News from Around the Northwestern Division

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 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.
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.

Latest News Releases

During historically dry year, USACE to hold virtual public meeting about Lost Creek, Applegate reservoir levels

Portland District

7/15/2026

Army water managers will hold a virtual public information meeting July 22 to discuss historically low water levels and the summer forecast for the Rogue River Basin...

USACE to discuss low Willamette Valley reservoir levels at virtual public meeting

Portland District

7/15/2026

Water managers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will hold a virtual public information meeting July 23 to share the latest summer water forecast and discuss ongoing drought conditions...

Six Senior Tech Leaders Join USACE to Enhance Enterprise IT Capabilities

USACE CIO/G-6

7/14/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), whose mission is to deliver vital engineering solutions in support of our nation, is pleased to announce six significant senior IT leader appointments for the...

Below-average runoff leads to reduced navigation flow support and shortened season

Missouri River Water Management Division

7/6/2026

June runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2.9 million acre-feet, 52% of average. The updated 2026 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City,...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of America’s 250th birthday celebration

HQ USACE Public Affairs Office

6/24/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in support of America’s 250th birthday celebration,...

USACE Announces Operational Updates for Willamette Valley Dams

Portland District

6/23/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, has finalized its plan for operating the Willamette Valley’s 13 federal dams by executing a Record of Decision (ROD)...

Garrison Dam spillway flow test scheduled for late June

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

6/22/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a planned flow test of the Garrison Dam spillway on or around June 24, 2026, as part of ongoing investigations related to the spillway modification...

Feature Stories

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

7/20/2026

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...

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

7/20/2026

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...

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Seattle District

7/16/2026

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...

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT

7/13/2026

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,...

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

Seattle District

6/17/2026

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...

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

6/8/2026

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...

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

Seattle District

6/5/2026

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...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

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

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

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Latest News Releases

During historically dry year, USACE to hold virtual public meeting about Lost Creek, Applegate reservoir levels

USACE to discuss low Willamette Valley reservoir levels at virtual public meeting

Six Senior Tech Leaders Join USACE to Enhance Enterprise IT Capabilities

Below-average runoff leads to reduced navigation flow support and shortened season

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of America’s 250th birthday celebration

USACE Announces Operational Updates for Willamette Valley Dams

Garrison Dam spillway flow test scheduled for late June

Feature Stories

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