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  • February

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration, as co-lead agencies, are preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act on the operations, maintenance and configurations for 14 federal projects in the Columbia River System in the interior Columbia River Basin.

    Federal agencies release Columbia River System Operations draft environmental impact statement and preferred alternative

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration today released the Columbia River System Operations draft environmental impact statement for a 45-day public review and comment period from February 28 - April 13, 2020. The draft includes the Preferred Alternative for the operations, maintenance and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the Columbia River System.
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    Memphis District assists Coast Guard in search for sunken barge

    Two Memphis District river survey boats and their crews recently aided the Coast Guard by responding to an incident on the Mississippi River. In the process, they found more than they expected. Here’s how the story unfolded.
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    Top five strengths

    Performance Management and Data Analytics Chief of Military Programs at USACE Headquarters, Sam Zakhem, led a two-day class on a variety of important topics ranging from knowing yourself as a leader, making a first impression, and listening with intent.

  • Mississippi River Commission schedules high-water inspection trip

    The Mississippi River Commission will conduct its annual high-water inspection trip on the Mississippi River, March 29– April 3, 2020. Four public meetings have been scheduled aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI in selected towns along the river. Commission members will meet with local partners, stakeholders and residents and hear their concerns, ideas and issues.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District places concrete for the first monolith on the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project Oct. 17, 2019 on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project, aa Tennessee Valley Authority project, the Nashville District is currently executing the lock chamber contract for the new 110-foot by 600-foot navigation lock, which includes 285,000 cubic yards of reinforced concrete. A conveyer system is placing concrete inside the coffer dam from the batch plant, a distance of about 900 feet in about a minute and a half. (USACE Photo by Lee Roberts)

    Commentary: Engineers building strong legacy as pioneers of progress

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 26, 2020) – We just celebrated National Engineers Week and recognized Nashville District’s engineers as the region’s problem solvers, committed to serving a higher purpose, and building on a strong legacy as pioneers of progress.
  • The MARV II surveys the water.

    Multifunctional Assessment Reconnaissance Vessel allows for remote survey of marine structures

    A team of researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, led by principle investigator Thad Pratt and including co-pi William Butler and research engineers Jonathan Marshall and David Nguyen, have developed and improved a prototype Multifunctional Assessment Reconnaissance Vessel that allows for remote survey of pile-supported marine structures. Operators can produce final data products within 12 hours of arriving on site, allowing structural engineers to deliver a repair plan within 24 hours. The U.S. Transportation Command and Office of the Secretary of Defense-funded project has resulted in the schedule of five units to be delivered to Army dive detachments as part of the Instrument Set, Reconnaissance and Surveying (ENFIRE) program.
  • Eduardo Granados, U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville Ordnance and Explosives Global Operations Division chief, briefs eight active OEG projects valued at a little more than $80 million during the monthly Project Review Board Feb. 12 in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo by Stephen Baack, Huntsville Center public affairs.)

    “Be brief, be brilliant and be gone” – Huntsville Center OE director takes the PRB helm

    “Wrangling complex projects is what Huntsville Center does best. And the Project Review Board is at the core of this success.” Once a month during the PRB, Huntsville Center program and project managers brief the command team on the progress, budget, challenges, good news and lessons learned of ongoing projects.
  • Capt. Greg Smith, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, cuts a ribbon with senior American and Bahraini leaders to celebrate the opening of the renovated Mina Salman Pier. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central’s mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family

    District Completes Critical Project 6 Months Ahead of Original Schedule

    A ribbon cutting ceremony held on February 20th marked the completion of a new $49.6 million steel and concrete pier project at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain. The pier, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, will enhance the Navy’s operational readiness in the region. Previously, the Navy had been using barges for much of the work on ships that can now be done while docked at the pier.
  • Ms. Nicole Schmitt U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Power Program Manager gives an overview of the progress USACE has as the Engineering and Construction agent in connecting the transmission lines across the country.

    Making great strides in Power Governance in Afghanistan

    The collaborative efforts of the Senior Executive Power Governance group strives for creative and innovative solutions to meet the electrical needs of Afghanistan.
  • CWBI Graphic

    Civil Works Business Intelligence: Modernizing and Integrating U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Data Management and Analysis

    The collection, organization, accessibility, and interpretation of large sets of data are foundational to many of the major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) decisions and actions across its many business lines.  These data sets include performance and traffic volumes at USACE locks and the nation’s ports, cargo statistics of barges (inland waterways and ports, both domestic and international), statistics regarding uses and visitor days at USACE recreational sites, flood loss damages prevented by USACE levees, amounts and value of hydropower generated at USACE hydroelectric power facilities, and other information across USACE’s Civil Works program.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District has received approval to return Center Hill Lake to normal operations, which means that lake levels will be on the rise for the upcoming recreation season. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

    Center Hill Lake levels rising for 2020 recreation season

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 24, 2020) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District has received approval to return Center Hill Lake to normal operations, which means that lake levels will be on the rise for the upcoming recreation season.
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    DHA Announcement Crane Operator, Revetment Section

    Position Title: Crane Operator Series/Grade: XF-5725-12 Full Performance Level: XF-12 Duty Location: Official Duty Station is the Ensley Engineer Yard, position requires TDY travel and mandatory overtime. Hourly Salary Range: $27.86 - $32.52 Work Schedule: Full-Time Appointment Type: Permanent Travel Requirement: Temporary Duty Travel is over 50% of the time Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens
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    DHA Announcement - Marine Machinery Mechanic XF-5334-11 Dredge Hurley

    Position Title: Marine Machinery Mechanic Series/Grade: Marine Machinery Mechanic, XF-5334-11 Full Performance Level: XF-11 Duty Location: Official Duty Station is the Dredge Hurley, position requires (non-TDY) travel with the Hurley, shift work, and mandatory overtime. Hourly Salary Range: $26.30 - $30.65 Work Schedule: Full-Time Appointment Type: Permanent Travel Requirement: Temporary Duty Travel is 10% of the time Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens
  • Memphis District’s Clearing and Snagging Unit works on the river bank near West Memphis, Arkansas, Oct. 10. As the first step of Revetment Operations, crew members clear the river banks of trees and debris to make way for the Bank Grading Unit and the Matt Sinking Unit. The work’s accomplished using a barge mounted dragline, bulldozers, and backhoes. Revetment Operations normally run from July to November each year. (USACE Photo/Brenda Beasley)

    DHA Announcement - Motor Vehicle Operator, Revetment Section

    Position Title: Motor Vehicle Operator Series/Grade: XF-5703-08 Full Performance Level: XF-08 Duty Location: Official Duty Station is the Ensley Engineer Yard, position requires TDY travel and mandatory overtime. Hourly Salary Range: $21.75 - $25.37 Work Schedule: Full-Time Appointment Type: Seasonal Travel Requirement: Temporary Duty Travel is over 50% of the time Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens
  • One man steers a boat while the other uses a torch to deconstruct wooden pilings in Rudee Inlet

    Norfolk District navigation support team preps, updates inlet for dredging

    The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation team arrived at Croatan Point here early February to replace pilings and a floating dock in preparation for the next iteration of dredging.
  • One man steers a boat while the other uses a torch to deconstruct wooden pilings in Rudee Inlet

    Norfolk District navigation support team preps, updates inlet for dredging

    The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation team arrived at Croatan Point here early February to replace pilings and a floating dock in preparation for the next iteration of dredging.
  • The facilities at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility at Duck, N.C., include a 1,840-foot steel and concrete pier used in coastal observation and data collection. The FRF is an internationally recognized observatory and premier location for conducting complex and comprehensive nearshore research and engineering studies.

    The Corps’ Field Research Facility unsurpassed for coastal observation and research

    Duck, N.C., (February 18, 2020) -- Along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, in the small coastal town of Duck, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility has supported the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ coastal engineering mission for more than 40 years.
  • Brooke Thomason

    Ranger Workshop

    On Feb. 3, 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rangers and natural resource specialists from across Arkansas and Southern Missouri gathered at the Russellville Project Office in Russellville, Arkansas for a weeklong Ranger Workshop.

  • Allatoona Project Releases High Water, Carters Lake Receding

    MOBILE, Ala. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District at Allatoona Lake Project has begun releasing water through its dam spillway as of 3:00 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2020 due to high water levels at the reservoir. In addition, USACE Mobile District’s water management efforts – along with reduced inflows from lighter rainfall – have helped the main reservoir's high water level recede at Carters Lake Project.
  • University of New Mexico students speak with Reginald Bourgeois, USACE-Albuquerque District STEM outreach coordinator, during a STEM outreach event hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District at the USACE-Albuquerque District headquarters office, Feb. 20, 2020. Bourgeois was discussing his experiences with the USACE National Power Team in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

    UNM students learn about working with USACE during Engineer Week

    Seven students from the University of New Mexico participated in an interactive briefing and panel discussion with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District leaders at the district's headquarters office, Feb. 20, 2020.
  • From left, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District employees Jenna May, Capt. Gus Madrigal and Linh Do talk about their careers with ninth to 12th grade students Feb. 12 during John Muir High School’s Engineering and Environmental Science Academy Career Exploration Showcase in Pasadena, California.

    Corps’ employees participate in National Engineer Week event, tout career as positive impact on others

    Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District employees traveled to John Muir High School Feb. 12 to share their career experiences with students during the school’s Engineering Week. Capt. Gus Madrigal with the Contracting Division; Linh Do of the Engineering Division; and Jenna May, a biologist with the Planning Division, spoke with ninth to 12th grade students during the school’s Engineering and Environmental Science Academy Career Exploration Showcase. In its seventh year, the career exploration showcase gives students the opportunity to meet with and interview industry professionals from various agencies representing engineering and environmental disciplines.
  • Hills Creek Dam is one of 14 flood risk management dams managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Willamette Valley, Oregon.

    Corps plans changes to summer reservoir levels at Hills Creek, Lookout Point to reduce earthquake risk

    The Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will limit summer reservoir levels at Lookout Point and Hills Creek dams to reduce the structural risk during large earthquakes, and to protect and save lives by reducing the potential for flooding following an earthquake.

  • New Book of Historical Importance – The Development of Water Resources Planning in the US from the Reclamation Act of 1902 to the Principles and Standards of 1973

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR) recently released a book titled The Development of Water Resources Planning in the United States from the Reclamation Act of 1902 to the Principles and Standards of 1973:  An Assessment Based on Original Sources by David C. Major and Eugene Z. Stakhiv.  This book is a continuation in the series of publications for IWR’s Maass-White Library Series in Water Planning and Management.
  • 2020 Engineers Week Spotlight

    Civil engineer reflects on her 18-year career at USACE Chicago District

    For 18 years, Natalie Mills has worked her way up from a summer co-op student to project manager (PM) at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Chicago District. And it all started with a flier.
  • Transatlantic Division Commander Col. Christopher Beck and Inductee Jo-Ann Evans unveil her portrait that will hang in TAD’s “Gallery of Distinguished Civilians.” Evans and her former co-worker Donn Booker were inducted into the GoDC during a ceremony held Feb. 20, 2020 at TAD’s Headquarters in Winchester, Va. The GoDC will be housed at TAD's headquarters, in the Executive Conference Room.

    TAD inducts former employees into new Gallery of Distinguished Civilians

    As the Transatlantic Division joins the rest of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in celebrating Engineer Week 2020, it was fitting that the Division inducted two former TAD employees into its new Gallery of Distinguished Civilians (GoDC) in front of family, friends and former co-workers. The two inaugural inductees – Donn Booker and Jo-Ann Evans – complement this year's Engineer Week theme, which is “Pioneers of Progress.” Both were inducted into the GoDC during a ceremony held Feb. 20, 2020 at TAD’s headquarters in Winchester, Va.
  • Joseph M. Savage, Regional Business director at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division in Cincinnati, Ohio, talks about the importance of recognizing professional accredition during a ceremony Feb. 19, 2020 recognizing the Nashville District's newest professional engineers. (USACE Photo by Lee Roberts)

    Nashville District recognizes its newest professional engineers

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2020) – The Nashville District recognized its newest professional engineers during a ceremony today as part of National Engineers Week activities.
  • Margaret Jones, a program manager with the Transatlantic Division’s Afghanistan District, receives a U.S. Army Technology Leader award during a ceremony at the 2020 BEYA STEM Conference in Washington, D.C., Feb. 14, 2020.

    TAD PM receives Army Technology Leader award

    Margaret Jones, a program manager with the Transatlantic Division’s Afghanistan District, received a U.S. Army Technology Leader award during a ceremony at the 2020 BEYA STEM Conference in Washington, D.C., Feb. 14.
  • The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center-Environmental Laboratory’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems team members Barry Barnett, Kenneth Matheson and Shea Hammond watch the Vapor 55, a UAS that weighs just under 55 pounds and carries both the LiDAR sensor and 42MP camera, as it follows its flight path around the installation.

    Uniquely qualified unmanned aircraft systems team completes data collection project

    VICKSBURG, Miss. (Feb. 14, 2020) -- As the installation asset mapping project nears completion, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Manager Jenny Laird said she feels proud of her team. “This has been a two-year project in the making, and it’s a huge accomplishment for our group, the Environmental Laboratory and the ERDC as a whole to have created a comprehensive map for a 700-acre installation,” Laird said. “That’s a large data collection to take on as our first go-around with this type of application.”
  • Regulatory Branch

    Regulatory Branch completes over 1700 permit actions last year, plus more

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District Regulatory Branch does more than issue permits. Last year alone, it completed over 1,700 actions that covered permits plus more of what the team does on a daily basis: investigate violations, determine jurisdiction, along with permit compliance inspections and pre-application meetings.
  • Allan Steele (Second from right), senior electrical engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Hydropower Section, is honored as a “Modern-Day Technology Leader” during the 34th Black Engineer of the Year Awards Technology Recognition Luncheon Feb. 14, 2020 in Washington D.C. Dr. Robin N. Coger, dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T University, Marsh M. Williams (Second from Left), principle deputy assistant secretary of the Army, and Dr. Kendall Harris, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Texas Southern University, made the presentation. (Courtesy Asset)

    Senior electrical engineer honored as ‘Modern-Day Technology Leader’

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2020) – Officials honored a senior electrical engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District as a “Modern-Day Technology Leader” during the 34th Black Engineers of the Year Awards Technology Recognition Luncheon Feb. 14 in Washington, D.C.