwest sparked much discussion about regional flood control.
For Those Who “Lead the Way”: Kansas City District Designs New Military Working Dog Facility at McConnell Air Force Base

By Abigail Voegeli and Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialists Kansas City District Published July 7, 2023
Military working dogs might look like your average pet, but they are highly trained animals used for security on military installations and in deployed environments. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is currently working on the planning, design and construction of a new kennel facility for the working dogs of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron located at McConnell Air Force Base, or MAFB, in Wichita, Kansas. The current kennels were constructed several decades ago and require much-needed updates.
Holy Cow! Kansas City District’s Agricultural Leasing Program Provides Benefits Far Beyond Land Management

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 7, 2023
It’s not uncommon to see cattle grazing in open pastures when driving through the Midwest. In fact, in Kansas, cows outnumber humans two to one. So, while it’s not surprising to see cattle in the Kansas City District’s area of responsibility, it might be surprising to know that some of these herds are grazing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’-owned land. This is possible through the Kansas City District’s agricultural leasing program. The district is responsible for managing the lands at its projects, which span four states, primarily Kansas and Missouri, but also include parts of Iowa and Nebraska. The district’s agricultural leasing program is a natural resource management tool and a component of the district’s integrated pest management program to control invasive weeds on lands at civil works projects, lake projects and military installations.
Training for Success and Safety

By Jessica Schaeffer, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 5, 2023
The U.S. Army is known for the rigorous basic combat training its military members go through, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has training for its civilian men and women in uniform, park rangers. This weeklong training, Visitor Assistance Training, commonly known as VA Training, is conducted in Huntsville, Alabama for all permanent rangers to receive indefinite citation authority. Each district also provides VA Training to seasonal rangers, ranger trainees and permanent rangers who were unable to attend the training in Huntsville as the classes fill up quickly. These permanent rangers then receive temporary citation authority until they can attend the training in Huntsville. This June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District held its VA Training at Smithville Lake, in Smithville, Missouri. USACE employees from the Kansas City District, Tulsa District and Omaha District attended the training.
The first of its kind: Kansas City District partners with USNORTHCOM and Mexican government to build disaster response training facility in Mexico City

By Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published July 5, 2023
Mexico is located along a hot spot of seismic activity known as “the Ring of Fire,” which makes the country uniquely prone to certain natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The last major earthquake in Mexico was documented near Mexico City in September 2017. Mexico’s National Center for Disaster Prevention is in Mexico City and is always on alert and prepared to respond to the next disaster. To continue evolving their disaster response program, the Mexican government has partnered with the U.S. government to build Mexico’s new National School for Civil Protection.

Latest News Releases

Pacific lamprey returns eclipsing other years

9/25/2023 UPDATED

*Our initial news release referenced adult Pacific Lamprey returns were 170 percent higher than the 10-year-average and then referenced the 10-year-average being 41,414 which is actually closer to 154...

Now Available: Draft Missouri River Operating Plan; Possible Fort Peck test flow; Fall public meeting schedule

9/25/2023

Ahead of fall public meetings, the Draft Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System Annual Operating Plan for the 2023-2024 runoff season is now available for public comment. The public comment period...

$7.5 billion federal credit program opens for dam safety projects

9/20/2023

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting applications for a new $7.5 billion credit assistance program, the Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP), for dam safety projects. By...

Federal water managers announce public information sessions about post-September 2024 Columbia River Treaty operations

9/20/2023

How the United States uses reservoir space in Canada changes on September 16, 2024, from the high degree of structure and control of flows coming across the border from Canada experienced over the...

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 23

9/18/2023

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

USACE seeks public comments on DAPL Draft Environmental Impact Statement

9/8/2023 UPDATED

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers –Omaha District is seeking public comments on the recently published Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Dakota Access, LLC’s request for an easement under the...

Gavins Point winter release slightly above minimum rate

9/6/2023

Rainfall in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was above normal for the month of August, resulting in above average runoff. However, due to drier-than-normal conditions in previous...

Feature Stories

Project Snowpack, innovating future floodplain weather prediction

9/29/2023 UPDATED

Historic flooding of the Upper Missouri River Basin in 2011 prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District to explore additional solutions in improving flood prediction. This led to the...

Paddling the distance

9/29/2023

Each year, hundreds of adventurous paddlers brave 340 miles of the Lower Missouri River within a matter of 3 1/2 days as part of the annual Missouri American Water MR340 race hosted by Missouri River...

Kansas City District, Missouri Silver Jackets host extreme-flood response tabletop exercise

9/29/2023

Be prepared—it’s the best way to handle an emergency when one occurs. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers knows this, and that’s why they partnered with the Missouri Silver Jackets...

Kansas City District continues legacy of dedicated work on the Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth

9/27/2023

The Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth is a state-of-the-art building, boasting three floors full of custom stained-glass windows and military artifacts from many different countries and...

Ready, willing and able: Kansas City District’s Debris Planning and Response Team ready to respond when disaster strikes

9/12/2023

September is National Preparedness month, which is intended to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies across the country. Although the month of September is...

The intern experience— Omaha District hosts 23 engineering students

9/11/2023 UPDATED

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Engineering Division welcomed engineering students from nine different state universities to its summer Student Intern Program.The goal of the program...

More than mandatory – Omaha District trains new employees to encourage a growth mindset

9/7/2023

The staff at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District is growing. With a budget increasing year-over-year, taking on new projects, and a commitment to delivering engineering solutions...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Project Snowpack, innovating future floodplain weather prediction

Paddling the distance

Kansas City District, Missouri Silver Jackets host extreme-flood response tabletop exercise

Kansas City District continues legacy of dedicated work on the Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth

Ready, willing and able: Kansas City District’s Debris Planning and Response Team ready to respond when disaster strikes

The intern experience— Omaha District hosts 23 engineering students

More than mandatory – Omaha District trains new employees to encourage a growth mindset

Sustainable rivers program (SRP)

The end of a long journey: a history of Lower Granite Lock and Dam

Truman and Stockton Dams produce hydropower for region: Celebrate National Hydropower Day

People fuel the future of the Omaha District

Architect of the Year transforms District training and knowledge sharing

USACE, Minot Air Force Base break ground on new helicopter operations facility

Spotlight on Omaha District’s Riverdale Real Estate Office

USACE National Water Safety Program: Promoting Safety in Style

Piezometers: An essential component to dam safety

Omaha District completes first construction project under Tribal Partnership Program

USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

No Fail Mission: Military Corrections Complex undergoes renovations at Fort Leavenworth

Agricultural Research Services Works with USACE for New Research Facilities

Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

For Those Who “Lead the Way”: Kansas City District Designs New Military Working Dog Facility at McConnell Air Force Base

Holy Cow! Kansas City District’s Agricultural Leasing Program Provides Benefits Far Beyond Land Management

Training for Success and Safety

The first of its kind: Kansas City District partners with USNORTHCOM and Mexican government to build disaster response training facility in Mexico City

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