News from Around the Northwestern Division

Construction Management Technology Modernization Office: The future of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Jan. 17, 2025
For the last 250 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked with delivering vital engineering solutions to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce disaster risk. While the mission has evolved over time, USACE has always been America’s engineers, serving the country by providing solutions for the nation’s toughest challenges. Like USACE’s mission, the nation’s toughest challenges have also evolved over time, but perhaps never more quickly than the rate at which they evolve today. To keep up with constantly evolving challenges, USACE must also keep up with industry partners and stakeholders technologically. This is no small feat since the federal government is often disparaged as being slow, outdated, difficult to work with or posing unnecessary barriers to its industry partners.
It’s electric! One-of-a-kind fish barrier project aims to preserve walleye population

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Jan. 17, 2025
From a young age, most are taught electricity and water don’t mix. While there is certainly truth to this statement, there are some exceptions. At Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa, engineers and scientists are working to design a one-of-a-kind electric barrier to deter fish from escaping downstream of the reservoir—all happening under water. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the dam and reservoir at Rathbun Lake, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources maintains the fish hatchery and fish population found there. Together, along with partners from Iowa State University and the private sector, USACE and the Iowa DNR are hard at work to make the seemingly impossible happen—create a safe, effective underwater electric fish barrier to keep walleye in the reservoir.
Don’t bet on the weather: The role hydropower plays in balancing the grid during extreme circumstances

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published Dec. 12, 2024
The power grid produces as it is consumed. Energy production rises and falls in tandem with human activity, allowing electricity to flow continuously into homes and businesses . However, this flow can be interrupted.
Gavins Point powerhouse annual maintenance in full swing

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Dec. 12, 2024
Every year, the hydroelectric power generators at the Gavins Point Dam powerhouse, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, are brought down one at a time to undergo annual maintenance. The maintenance begins in the fall when water releases are lower and concludes in early spring.
2024 Missouri River operations come to a close

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Dec. 4, 2024
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District has finished work on the Missouri River for 2024.
In the fast lane: Partnership helps collegiate motorsport team bring home trophy

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Nov. 25, 2024
Many kids dream of one day becoming a race car driver. Few will actually achieve it, but for those who have a knack for science and technology, designing a race car might be a more achievable goal – a chance to live life in the fast lane. For students involved in Powercat Motorsports at Kansas State University, this dream is a reality. Powercat Motorsports is the university’s Society of Engineers Formula Race team. Open to any student enrolled at Kansas State University, the team designs and builds a brand-new formula one race car every year. They compete with their car at various events throughout the year, but the biggest competition occurs at Michigan International Speedway.
Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Published Nov. 18, 2024
Born and raised only 30 miles away from the Walla Walla District headquarters, a young Dayton native never knew much about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It wasn’t until after college that Ryan Laughery, hydraulics engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, would come to realize the world of opportunities awaiting him one town over.
Out with the old, in with the new: Bulkhead gates at Gavins Point Dam replaced for the first time

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Nov. 18, 2024
The Gavins Point Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, reached a milestone earlier this fall when six draft tube bulkhead gates at the hydroelectric powerhouse were replaced for the first time ever.
Operation renovation: Chinook hangar undergoes vital modernization efforts

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Nov. 18, 2024
Originally built in the 1940s as a U.S. Navy Reserve facility, the Aviation Support Facility Olathe located in New Century, Kansas, is currently home to Bravo and Delta Companies, 7/158th General Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. Supporting U.S. military missions across the nation and around the world, the units provide critical maintenance to a fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters and consist of the pilots and crew members who execute the mission.
USACE Walla Walla District celebrates Veterans Day

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Nov. 11, 2024
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, outside the town of Versailles, France. Seven months prior, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today, and every Nov. 11, we celebrate this armistice, the end of World War I and all the brave men and women who vowed to protect our country.
Collaboration and creative thinking lead to $1 million savings on ecosystem restoration project

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Nov. 7, 2024
The past few years have seen significant increases in the cost of many things like labor, materials and supplies. Construction projects have not been immune to these rising costs. So, when federally funded construction projects can save taxpayer money, it’s worth celebrating. The government is a steward of taxpayer dollars and as such, has the responsibility to spend those dollars in the most cost-effective way. Sometimes this requires thinking outside the box.
Pilot project tests new technology for collecting sediment from Niobrara River

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Nov. 5, 2024
A joint research pilot project between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and the Missouri Sedimentation Action Coalition was recently conducted on the Niobrara River in northeast Nebraska to test new technology designed to intercept sediment from the riverbed before it reaches Lewis and Clark Lake.
“I’ll keep trying;" A journey from Mexico to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Oct. 22, 2024
It started in 1979 on the dirt streets of Zacatecas, Mexico, where a young boy named Juan Gaytan dreamed of a better life in the United States.

Latest News Releases

Public invited to attend a meeting about Water Control Manual Updates at Kanopolis and Wilson Reservoirs

Kansas City District

1/13/2025

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting on Jan. 29, 2025, to discuss updating the Water Control Manuals for Kanopolis and Wilson dams. The public is...

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center hosts 15th annual Eagle Watch

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

1/8/2025

Join Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) park rangers at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to catch a glimpse of bald eagles that congregate near the dam...

Below-average runoff and reservoir storage expected for the Missouri River Mainstem System in 2025

Missouri River Water Management Division

1/8/2025

For the 2024 calendar year, Missouri River basin runoff above Sioux City, Iowa totaled 23.3 million acre-feet, 91% of average. Dry conditions continue to affect the upper Missouri River Basin at the...

Eagle Days 2025: Kansas and Missouri lakes play vital role in bald eagle resurgence and conservation

Kansas City District

1/2/2025

As efforts to protect the majestic bald eagle continue to evolve, one unexpected ally has emerged in the fight for their survival: man-made lakes. These artificial bodies of water, often created for...

Garrison Project announces 2024-2025 winter access policy

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

12/19/2024

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project has announced their 2024-2025 winter access policy...

Columbia River environmental review begins, agencies seek input

Northwestern Division

12/18/2024

Two federal agencies are seeking public input on changed circumstances and new information regarding Columbia River System operations to inform preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact...

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Nebraska Highway 12 Niobrara East and West Project available for public review

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

12/12/2024

The Final Environmental Impact Statement, or Final EIS, for the Nebraska Highway 12 Niobrara, or N-12, East and West Project is now available for public review...

Feature Stories

Construction Management Technology Modernization Office: The future of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Kansas City District

1/17/2025

For the last 250 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked with delivering vital engineering solutions to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce disaster risk. While the...

It’s electric! One-of-a-kind fish barrier project aims to preserve walleye population

Kansas City District

1/17/2025

From a young age, most are taught electricity and water don’t mix. While there is certainly truth to this statement, there are some exceptions. At Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa, engineers and...

Don’t bet on the weather: The role hydropower plays in balancing the grid during extreme circumstances

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

12/12/2024

The power grid produces as it is consumed. Energy production rises and falls in tandem with human activity, allowing electricity to flow continuously into homes and businesses . However, this flow can...

Gavins Point powerhouse annual maintenance in full swing

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

12/12/2024

Every year, the hydroelectric power generators at the Gavins Point Dam powerhouse, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, are brought down one at a time to undergo annual...

2024 Missouri River operations come to a close

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

12/4/2024

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District has finished work on the Missouri River for 2024...

In the fast lane: Partnership helps collegiate motorsport team bring home trophy

Kansas City District

11/25/2024

Many kids dream of one day becoming a race car driver. Few will actually achieve it, but for those who have a knack for science and technology, designing a race car might be a more achievable goal – a...

Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division

U.S. Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

11/18/2024

Born and raised only 30 miles away from the Walla Walla District headquarters, a young Dayton native never knew much about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It wasn’t until after college that Ryan...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Construction Management Technology Modernization Office: The future of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

It’s electric! One-of-a-kind fish barrier project aims to preserve walleye population

Don’t bet on the weather: The role hydropower plays in balancing the grid during extreme circumstances

Gavins Point powerhouse annual maintenance in full swing

2024 Missouri River operations come to a close

In the fast lane: Partnership helps collegiate motorsport team bring home trophy

Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division

Out with the old, in with the new: Bulkhead gates at Gavins Point Dam replaced for the first time

Operation renovation: Chinook hangar undergoes vital modernization efforts

USACE Walla Walla District celebrates Veterans Day

Collaboration and creative thinking lead to $1 million savings on ecosystem restoration project

Pilot project tests new technology for collecting sediment from Niobrara River

“I’ll keep trying;" A journey from Mexico to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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Latest News Releases

Public invited to attend a meeting about Water Control Manual Updates at Kanopolis and Wilson Reservoirs

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center hosts 15th annual Eagle Watch

Below-average runoff and reservoir storage expected for the Missouri River Mainstem System in 2025

Eagle Days 2025: Kansas and Missouri lakes play vital role in bald eagle resurgence and conservation

Garrison Project announces 2024-2025 winter access policy

Columbia River environmental review begins, agencies seek input

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Nebraska Highway 12 Niobrara East and West Project available for public review

Feature Stories

Construction Management Technology Modernization Office: The future of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

It’s electric! One-of-a-kind fish barrier project aims to preserve walleye population

Don’t bet on the weather: The role hydropower plays in balancing the grid during extreme circumstances

Gavins Point powerhouse annual maintenance in full swing

2024 Missouri River operations come to a close

In the fast lane: Partnership helps collegiate motorsport team bring home trophy

Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division