Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Omaha District completes first construction project under Tribal Partnership Program

By Delanie Stafford USACE, Omaha District Published July 27, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District recently completed an $11.6 million project in partnership with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe to address erosion of shoreline banks in Lower Brule, South Dakota.
USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published July 25, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District has started the installation process in Unit 1 for another adjustable blade turbine designed for improved fish passage. The Corps has been working diligently to decrease fish injury and improve survival rates through turbines designed for improved fish passage at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
No Fail Mission: Military Corrections Complex undergoes renovations at Fort Leavenworth

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 24, 2023
There is only one maximum security prison in the U.S. that houses male U.S. military members that have been convicted of crimes or violations under the Uniform Code of Justice. That prison is located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and is known as the United States Disciplinary Barracks. The United States Disciplinary Barracks is part of a larger Military Corrections Complex located at Fort Leavenworth, which is comprised of the Joint Regional Correctional Facility and several support and administrative buildings. The United States Disciplinary Barracks is the facility which houses individuals sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, and the Joint Regional Correctional Facility is the facility which houses individuals sentenced to less than 10 years in prison.
Agricultural Research Services Works with USACE for New Research Facilities

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 19, 2023
American farmers face many challenges in an often unpredictable economic and ecological climate. But perhaps they can rest a little easier knowing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Agricultural Research Service, or ARS, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, are working together on a project to support the nation’s agricultural sector. This project will ultimately help to improve conditions for America’s farmers when 21 new ARS research facilities are constructed across the nation.
Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published July 18, 2023
In May 1948, floodwaters on the Columbia River overtopped the cofferdam where construction was underway on McNary Lock and Dam. This flood, one of the largest on record, was one of many documented in the region since the mid-1880s. The propensity for flooding in the Northwest sparked much discussion about regional flood control.
For Those Who “Lead the Way”: Kansas City District Designs New Military Working Dog Facility at McConnell Air Force Base

By Abigail Voegeli and Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialists Kansas City District Published July 7, 2023
Military working dogs might look like your average pet, but they are highly trained animals used for security on military installations and in deployed environments. The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is currently working on the planning, design and construction of a new kennel facility for the working dogs of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron located at McConnell Air Force Base, or MAFB, in Wichita, Kansas. The current kennels were constructed several decades ago and require much-needed updates.
Holy Cow! Kansas City District’s Agricultural Leasing Program Provides Benefits Far Beyond Land Management

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 7, 2023
It’s not uncommon to see cattle grazing in open pastures when driving through the Midwest. In fact, in Kansas, cows outnumber humans two to one. So, while it’s not surprising to see cattle in the Kansas City District’s area of responsibility, it might be surprising to know that some of these herds are grazing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’-owned land. This is possible through the Kansas City District’s agricultural leasing program. The district is responsible for managing the lands at its projects, which span four states, primarily Kansas and Missouri, but also include parts of Iowa and Nebraska. The district’s agricultural leasing program is a natural resource management tool and a component of the district’s integrated pest management program to control invasive weeds on lands at civil works projects, lake projects and military installations.
Training for Success and Safety

By Jessica Schaeffer, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published July 5, 2023
The U.S. Army is known for the rigorous basic combat training its military members go through, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has training for its civilian men and women in uniform, park rangers. This weeklong training, Visitor Assistance Training, commonly known as VA Training, is conducted in Huntsville, Alabama for all permanent rangers to receive indefinite citation authority. Each district also provides VA Training to seasonal rangers, ranger trainees and permanent rangers who were unable to attend the training in Huntsville as the classes fill up quickly. These permanent rangers then receive temporary citation authority until they can attend the training in Huntsville. This June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District held its VA Training at Smithville Lake, in Smithville, Missouri. USACE employees from the Kansas City District, Tulsa District and Omaha District attended the training.
The first of its kind: Kansas City District partners with USNORTHCOM and Mexican government to build disaster response training facility in Mexico City

By Reagan Zimmerman, Kansas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published July 5, 2023
Mexico is located along a hot spot of seismic activity known as “the Ring of Fire,” which makes the country uniquely prone to certain natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The last major earthquake in Mexico was documented near Mexico City in September 2017. Mexico’s National Center for Disaster Prevention is in Mexico City and is always on alert and prepared to respond to the next disaster. To continue evolving their disaster response program, the Mexican government has partnered with the U.S. government to build Mexico’s new National School for Civil Protection.
Developing long-term mitigation climate change impacts secures Team Award

By Nicole L. Celestine USACE/Seattle Published July 4, 2023
The Northwestern Division Columbia River Treaty Vulnerability Assessment Team earned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Construction Climate Champion Team Award for its substantial contributions to district, regional, and national climate product development, to help advance understanding of and preparation for future climate change in the Pacific Northwest.
Task Force RISEUP completes 100th temporary, emergency roof installation in Guam

By Frederick Hoyt Omaha District Published June 30, 2023
Service members and residents of Guam celebrated the 100th temporary, emergency roof install completed by Task Force RISEUP, which is short for Roofing Installation Support Emergency Utilization Program, as part of Typhoon Mawar recovery efforts, June 27.
Colorado Mitigation Procedures, Stream Quantification Tool, mitigation banking improves regulatory permitting

By Delanie Stafford USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published June 23, 2023
The recently implemented Colorado Mitigation Procedures, Colorado Stream Quantification Tool and mitigation banking have greatly improved how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District’s Denver Regulatory Office analyzes permit applications under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
River training structure repairs progressing on Missouri River: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law pivotal

By James F. Lowe Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published June 23, 2023
The flood of 2019 made apparent the need for extensive repairs on the Missouri River training devices – dikes and revetments – that direct the downstream flow into the navigation channel to keep it deep enough for boat traffic and generally clear of debris. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $248 million to repair those devices that are on the lower stretch of the Missouri River.
USACE Omaha District's historic project and dam safety mission in Jamestown, North Dakota

By Makenzie S. Leonard USACE Omaha District Published June 22, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, in partnership with the prime contractor, Barnard Construction Company, held a groundbreaking ceremony May 25, 2023 for a large-scale spillway project at Pipestem Dam in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Training with Industry: Teaching the next generation of leadership what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has to offer

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published June 14, 2023
Progress in a profession is often the result of an innovator identifying an issue, proposing a solution and working to accomplish that solution. That is just what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District did in 2012 when they collaborated with the Command and General Staff College, also known as the CGSC, hosted at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to develop a new educational program. CGSC is a joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational College, and was the perfect place for a program to teach more about USACE. At the time, the Kansas City District identified a need for greater recruitment of officers into USACE, as well as a need for increased understanding across the U.S. Army of what USACE could provide to the nation. The solution they proposed, spearheaded by then district commander Col. Anthony Hofmann, was Training with Industry, or TWI, an educational program administered by the Kansas City District. The program is now an annual elective in the CGSC curriculum. The first few years of the program, the class averaged about 10 to 15 students. This year, 31 students participated in TWI, including international students from partner nations. The 2023 course started on April 6 and ran through May 31. Although the need to recruit officers into USACE is still ongoing, the benefits from the program have not gone unnoticed.
Young and Promising: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Employee Receives Industry 40 Under 40 Award

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published June 13, 2023
The inland maritime profession is a unique and demanding one. Tackling the challenges associated with the career field requires determination and innovation. Every now and then, an individual comes along who, early in their career, makes an impact that is felt across the industry. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District employee Dane Morris is one of these individuals. This June, Morris was recognized with a 40 Under 40 Award at the 2023 Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, also known as IMX, for his outstanding achievements. IMX is an annual event where inland marine professionals collaborate to make maritime transportation more cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly. Each year, the event recognizes a group of individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the inland marine transportation industry and show promise in shaping its future. These award recipients are young professionals in a variety of career fields within the industry, including engineers, surveyors and professionals working on towboats, passenger vehicles or other commercial craft. This year, Morris was the only employee of the federal government to receive the honor.
Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published June 6, 2023
By 1962, Ice Harbor Lock and Dam had been built and construction of the second lower Snake River dam, Lower Monumental, was being passed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. The third dam in the queue was right on the heels of Lower Monumental, but construction could not begin until the details of its downstream neighbor were determined.
Untapped Possibilities: Could navigation on the “Big Muddy” provide clean solutions for a more sustainable future?

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published June 2, 2023
The words “green” and “clean” are likely not the first that come to mind when thinking of ground transportation in the U.S. Trucks on the interstate and railroads are probably what come to mind first, but the greenest and cleanest form of ground transportation is one that often gets overlooked: waterway navigation. As the oldest form of transportation, navigation on U.S. waterways is not a new concept. At face value, navigation of the nation’s waterways and environmental sustainability may not seem to be related. Except they are, as navigation has very little negative impact to our environment.
USACE signs historic project partnership agreement with City and County of Denver

By Makenzie S. Leonard USACE Omaha District Published June 1, 2023
On May 8, 2023, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor, and Denver Mayor, Michael B. Hancock formally signed a partnership and historic intergovernmental agreement that will result in a multi-million-dollar investment, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds for the South Platte River and Tributaries Project (SPRT) in Adams and Denver Counties in Colorado.
Employee Spotlight: Robin Nitcher

By Jessica Schaeffer, Kanas City District Public Affairs Kansas City District Published May 31, 2023
Most U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lake projects are within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area. Many of those who work for our lake and project offices have grown up in the community they work in. Sometimes, those who grew up in the project’s backyard are the best stewards for the it. One such steward is Robin Nitcher, administrative officer at Pomona Lake project. Nitcher grew up three miles from Pomona Lake located in Vassar, Kansas, and would frequently visit before she became an employee. In May 1986, she started as seasonal clerk before working her way to a permanent position. She worked her first stretch at Pomona Lake until 2008 and then transferred to Melvern Lake. She worked at Melvern Lake for two years before transferring to Perry Lake to work as an administrative officer.
Omaha District begins construction of helicopter facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

By Frederick Hoyt Omaha District Published May 24, 2023
OMAHA, Neb.—A recent groundbreaking ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming marked the start of construction on a new helicopter operations and training facility for the U.S. Air Force's 582nd Helicopter Squadron.
More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City Distrit Published May 16, 2023
At first glance, the new rock, also called riprap, that has been placed along the banks of Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, might not look like much. However, this seemingly insignificant riprap plays a critical role not only in the mitigation of further shoreline erosion, but also in the protection and preservation of two cultural sites at the lake. Over 11,000 feet of riprap was placed along the shoreline of Harlan County Lake earlier this year. After the 2019 flood, areas of the lake’s shoreline had eroded 50 to 100 feet, with some areas having eroded as much as 400 feet since 1985. Even without experiencing flood conditions, the lake’s shoreline is susceptible to erosion.
Building Leaders: Officers from the Kansas City District attend Leader Professional Development at Fort Leonard Wood

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published May 15, 2023
From April 24 – 29, the officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District gathered with other military leaders throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for Leader Professional Development, or LPD. The week-long event included many educational experiences and was a great example of the U.S. Army’s policy to continuously develop their leaders. This valuable opportunity was dedicated to building relationships and sharing operational knowledge across USACE.
Protect and Preserve: Kansas City District works to manage habitat for endangered species

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Published May 15, 2023
Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world observe Endangered Species Day. This day is a chance to learn about fish, wildlife, and plants in need of protection. For many U.S. Army Corps of Engineer employees, this day is another day in a career dedicated to preserving vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. USACE has one of the largest environmental missions in the federal government. The Kansas City District’s conservation biologists, environmental specialists, natural resource specialists, natural resource managers and park rangers see this day as a chance to educate others on the efforts they are making to protect endangered species on federal land.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District partners with U.S. Air Force as Sentinel Program purchasing agent

By Sarah Rich USACE Omaha District Published May 11, 2023
The U.S. Air Force is replacing the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM to modernize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The Minuteman III ICBM have been operational since the early 1970s, and upon completion, the new Sentinel ICBM will maintain effective land-leg nuclear capabilities through 2075. The program will replace missile fields at the following air forces bases: F.E. Warren, Wyo., Malmstrom, Mont., and Minot, N.D.
Juvenile salmon benefit from spring spill

Northwestern Division Published May 8, 2023
In April, the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started spilling water on the Snake and Columbia rivers to help juvenile salmon migrate downstream. We met up with Julie Ammann, Reservoir Control Center chief at Bonneville Lock & Dam to check it out.

Latest News Releases

Gavins Point releases increased after System storage check

7/10/2023

Above average rainfall and fast-melting snow led to above average runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin in June. Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa was 6.7 million acre-feet, which is 122% of average...

Rapid mountain snowmelt; above-average May runoff

6/6/2023

Warm temperatures in the mountainous region of the upper Missouri River Basin has led to a quick melt of the mountain snowpack. The rapid melting combined with precipitation in the western half of the...

Fort Peck releases to decline during maintenance

5/5/2023

Releases from Fort Peck Dam will be reduced from 9,000 cubic feet per second to 6,000 cfs on May 22. Releases will be increased back to 9,000 cfs on June 2. If the maintenance work is completed...

Spring precipitation improves Missouri River Basin runoff forecast

5/4/2023

Late season plains snowpack accumulation and subsequent melting led to increased runoff throughout the upper Missouri River Basin during April. For the month, runoff was 4.7 million acre-feet, 159% of...

Missouri River Spring Virtual Public Meeting - Make Up - April 20

4/13/2023

A virtual make up meeting has been scheduled for April 20 at 1 p.m. after two in-person meetings were canceled due to weather on April 4. The virtual meeting can be accessed at the QR code and the url...

Upper basin runoff forecast improves with spring precipitation

4/7/2023

The latest 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa is showing improvement. The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 26.4 million...

Missouri River Spring Public Meetings in South Dakota CANCELED

4/3/2023

Missouri River Public Meetings scheduled for April 4, in Fort Pierre and Lower Brule, South Dakota have been canceled due to the forecast blizzard...

Feature Stories

Omaha District completes first construction project under Tribal Partnership Program

7/27/2023

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District recently completed an $11.6 million project in partnership with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe to address erosion of shoreline banks in Lower Brule, South...

USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

7/25/2023

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District has started the installation process in Unit 1 for another adjustable blade turbine designed for improved fish passage. The Corps has been...

No Fail Mission: Military Corrections Complex undergoes renovations at Fort Leavenworth

7/24/2023

There is only one maximum security prison in the U.S. that houses male U.S. military members that have been convicted of crimes or violations under the Uniform Code of Justice. That prison is located...

Agricultural Research Services Works with USACE for New Research Facilities

7/19/2023

American farmers face many challenges in an often unpredictable economic and ecological climate. But perhaps they can rest a little easier knowing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the...

Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

7/18/2023

In May 1948, floodwaters on the Columbia River overtopped the cofferdam where construction was underway on McNary Lock and Dam. This flood, one of the largest on record, was one of many documented in...

For Those Who “Lead the Way”: Kansas City District Designs New Military Working Dog Facility at McConnell Air Force Base

7/7/2023

Military working dogs might look like your average pet, but they are highly trained animals used for security on military installations and in deployed environments. The Kansas City District, U.S...

Holy Cow! Kansas City District’s Agricultural Leasing Program Provides Benefits Far Beyond Land Management

7/7/2023

It’s not uncommon to see cattle grazing in open pastures when driving through the Midwest. In fact, in Kansas, cows outnumber humans two to one. So, while it’s not surprising to see cattle in the...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Omaha District completes first construction project under Tribal Partnership Program

USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

No Fail Mission: Military Corrections Complex undergoes renovations at Fort Leavenworth

Agricultural Research Services Works with USACE for New Research Facilities

Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

For Those Who “Lead the Way”: Kansas City District Designs New Military Working Dog Facility at McConnell Air Force Base

Holy Cow! Kansas City District’s Agricultural Leasing Program Provides Benefits Far Beyond Land Management

Training for Success and Safety

The first of its kind: Kansas City District partners with USNORTHCOM and Mexican government to build disaster response training facility in Mexico City

Developing long-term mitigation climate change impacts secures Team Award

Task Force RISEUP completes 100th temporary, emergency roof installation in Guam

Colorado Mitigation Procedures, Stream Quantification Tool, mitigation banking improves regulatory permitting

River training structure repairs progressing on Missouri River: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law pivotal

USACE Omaha District's historic project and dam safety mission in Jamestown, North Dakota

Training with Industry: Teaching the next generation of leadership what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has to offer

Young and Promising: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Employee Receives Industry 40 Under 40 Award

Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

Untapped Possibilities: Could navigation on the “Big Muddy” provide clean solutions for a more sustainable future?

USACE signs historic project partnership agreement with City and County of Denver

Employee Spotlight: Robin Nitcher

Omaha District begins construction of helicopter facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

Building Leaders: Officers from the Kansas City District attend Leader Professional Development at Fort Leonard Wood

Protect and Preserve: Kansas City District works to manage habitat for endangered species

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District partners with U.S. Air Force as Sentinel Program purchasing agent

Juvenile salmon benefit from spring spill

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