News from Around the Northwestern Division

McNary turns 70!

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Published Oct. 7, 2024
As the population grew in the Pacific Northwest, communities formed around the Columbia and Snake rivers. Back then, the currents were temperamental and hard to navigate. However, there was a vision to create a 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.
Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Sept. 25, 2024
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Fort Randall Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 20, 2024, in Pickstown, South Dakota for a newly constructed trail system. The trail system, named the Lisa M. Durham Memorial Trail, honors Lisa Durham, a longtime Fort Randall employee who passed away in 2022 following her battle with cancer.
‘We have the responsibility’: Missouri River fish and wildlife mitigation project a vital undertaking

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 18, 2024
After Lewis and Clark ended their journey westward in 1806, an expedition known as the Corps of Discovery, the Missouri River would prove to be a vital link between the east and west. Flowing right through the heartland, the Missouri River is the longest river in the U.S. and is an important economic resource to the region, the nation and the world. Before the Missouri River became the navigation hub it is today, it was an untamed, wild body of water prone to flooding, known for changing paths, with a floodplain as wide as a mile in some places. By the late 19th century, the government realized the value the river could have on westward expansion and began the process of taming the river.
A trip through geological time: Wilson Lake’s unique topography makes it a must-see destination

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Sept. 16, 2024
Standing over 20 feet in the air, the red, striped sandstone formations tower over the surrounding landscape, casting long shadows into the water they sit next to. Where can these majestic rock formations be found? It’s not Utah or New Mexico, but Kansas. That’s right – Kansas. Known for its agriculture (cows outnumber people, after all) and its flat prairies, it might be surprising to learn there are areas of the state with large geological formations like those found in Utah, New Mexico and other areas of the American Southwest. Wilson Lake, located in central Kansas, is home to some of the most unique topography in the state.
Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Eugene Pawlik U.S. Army Corps Engineers Published Sept. 13, 2024
WASHINGTON – Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, Jr. today assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and became the Army’s 56th Chief of Engineers during a three-part ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall. Graham assumed command from outgoing USACE commander Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon during the change of command ceremony hosted by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George.
Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Eugene Pawlik U.S. Army Corps Engineers Published Sept. 13, 2024
WASHINGTON – Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, Jr. today assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and became the Army’s 56th Chief of Engineers during a three-part ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall. Graham assumed command from outgoing USACE commander Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon during the change of command ceremony hosted by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George.
Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published Sept. 13, 2024
This summer, the record-breaking Hurricane Beryl entered the Caribbean Sea as a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 hurricane and hitting the Texas coast, July 8. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team (PRT) was on the ground supporting efforts to get the lights back on for over 2.7 million who lost power in the Houston area.
Sharing the load: Partnering to keep people safe

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published Sept. 9, 2024
To prevent flooding in a desert, sometimes you must build a dam without a river.
Ranger leads the way: Kansas City District park ranger a proponent of cashless fee system

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Aug. 12, 2024
In the U.S. Army, they say “Rangers lead the way.” In the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it’s often park rangers leading the way at our nation’s lake projects. At Rathbun Lake, located in southern Iowa, one park ranger is leading the way by being a proponent of the cashless fee system at the lake’s campgrounds and boat ramps. Since 2020, Ryan Vogt, natural resource specialist and park ranger at Rathbun Lake, has led the way in the Kansas City District for adopting a cashless fee system at both the lake project’s campgrounds and boat ramps. While many lake projects in the district’s area of responsibility have automated fee machines from which recreators can purchase recreation passes, Rathbun Lake is one of the first to have a cashless reservation system at its over 400 campsites.
Senior executive earns exclusive award through leadership during complex and challenging work

By Tom Conning, Public Affairs Specialist Northwestern Division Published Aug. 9, 2024
Considering the massive size of the territory within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Northwestern Division footprint (14 states and 2,000 miles wide), it’s understandable that the organization faces considerable adversity when it comes to implementing its programs. The challenges can come in many forms: budget shortfalls, lawsuits, international treaty negotiations and staffing shortages.
Finding the spark: One Walla Walla native’s drive to become an electrical engineer

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published July 29, 2024
Growing up, Eric Hedine loved science and pictured himself becoming a biologist. However, his plans shifted when he discovered electrical engineering.
‘Someplace they can feel at home and happy’: Kansas City District completes design for new Fort Leavenworth child development center

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 23, 2024
One of the biggest challenges our nation’s servicemembers and their families face is moving from installation to installation across the country, sometimes across the world, every couple of years. To help reduce the stress and uncertainty that servicemembers and their families can experience during a permanent change of station, the Army uses standard designs when constructing facilities on their installations. This helps to instill a sense of familiarity across installations.
Real property, real people: District real property accountability officer on making the most of her job

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 22, 2024
April Coleman is no stranger to change. Growing up in a military family, Coleman was accustomed to changing environments. As a former Airman and military spouse, she’s continued to live a life full of change.
Robust volunteer program helps reduce recreation operating costs at Rathbun Lake

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 22, 2024
Rathbun Lake, located in southern Iowa, is one of the largest in the state and boasts approximately half a million visitors annually. With over 22,000 acres of land surrounding the lake, there is plenty of work to be done to keep the lake project operable for one of its congressionally authorized purposes: recreation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the lake, which began operations in 1970. Managed by the Kansas City District, Rathbun Lake hosts recreators from all over the U.S., and even from around the world, at its over 400 campsites, 12 recreation areas, 21 trail miles, 11 boat ramps and three swimming areas. Spend a little time at the lake and you’ll understand why — the scenery in the area is beautiful. It might come as a surprise then, to learn the lake depends on dozens of volunteers rather than paid staff to keep it operating at a capacity able to satisfy the recreational needs of its visitors.
USACE, U.S. Marine Corps finish new fuel station in Georgia

By Frederick Hoyt USACE Omaha District Published July 19, 2024
ALBANY, Ga. -- Marines, civilians and distinguished guests from the U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia gathered to celebrate the official opening of a new ground fuel station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, July 10.

Latest News Releases

Ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark completion of vital levee project milestone

Kansas City District

10/4/2024

Local, state and federal officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Phase I of the Manhattan levee project in Manhattan, Kansas, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The...

Large Lock Center Gate At Chittenden Locks Remains Open Till Nov. 4

USACE/SEATTLE DISTRICT

10/3/2024

The large lock chamber at Lake Washington Ship Canal and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will remain open to navigation through noon, Nov. 4. Additional time allows the engineering team to ensure the new...

September runoff below average; October public meetings

Missouri River Water Management Division

10/3/2024

September runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin was well-below average, continuing the trend of below-average runoff in 2024. “Although Montana precipitation was wetter-than-normal in September,...

Army Corps of Engineers hosts public info sessions focused on Lookout Point and Green Peter reservoir drawdowns

Portland District

9/26/2024

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invites the public to three online information sessions to learn about Willamette Valley dams and reservoirs operating under court-ordered interim injunction...

Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

9/26/2024

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Fort Randall Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 20, 2024, in Pickstown, South Dakota for a newly constructed trail system.The trail...

Public encouraged to submit input on Lower Osage Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study

Kansas City District

9/25/2024

Officials will hold two public meetings to solicit formal public input on the environmental analysis and recommendations from the Lower Osage Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. The meetings,...

State and federal partners encourage public to attend Jefferson City spin-off study public meeting

Kansas City District

9/17/2024

Officials will hold a public meeting for the Lower Missouri River Jefferson City spin-off study on September 26, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The meeting, which will be held by the Kansas City...

Feature Stories

McNary turns 70!

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

10/7/2024

As the population grew in the Pacific Northwest, communities formed around the Columbia and Snake rivers. Back then, the currents were temperamental and hard to navigate. However, there was a vision...

Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

9/25/2024

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Fort Randall Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 20, 2024, in Pickstown, South Dakota for a newly constructed trail system.The trail...

‘We have the responsibility’: Missouri River fish and wildlife mitigation project a vital undertaking

Kansas City District

9/18/2024

After Lewis and Clark ended their journey westward in 1806, an expedition known as the Corps of Discovery, the Missouri River would prove to be a vital link between the east and west. Flowing right...

A trip through geological time: Wilson Lake’s unique topography makes it a must-see destination

Kansas City District

9/16/2024

Standing over 20 feet in the air, the red, striped sandstone formations tower over the surrounding landscape, casting long shadows into the water they sit next to. Where can these majestic rock...

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Army Corps Engineers

9/13/2024

WASHINGTON – Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, Jr. today assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and became the Army’s 56th Chief of Engineers during a three-part ceremony at Joint Base...

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Army Corps Engineers

9/13/2024

Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

9/13/2024

This summer, the record-breaking Hurricane Beryl entered the Caribbean Sea as a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 hurricane and hitting the Texas coast, July 8. The U.S. Army Corps...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

McNary turns 70!

Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

‘We have the responsibility’: Missouri River fish and wildlife mitigation project a vital undertaking

A trip through geological time: Wilson Lake’s unique topography makes it a must-see destination

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl

Sharing the load: Partnering to keep people safe

Ranger leads the way: Kansas City District park ranger a proponent of cashless fee system

Senior executive earns exclusive award through leadership during complex and challenging work

Finding the spark: One Walla Walla native’s drive to become an electrical engineer

‘Someplace they can feel at home and happy’: Kansas City District completes design for new Fort Leavenworth child development center

Real property, real people: District real property accountability officer on making the most of her job

Robust volunteer program helps reduce recreation operating costs at Rathbun Lake

USACE, U.S. Marine Corps finish new fuel station in Georgia

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Latest News Releases

Ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark completion of vital levee project milestone

Large Lock Center Gate At Chittenden Locks Remains Open Till Nov. 4

September runoff below average; October public meetings

Army Corps of Engineers hosts public info sessions focused on Lookout Point and Green Peter reservoir drawdowns

Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

Public encouraged to submit input on Lower Osage Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study

State and federal partners encourage public to attend Jefferson City spin-off study public meeting

Feature Stories

McNary turns 70!

Fort Randall trail dedication honors beloved employee

‘We have the responsibility’: Missouri River fish and wildlife mitigation project a vital undertaking

A trip through geological time: Wilson Lake’s unique topography makes it a must-see destination

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Graham assumes command of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl