News from Around the Northwestern Division

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

Published May 15, 2026
The early 1800s heralded a period of immense change for the Coos Bay area with the arrival of its first non-Indigenous people: fur traders seeking fortune and military expeditions charting the new frontier. The discovery of gold and coal along Oregon’s southern coast in the 1850s intensified the rush of land speculation that followed.
District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 11, 2026
A longtime U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employee will retire this summer after more than four decades shaping how military and federal buildings withstand threats and conserve energy.
Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

By Nicole L. Celestine U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT Published May 4, 2026
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Libby Dam spotlight Volunteer Barbara Grant, as part of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026). In 2025, Libby Dam ranked No. 60 of 322 USACE-managed projects in the nation for volunteer contributions; the cadre of 28 volunteers contributed 3,741 hours of service.
District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published April 30, 2026
Innovation often starts with a simple idea, like an observation from someone doing the work every day who sees a better way to accomplish the mission. A program known as Brainstorm the Castle is giving employees across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District a platform to turn those ideas into real improvements that strengthen operations, streamline processes and support the district’s mission.
Caring for Those Who Serve: New Hospital Opens at Fort Leonard Wood

By Diana McCoy Kansas City District Published April 24, 2026
After six years of construction and much excitement among the community it serves, the opening of the new General Leonard Wood Community Hospital was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31, 2026, bringing partners from across the region together to mark the important event. Drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to the event, the ceremony marked off a milestone for the project, which provides a much needed and highly anticipated modern healthcare facility for the military community in and around Fort Leonard Wood, in Pulsaki County, Missouri.
Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

By Andrew Nystrom U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published April 22, 2026
Federal leaders toured the Missouri River corridor April 9 to assess power generation and flood protection infrastructure and discuss future risk reduction efforts in Nebraska. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle joined Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts and Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, during the visit, which included project briefings, a river tour and meetings with regional stakeholders hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
A Life of Service Earns Top Civilian Scholastic Honor

By Diana McCoy Kansas City District Published April 22, 2026
Not all leaders are loud and in your face. They don’t have to demand recognition of their status or demand obedience from their subordinates, and they aren’t motivated by the number of awards they can hang on their walls. Occasionally, a leader is simply recognized and respected because of their calm and quiet way of offering advice and providing mentorship or direction. They look for opportunities to help. They ask the right questions and make those around them feel heard and seen by listening. Luckily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District, these leadership qualities are found in Eric Shumate, the Deputy District Engineer and the chief of Planning, Programs and Project Management Division.
Williston flood preparedness put to the test as agencies, stakeholders rehearse levee emergency response

By Andrew Nystrom U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published April 21, 2026
A tabletop exercise simulating a catastrophic levee failure and flooding emergency affecting the Williston, North Dakota area was held April 7, 2026, at the Williams County Emergency Operations Center. The exercise, planned and hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District's Dam and Levee Safety Branch, brought together local, state and federal emergency managers along with law enforcement, public works officials, and stakeholders from the Williston area, to meet critical goals in emergency preparedness and flood response.
EIS underway for proposed Perkins County Canal project

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published April 8, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is serving as the lead federal agency responsible for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and evaluating a federal permit application for the proposed Perkins County Canal project. A Section 404 permit application was submitted by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment and was determined complete by USACE, along with a formal determination that an EIS is required due to the project’s potential to significantly affect the environment.
Gold Beach gets a rockin' repair at the Rogue

Published April 7, 2026
After months of pre-construction planning, last week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, began a critical $3,021,620 repair of the Rogue River South Jetty. The project, awarded to contractor Suulutaqq Inc., will ensure the long-term reliability of the vital navigation channel at Gold Beach.
Building science: USACE delivers high-tech greenhouses for crop research capabilities

By Louis R. Velasco U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Published April 1, 2026
In Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is sowing the seeds of innovative crop and plant conservation with help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Through interagency work between ARS and USACE Seattle District, new greenhouses with climate control systems and screenhouse facilities are now complete at ARS’ National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR) in Corvallis, Ore.
Rapid Response team supports Potomac Interceptor collapse remediation efforts

By Lisa Crawford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published March 30, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Rapid Response Technical Center of Expertise recently supported the Baltimore District, March 7-19, 2026, during emergency operations in response to the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor in Washington, D.C.
A Modern Home for Future Leaders: USAFA Builds New Prep School Dorm

By Makenzie Leonard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published March 24, 2026
Work is underway at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado to construct a new preparatory school dorm building on campus. The new dorm will consolidate three existing dorms into one building, housing all three squadrons of preparatory school cadet candidates in one location.
Building Infrastructure: Inside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hydropower Mission

By Shelia L. Fourman U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Published March 23, 2026
Hydropower remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective energy sources in the U.S., and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to lead the nation in its production. As the country’s largest operator of hydropower, USACE manages 75 facilities with a combined installed capacity of more than 20,000 megawatts (MW), generating nearly 100 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, almost one-third of the nation’s total hydropower output. That energy supports approximately 10 million households each year while strengthening grid reliability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Walla Walla District Engineers among those recognized for innovative digital design of major navigation system

By Elijah Wittum U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published March 13, 2026
When a barge passes through a navigation lock along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, few people think about the massive steel gates that quietly make the process possible. Behind those gates is a team of engineers and technical specialists from across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including experts from the Walla Walla District, using advanced digital modeling tools to design the next generation of infrastructure that keeps commerce moving along the nation’s inland waterways. Recently, the team’s work was recognized in the agency’s 2025 national awards program. Engineers and technicians supporting the project received the Computer-Aided Design/ Building Information Modeling Team Award of Excellence for their innovative design work supporting the navigation system. Personnel from the Walla Walla, Philadelphia, Mobile, Louisville, Little Rock, Tulsa and Rock Island districts collaborated to design replacement miter gates for 18 locks and dams on the navigation system.

Latest News Releases

High water flows expected during Cherry Creek Dam annual maintenance; officials urge caution

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

5/18/2026

Higher than normal water flows through Cherry Creek Dam will begin Wednesday, May 20, as part of annual sediment flushing by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District to help ensure proper...

Libby Dam Transitions to Recreation.gov for Campground Reservations and Payments

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE

5/13/2026

Libby Dam transitions to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments, starting May 22. The shift modernizes the visitor experience at all...

Willamette Valley reservoirs face drought, Army Corps to discuss at public meetings

Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

5/12/2026

Army water managers will hold two virtual information sessions on Tuesday, May 19, to discuss severe drought conditions and the summer forecast for the Willamette Valley’s 13 reservoirs. According to...

Water managers to hold meeting as Rogue River Basin faces historically dry year

Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of ENgineers

5/6/2026 UPDATED

Water managers will hold two public information sessions May 18 to discuss historically low water levels in the Rogue River Basin. The experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) said the...

Missouri River upper basin runoff forecast lowered due to dry conditions

Missouri River Water Management Division

5/6/2026

The updated 2026 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. April runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.5...

USACE-KC District is hosting the Spring Open House at the Mead former Nebraska Ordnance Plant

Kansas City District

5/4/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, will host an Outdoor Open House from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and a Site bus tour will occur from 5:15 p.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May...

Public invited to attend Albeni Falls Dam Public Meeting May 7

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT

4/28/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting its public meeting May 7 in Sandpoint, Idaho, to inform the public on upcoming spring operations, restricted gate operations and other topics pertaining to...

Feature Stories

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

5/15/2026

The early 1800s heralded a period of immense change for the Coos Bay area with the arrival of its first non-Indigenous people: fur traders seeking fortune and military expeditions charting the new...

District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

5/11/2026

A longtime U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employee will retire this summer after more than four decades shaping how military and federal buildings withstand threats and conserve energy...

Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT

5/4/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Libby Dam spotlight Volunteer Barbara Grant, as part of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026). In 2025, Libby Dam ranked No. 60 of 322 USACE-managed projects in...

District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

4/30/2026

Innovation often starts with a simple idea, like an observation from someone doing the work every day who sees a better way to accomplish the mission.A program known as Brainstorm the Castle is giving...

Caring for Those Who Serve: New Hospital Opens at Fort Leonard Wood

Kansas City District

4/24/2026

After six years of construction and much excitement among the community it serves, the opening of the new General Leonard Wood Community Hospital was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March...

Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

4/22/2026

Federal leaders toured the Missouri River corridor April 9 to assess power generation and flood protection infrastructure and discuss future risk reduction efforts in Nebraska.Assistant Secretary of...

A Life of Service Earns Top Civilian Scholastic Honor

Kansas City District

4/22/2026

Not all leaders are loud and in your face. They don’t have to demand recognition of their status or demand obedience from their subordinates, and they aren’t motivated by the number of awards they can...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

Caring for Those Who Serve: New Hospital Opens at Fort Leonard Wood

Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

A Life of Service Earns Top Civilian Scholastic Honor

Williston flood preparedness put to the test as agencies, stakeholders rehearse levee emergency response

EIS underway for proposed Perkins County Canal project

Gold Beach gets a rockin' repair at the Rogue

Building science: USACE delivers high-tech greenhouses for crop research capabilities

Rapid Response team supports Potomac Interceptor collapse remediation efforts

A Modern Home for Future Leaders: USAFA Builds New Prep School Dorm

Building Infrastructure: Inside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hydropower Mission

Walla Walla District Engineers among those recognized for innovative digital design of major navigation system

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Latest News Releases

High water flows expected during Cherry Creek Dam annual maintenance; officials urge caution

Libby Dam Transitions to Recreation.gov for Campground Reservations and Payments

Willamette Valley reservoirs face drought, Army Corps to discuss at public meetings

Water managers to hold meeting as Rogue River Basin faces historically dry year

Missouri River upper basin runoff forecast lowered due to dry conditions

USACE-KC District is hosting the Spring Open House at the Mead former Nebraska Ordnance Plant

Public invited to attend Albeni Falls Dam Public Meeting May 7

Feature Stories

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

Caring for Those Who Serve: New Hospital Opens at Fort Leonard Wood

Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

A Life of Service Earns Top Civilian Scholastic Honor