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Hot Topics
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| Levee Breach Repairs Underway as Scheduled |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- Dec. 22, 2008 -- The Rock Island District is engaged in recovery operations following severe flooding over most of its area 78,000-square-mile area of operations. More than 200 counties in five states were heavily impacted by the flooding which caused levee overtoppings at more than a dozen sites. The District responded during the flood by deploying nearly 300 employees throughout the system to provide technical and flood fight command support, and provided nearly 13 million sandbags, 100 pumps, and more than 30 miles of plastic to assist local communities and levee districts in their flood fight effort.
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| Congressman Bruce Braley Joins Dubuque Mayor and Corps for Lock and Dam 11 Groundbreaking Ceremony |
| Corporate Communications |
DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Dec. 16, 2008 -- Congressman Bruce Braley joined Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol; Col. Robert Sinkler, commander, Rock Island District Corps of Engineers; and Matt Binsfeld, chief operating officer, J.F. Brennan and Civil Constructors Joint Venture, at a groundbreaking ceremony today for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $8.5 million Lock and Dam 11 major rehabilitation project, Stage III-A.
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| Corps Awards $11.7 Million for Mississippi River Levee Repairs |
| Corporate Communications Office |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- Oct. 8, 2008 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District has awarded a contract for $11,730,750.00 for repairs to two levee systems damaged during the 2008 flood.
L.W. Matteson, Inc., of Burlington, Iowa, will repair more than one mile of levee breaches at the Hunt and Lima Lake Drainage Districts and Indian Grave Drainage District, located along the Mississippi River in Illinois.
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| Mad Creek Flood Protection Project to Begin in 2009 |
| Corporate Communications |
MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Sept. 29, 2008 -- Muscatine Mayor Richard O'Brien and the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, Col. Robert Sinkler, signed the Mad Creek flood risk management Project Partnering Agreement today which officially kicks off the construction of the project.
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| Lake Red Rock Drawdown Postponed |
| Corporate Communications |
KNOXVILLE, Iowa -- August 20, 2008 -- The Lake Red Rock drawdown and associated work scheduled to begin Sept. 15, 2008, is postponed as a result of 2008 flooding.
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| Mississippi River Commission Calls for Stronger Flood Damage Reduction for the Upper Mississippi River Basin |
| Corporate Communications |
VICKSBURG, Mississippi -- August 18, 2008 -- The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) voted last week to recommend a plan for comprehensive flood damage reduction, Plan H, on the Upper Mississippi watershed in a public meeting at Hannibal, Missouri.
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| Corps Awards More Than $3 Million for Cedar Rapids Schools Temporary Administrative Facilities |
| Corporate Communications Office |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District has awarded three contracts worth more than $3 million to provide temporary facilities for Cedar Rapids Schools.
On July 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tasked USACE to provide critical public facilities support to the Cedar Rapids School District after severe flooding damaged school facilities.
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| Mississippi River Locks Open |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- The Mississippi River navigation system of locks and dams was fully reopened over the Independence Day holiday weekend as the Midwestern flood of June 2008 slowly ebbed to the south.
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| Corps Map Assists in Flood Fight on Mississippi River |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- July 8, 2008 -- Thirteen levees were overtopped or breached in the Rock Island District's area of operation (6 federal, 7 non-federal) during the June 2008 flood.
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| Updated Dam Safety Report |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- June 15, 2008 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dams at Red Rock in Knoxville, Iowa, Saylorville in Johnston, Iowa, and Coralville in Iowa City, Iowa, are performing as designed. There are no issues or concerns with the dams' structural integrity or operation.
Water levels are dropping at the three reservoirs. If current weather predictions are accurate, this trend will continue.
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| Lock 21 at Quincy, Ill. Re-opens: Last of District Mississippi River Locks Projected to Re-open by Saturday |
| Ron Fournier |
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ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS -- July 3, 2008 -- Lock 21 at Quincy, Ill., re-opened today at 11 a.m. The Rock Island District projects that Lock 22 at Saverton, Mo., will re-open on Friday, July 4, and Lock 20 at Canton, Mo., will re-open on Saturday, July 5.
With the forecasted re-opening of Lock 20, every lock maintained by the Rock Island District (Locks 11 through 22) will have the ability to lock through river traffic.
Major cleanup, reassembly and repair continues at the District's locks. Lock crews are working around the clock to do everything in their power to re-open the locks that remain closed as soon as possible.
For all locks to re-open, water must be below lock walls and miter gates and cleanup and needed repairs must be made by lock personnel.
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| Corps Permits May be Needed for Flood Damage Repairs |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- June 20, 2008 -- As floodwaters recede, we become aware of the damages resulting from high water. Many of the damages are on high ground and will not require permits under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' authorities. However, some repairs must be permitted by the Corps.
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| Corps Dams Monitored for Safety |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS -- June 14, 2008 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dams at Red Rock in Knoxville, Iowa, Saylorville in Johnston, Iowa, and Coralville in Iowa City, Iowa, are performing as designed. There are no issues or concerns with the dams' integrity or operation.
All Corps reservoirs are built to stringent engineering standards to ensure they will withstand record flood events. Each reservoir is under observation to ensure its structural integrity and safety. On a daily basis during flood events, the Corps evaluates pressure on the dams by reading piezometers, which are permanently located at different elevations within the dam. A piezometer measures internal hydrostatic pressures of the dam. The dams are also visually inspected several times a day during a flood event. Corps dams are designed to withstand enormous pressures and water levels. Since their construction, there has never been a failure at these three reservoirs.
All of the Corps' reservoirs are operated to conform to a strict, standard regulation plan that is coordinated by the Corps with local, state and federal agencies with water resources responsibilities. This standard includes regulation of releases during flood events.
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| Mississippi River Locks to Close |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois, June 10, 2008 -- In response to the National Weather Service's forecast taking into account heavy rainfall and runoff within the 142,000 square-mile water shed above Lock and Dam 25 (river mile 241.3), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing Locks 16 through Lock 25 beginning June 12, making 216 miles of the Mississippi River non-navigable to commercial river traffic.
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| Coralville Reservoir Water Releases Increase |
| Corporate Communications |
IOWA CITY, Iowa, June 5, 2008 -- In response to the National Weather Service's forecast for rainfall over portions of north central Iowa, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase outflows of its Coralville Reservoir to 15,000 to 16,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Saturday, June 7.
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| Heavy Rainfall Alters Coralville Reservoir Releases |
| Corporate Communications |
IOWA CITY, Iowa, June 4, 2008 -- Recent heavy rainfall over portions of north central Iowa has increased runoff into Coralville Reservoir. To maintain water storage and flood control capacity, reservoir outflows will be increased to 12,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on June 5.
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| Mississippi River Locks and Recreation Areas Open |
| Corporate Communications |
Rock Island, Illinois (Updated 11:14 a.m., May 8) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has opened all locks on the Upper Mississippi River following closure due to high water levels. Locks 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 were closed due to high water overtopping the miter gates.
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| Corps to Open Bonnet Carré Spillway |
| Corporate Communications Office |
New Orleans, Louisanna, April 10, 2008 -- Heavy rain in the Mississippi Valley is prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to open the Bonnet Carré Spillway on Friday, April 11, 2008, for the first time in 11 years.
The Corps will open the spillway to keep the volume of Mississippi River flows at New Orleans from exceeding 1.25 million cubic feet per second (cfs), which current projections indicate will occur on April 11, 2008. The spillway may be open for an estimated two to four week period, during which time the Mississippi is expected to crest at about 17 feet at New Orleans, without operation of the spillway. Operation of the structure will relieve pressure on local levees, lower river stages, and reduce the velocity of the river current from the spillway southward.
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| Corps Invites the Public to the M/V City of Ottawa Christening |
| Justine Barati |
Corporate Communications Office -- The public is invited to attend the christening of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' newest motor vessel, the Motor Vessel City of Ottawa. Sponsored by the Corps and the City of Ottawa the christening ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers on the north bank of the Illinois River near the east end of Albin-Stevens Drive at the permanent dock.
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| District Assists Iowa, Illinois Communities During Flood Fight |
| Mark Kane, Corporate Communications |
Rock Island, Ill. -- The remnants of tropical storm Erin combined with a stalled frontal weather boundary, which produced heavy rainfall in the upper Mississippi River Basin since Aug. 20. As a result, significant rises have been recorded or were forecast on most tributary and mainstem rivers in the Rock Island District.
Officials in Iowa and Illinois requested assistance from the District in multiple communities to help in flood fighting efforts.
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| LTG Van Antwerp Becomes Chief of Engineers and USACE Commander |
| Corporate Communications |
WASHINGTON, DC -- Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp became the 52nd Chief of Engineers and Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today. He assumed this position from Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock who has retired after 36 years of military service.
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| District Collaborates With Arsenal, Public to House Soldiers |
| Justine Barati |
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- A shortage of family housing on Rock Island Arsenal has the Army in pursuit of off-post housing to accommodate an influx of Soldiers due to the formation of the Army Sustainment Command, as well as gaining Soldiers from First Army.
Real Estate is teaming with the Housing Office at the Arsenal to secure 50 residential leases in the local community by the end of July.
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| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will honor America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes |
| Justine Barati |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will honor two of the four America the Beautiful -- the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands passes to give a 50 per cent reduction in day use and camping fees to pass holders at its recreation areas beginning in January 2007.
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| District Observes National Day of Mourning |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- By Executive Order of President George W. Bush, all executive departments, independent organizations and other agencies of the Federal government shall be closed on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, as a mark of respect for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States.
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| American Bald Eagle Watches - 2007 |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- The American Bald Eagle returns to the Midwest for the Winter season. Check out all the events and opportunities to see this magestic bird up close and personal.
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| Army Corps' Senior Leaders Meet in Bettendorf |
| Justine Barati |
BETTENDORF, IOWA -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers senior executives and leaders from six central states are meeting in Bettendorf, Iowa, Nov. 7-9, to develop strategic and operational actions to deliver solutions to the region's and nation's engineering challenges and strengthen the Corps' technical expertise.
Brig. Gen. Robert Crear, commander of the Corps' Mississippi Valley Division and more than 100 Corps of Engineers' team members are participating in the 2006 Mississippi Valley Division Senior Leaders Training Conference being held at the Lodge Hotel and Conference Center. The theme for the conference is, "Building the Bench: Developing the Team of Today and Tomorrow."
The conference offers the Corps leadership community an unprecedented opportunity to learn about leadership practices, interact with subject-matter experts, and connect with leaders from within the region.
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| Auxiliary Lock at Locks and Dam 15 One Step Closer to Reopening |
| Justine Barati |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, structures crew is working at the auxiliary lock (also known as the recreational lock) at Locks and Dam 15 in Rock Island, Ill., today. They are pulling the lower gates of the auxiliary lock for cleaning and repairs. This brings the auxiliary lock one step closer to reopening to the public.
The crew has already pulled one of the gates and will be pulling the other lower gate today, if time permits. If the second lower gate is not pulled today, it will be pulled tomorrow. Both gates will be taken the Corps' LeClaire Base in LeClaire, Iowa, for repairs.
Although this work will repair the lower gates, the auxiliary lock will not be reopened for traffic. The upper gates still need to be repaired. Due to lack of funding, there is currently no timetable for repairing the upper gates.
The auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam 15 was closed Aug. 15, 2003, because underwater inspections revealed serious structural deterioration of the lock gates.
The Rock Island District of the Corps operates the Regional Structural Repair Center for maintaining river structures on the Upper Mississippi River. The structures crew is based out of LeClaire, Iowa, and services locks and dams from Minneapolis to St. Louis. Members of the crew have also assisted with natural disaster recovery including repairs in the New Orleans area.
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| Largest Corps Tow Opens for Tours |
| Public Affairs |
Muscatine, Iowa -- The Rock Island District invites the public to join us at an open house and tour of the Motor Vessel (M/V) Mississippi on August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Muscatine, Iowa, at the Muscatine City Front Dock.
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| Col. Robert Sinkler Assumes Command |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- Col. Robert A. Sinkler assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in a change of command ceremony, July 21, at the Davenport River Center Concourse in Davenport, Iowa.
Col. Sinkler replaced Col. Duane P. Gapinski, former commander, who completed his three-year term as district engineer from July 11, 2003, through July 21, 2006. Col. Gapinski will retire on Dec. 31, 2006, after serving 24 years in a rewarding military career with the U.S. Army.
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| Saylorville Lake Wins National Award |
| Corporate Communications |
JOHNSTON, IA -- Saylorville Lake was notified yesterday that they have won the Natural Resource Management Project of the Year Award for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Saylorville competed with dozens of other projects nationwide to win this award. Saylorville won the award because their employees excel in managing federal lands and water, while still addressing the public's needs and desires.
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| Isle of Capri Permit Issued |
| Corporate Communications |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII; the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the State Historical Society of Iowa; and the city of Davenport, has issued a permit to relocate the Rhythm City Casino riverboat to an area upstream of their current location on the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa.
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| Corps Responds to New Orleans Levee Investigation Team's Comments |
| Public Affairs |
Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2006) -- Maj. Gen. Don T. Riley, Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, today issued the following statement in response to the University of California at Berkeley-led Independent Levee Investigation Team's recently released "Initial Comments on Interim (70%) IPET Study Report."
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| Bald Eagles Arrive for Winter |
| Public Affairs |
Rock Island, Ill. -- Don't miss your chance to see our nation's national symbol, American Bald Eagles as they journey through the midwest during the winter season.
Thousands of bald eagles winter on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, mostly concentrating near the Corps' dams. For a list of this season's Bald Eagle watches, see the Full Story.
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| LaGrange Public Meetings to be Held |
| Public Affairs |
Havana, Ill. -- The public is invited to attend meetings about the LaGrange Channel Maintenance Pool Plan for the Illinois Waterway. The purpose of the meetings is for the public to learn about and comment on the draft plans for the long-term channel maintenance pool planning at LaGrange.
Date: November 9, 2005
Time 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 -8 p.m.
Place: Farmers Bureau, 127 South High, Havana, Ill.
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| Lock 11 Closes to the Public |
| Public Affairs |
Dubuque, Ia. -- On Oct. 3, Lock and Dam 11 in Dubuque, Iowa, was closed to the public as construction began to rehabilitate the lock. Construction is expected to last until the summer of 2007. The lock is closed to the public due to the unsafe conditions during construction. Public viewing of the lock and dam will be available at the City of Dubuque's Eagle Point Park.
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| Hurricane Recovery Underway |
| Public Affairs |
Vicksburg, Miss. -- Click here for information and points of contact concerning Corps of Engineers support to hurricane recovery efforts.
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| District Employees Deploy in Support of Hurricane Katrina |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, IL. -- Five employees from the Rock Island District's Ice Planning Response Team deployed to Baton Rouge and Camp Beauragard, La., and Memphis, Tenn., in support of recovery missions associated with Hurricane Katrina.
The District's Ice Team is responsible for acquiring, distributing and tracking ice for citizens impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the state of Louisiana. During the first three days of recovery, it is anticipated the Ice Team will provide approximately 7,560,000 pounds of ice.
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| Public Meeting for Mississippi River Pool 18 |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources invite you to attend a public meeting about Pool 18 of the Upper Mississippi River. The purpose of the public meeting is for the public to comment on the draft plans for seasonal water level drawdowns and for long term channel maintenance pool planning. These meetings take place August 30 at Burlington, Iowa, and August 31 at Keithsburg, Illinois.
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| USDA and Army Sign Partnership Agreement |
| Public Affairs Office |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- July 7, 2005 - During a ceremony today at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (OASA-CW) signed a partnership agreement to improve management of the nation's water and related natural resources. NRCS Chief Bruce Knight and George S. Dunlop, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, signed the agreement.
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| Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers Flood Control Study Complete |
| Public Affairs |
Des Moines, Ia. -- The City of Des Moines and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have completed a draft feasibility report with an Integrated Environmental assessment concerning flood control on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers.
The draft report is available on the web at www.mvr.usace.army.mil/DesMoinesFP/Documents/Feasibility.
The report is also available at the Des Moines Library, West Des Moines Library, and the Cowles Library at Drake University.
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| Public Meetings Scheduled for Mississippi River Locks 22 and 25 |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a public meeting and open house on Tuesday, May 10, 2005, to discuss and gather public input on potential plans for construction of a new lock and fish passage design at Lock and Dam 22. Public input will again be sought on Wednesday, May 11, on potential plans for construction of a new lock and water control changes at Lock and Dam 25.
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| Coast Guard Reopens Sanitary and Ship Canal |
| Public Affairs |
CHICAGO, IL -- The U.S. Coast Guard has carefully examined the hydrographic survey data provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and successfully verified that dry cargo inland river barges may transit safely past the sunken EMC423 barge. As a result, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port has made the decision to open the section of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) between the Cicero Avenue Bridge and the Chicago Belt Railway Railroad Bridge to commercial barge traffic.
These vessels will be permitted to transit this section of the CSSC under operational and draft controls established by the Coast Guard. The Illinois River Carriers Association, in coordination with the Coast Guard and the on scene salvage supervisor, will implement a vessel traffic management system to ensure an organized and efficient return of commercial vessel traffic to the canal.
The Coast Guard, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers will continue to closely oversee all salvage and recovery operations until the threat of pollution has been eliminated and the barge has been removed from the channel.
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| Corps Surveys Cal-Sag Channel Barge Accident |
| Public Affairs |
CHICAGO, IL -- In coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a hydrographic survey of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The survey helps establish the extent to which the canal is blocked by the sunken barge following its explosion at Cicero and 44th Street, Chicago, on Jan. 19. The results of this survey were provided to the Coast Guard to be used in determining if it is safe to reopen the canal to vessel traffic. Photo Courtesy of WLS TV 7, Chicago.
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| Navigation Study Submitted to Secretary of the Army for Review |
| Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Army's Chief of Engineers, Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, signed the Chief of Engineers Report offering a framework for ecosystem restoration and navigation improvements on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. His report has been submitted to the Secretary of the Army for review and submission to Congress.
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| Rock Island District Among First for National Security Personnel System |
| Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is included in the initial implementation of the Department of Defense National Security Personnel System (NSPS), announced today by DoD.
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| Mississippi River Commission Holds Public Meeting Concerning Navigation Study |
| Public Affairs |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River Commission (MRC), conducted a public meeting Monday (November 22, 2004), concerning the Final Feasibility Report of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterways System Navigation Feasibility Study and Report. The project is being managed by the Corps' Rock Island and St. Paul districts.
The purpose of the public meeting was for the commission to consider the project report as it pertains to the impacts on the Mississippi River and the Mississippi River and Tributaries project. The Mississippi River Commission, established in 1879, is responsible for navigation, flood control and other water resources development on the Mississippi River.
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| National Research Council Reviews Corps' Navigation Study |
| Public Affairs |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- (October 06, 2004) At the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Research Council (NRC) has provided a report on their review of the Corps of Engineers' Draft Upper Mississippi River - Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Report.
The NRC report offers both positive comments and areas of concern that along with state and other federal agency review will be used to develop the final Corps recommendation to be contained in the Chief of Engineers' report scheduled for November 2004.
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| Study to Restore Ecosystem and Improve Navigation on Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway Nears Completion |
| Public Affairs |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- (September 28, 2004) The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, completed today their final plan for future ecosystem restoration and navigation efficiency improvements to the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
The recommended plan presented in the Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study establishes a framework for modifications and operational changes to ensure environmental sustainability and navigation efficiencies. The framework provides an adaptive and integrated approach to manage the navigation and ecological systems of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
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| Lake Red Rock Pool Drawdown Proposed |
| Public Affairs |
KNOXVILLE, IOWA -- A 10-foot pool drawdown to perform repairs and maintenance to Lake Red Rock's tainter gates and cables is proposed for fall 2007. An Environmental Assessment evaluating the impacts of the drawdown and repair work is available for public review and comment through September 25, 2004.
The current elevation of the conservation pool, 742 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum, permanently submerges the tainter gates' cables and brackets. Dewatering the tainter gate bays is necessary for repairs and maintenance. The fall drawdown will decrease recreational opportunities in the area through diminished sites or access for wildlife observation, waterfowl hunting, and fishing.
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| Lock 15 Closes for Emergency Repairs |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, IL. -- Mississippi River Lock 15, located at Rock Island, Illinois, at Mile 483.0, closes to all navigation today, Thursday, August 19, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, August 21, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for removal of the lower miter gates and installation of spare gates.
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dive inspection has revealed serious structural damage to the lower portion of the gates requiring immediate removal and replacement.
Lock 15's auxiliary lock remains closed until further notice due to structural damage to the locks upper and lower gates.
More Photos Locks and Dam 15 Factoids
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| Barge Fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16 |
| Public Affairs |
Rock Island, Ill. -- The Rock Island District is currently reviewing permit requests for barge fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16. Blackhawk Fleet, Inc., has submitted permit requests requiring a federal permit under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
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| Proposal to Restore Ecosystem and Improve Navigation Released for Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, IL. -- The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' draft proposal outlining its preferred plan for future ecosystem restoration and navigation efficiency improvements to the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers has been published.
The public review and comment period occurred from May through July 30, 2004.
The preferred integrated plan presented in the draft Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement report establishes a framework for modifications and operational changes to insure environmental sustainability and navigation efficiencies. This framework provides an adaptive and integrated approach to future management of the navigation system and ecosystem.
The preferred plan includes a $5.3 billion first cost long-term framework for ecosystem restoration, and a $2.4 billion first cost long-term framework for navigation efficiency improvements.
Link to Site Link to Report
To Request a Copy of the Report:
E-mail: DraftNavRptOrder@usace.army.mil
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| Public Provides Input on Ecosystem and Navigation Improvement Plan |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Ecosystem and navigation improvement plans for the nation's most renowned river system were the subject of discussion during a series of eight public meetings as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received public input on its Upper Mississippi River - Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
The meetings provided the public an opportunity to learn about and comment on the draft report and the preferred plan designed to ensure sustainability of the navigation and ecosystems of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
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| Boat Ramps & Recreation Areas Close |
| Public Affairs |
Saylorville and Coralville Lakes -- The rising pool levels at Saylorville and Coralville Lakes have forced the closure of multiple boat ramps and recreation areas.
For more information, please view the following websites:
Coralville Lake
Saylorville Lake
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| Proposal to Restore Ecosystem and Improve Navigation Released for Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway |
| Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers released for public review and comment today a draft proposal outlining its preferred plan for future ecosystem restoration and navigation efficiency improvements to the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
The preferred integrated plan presented in the draft Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement report establishes a framework for modifications and operational changes to insure environmental sustainability and navigation efficiencies. This framework provides an adaptive and integrated approach to future management of the navigation system and ecosystem.
The preferred plan will include a $5.3 billion first cost long-term framework for ecosystem restoration, and a $2.4 billion first cost long-term framework for navigation efficiency improvements. The plan, if approved, will be implemented in a phased manner with future checkpoints for the Administration and the Congress.Link to Site Link to Report To Request a Copy of the Report:
E-mail: DraftNavRptOrder@usace.army.mil To Provide Comments on the Report:
E-mail: DraftNavRptComments@usace.army.mil
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| Corps to Release Draft Proposal for River Improvements - Responds to Twice Cooked Pork Report |
| Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to release a draft proposal for public comment and review in the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study.
Meanwhile, a group of non-governmental organizations has issued a report entitled Twice Cooked Pork: The Upper Mississippi River Illinois Waterway Navigation Study. This report charges that the Corps has overestimated future river traffic, underestimated the growing domestic demand for grain and ignores the benefit of congestion management measures. More ...
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| Alcohol Banned at Coralville Swimming Beaches |
| Public Affairs |
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Effective May 1, 2004, alcohol will be banned at West Overlook Day Use Beach, Sandy Beach Day Use Beach, Sugar Bottom Day Use Beach and the Sugar Bottom Campground Beach at Coralville Lake, Iowa City, Iowa.
The ban is being implemented to promote a safe and enjoyable swimming experience at the Lake. Visit the Lake's web site: Coralville Lake.
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| Revised River Flood Levels Released |
| Public Affairs Office |
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- New flood profiles for portions of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers were released today. These profiles will better assist communities in preparing for flood events to prevent loss of life and property damage. The new profiles will also assist in improving floodplain management by advancing the understanding of local, regional, and systemic hydrology and hydraulics of our river system.
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| Draft River Improvement Plans Under Review |
| Public Affairs |
VICKSBURG, MS -- Plans for the future of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers were the subject of discussion at an Alternative Formulation Briefing held February 24 in St. Louis. Participants included U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state, and federal study partners.
The Corps' Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study team has released the pre-conference Alternative Formulation Briefing document. The document closely follows the actual Navigation Study Feasibility Report outline and summarizes the study history, purpose and plan formulation process.
The document includes the draft tentatively selected plan for navigation efficiency and environmental restoration improvements and is available on the study web site at http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/umr-iwwsns/. The draft tentatively selected plan is a working document under review by study team members and is subject to modification prior to release for public review and comment in the Draft Upper Mississippi River - Illinois Waterway System Feasibility Report scheduled for May 2004.
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| Corps of Engineers Begins Review of Draft Plans for River Improvements |
| Public Affairs |
VICKSBURG, MS -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Upper Mississippi River and lllinois Waterway System Navigation Study team has drafted an initial tentatively selected plan for the future of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers. This plan is being presented to Corps officials, other Federal Agencies, and state representatives at an Alternative Formulation Briefing scheduled for February.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the initial tentatively selected plan and its implementation and may result in further modifications. The tentatively selected plan is being made available to interested groups signifying the first time the Corps has published any tentative plan related to the extensive Navigation Study. The tentatively selected plan is a working document under review by the study team and is subject to modification prior to release at the Briefing. Information regarding the tentatively selected plan can be found on the Navigation Study web site at http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/umr-iwwsns/.
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| Postponement of Groundhog Job Shadow Day |
| Public Affairs Office |
Rock Island - ILL. -- Due to the water main break in the clock tower the groundhog job shadow day student event that was to take place today, Feb 3rd, has been postponed.
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| Mississippi River Visitor Center Closes for Holidays |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Mississippi River Visitor Center, located on the west end of Arsenal Island, will be closed New Years Day, January 1, 2004.
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is one of few local sites from which the American Bald Eagle can be viewed in a warm indoor environment. We invite residents of the area to bring out of town guests to see our National Bird in its winter environment. To assist in Eagle watching, a spotting scope will be available for public use.
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| National Research Council Reviews Navigation Study |
| Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Research Council has released a letter report on their initial findings in their review of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study of navigation efficiency and ecosystem restoration of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.
The NRC report offered both positive comments and areas of concern in addressing the feasibility study.
Navigation Study Home Page
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| Eagle Watches and Clock Tower Tours Return |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Public Eagle Watch and Clock Tower Tours will be conducted each Saturday and Sunday through February 15, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Each event will last approximately 75 minutes. The tour size is limited to 15 persons.
Bald Eagle Watching on the Mississippi River
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| Corps Evaluates Beardstown Riverfront Improvements |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- With the Presidential signing of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act on Monday, funding is available for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete its $100,000 study into improvements along the riverfront at Beardstown, Ill.
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| Army Corps in the Middle East |
| Public Affairs |
MIDDLE EAST, Nov. 18 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has hundreds of military and civilian employees in Iraq working closely with the Coalition Provisional Authority and the ministries on oil and other infrastructure, electricity restoration, destruction of Captured Enemy Ammunition, and field force engineering. In addition, USACE is supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development¿s infrastructure reconstruction program, and providing design and construction services to the United States Central Command.
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| Public Input Sought on Illinois River Improvement Plans |
| Justine Barati, Public Affairs |
Rock Island, Ill. -- Future plans for the restoration of the Illinois River Basin are the spotlight of discussion during a series of four public meetings as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources seek public input on the Illinois River Ecosystem and Basin Restoration Study.
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| Public Input Provided on River Improvement Plans |
| Public Affairs |
Rock Island, ILL. -- Future plans for the nation¿s most renowned river system were the spotlight of discussion during a series of seven public meetings as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received public input on its navigation study.
Capping more than a decade of study, analysis and an unprecedented level of collaboration, the public had an opportunity to see, learn about and comment on tentative alternative plans designed to ensure sustainability of the navigation and ecosystems of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
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| Kids with Disabilities CAST their Cares Away at Fishing Event |
| Public Affairs |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Smiles and fun were the order of the day for all who attended "Catch A Special Thrill" (C.A.S.T.), a fishing program for kids with disabilities, sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on Oct. 4 at Sunset Park in Rock Island, Ill.
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| Corps Holds Open House on the M/V Mississippi |
| Public Affairs Office |
MUSCATINE, IA -- The Rock Island District invites the public to join them at an open house to tour the Motor Vessel Mississippi and learn more about the Corps of Engineers' role on the river.
The open house takes place on Aug. 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Muscatine City Front Dock in Muscatine, Iowa. The public is encouraged to visit the open house at any time during those hours.
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| Mississippi River Commission Holds Public Meeting in Hannibal, Mo. |
| Public Affairs Office |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- The Mississippi River Commission will conduct its annual "low-water" inspection trip on the Mississippi River, August 11-22. There will be a public meeting in Hannibal, Mo., at the city Front on Aug. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Seven public meetings have been sheduled aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI in selected towns along the river so Commission members have the opportunity to meet with local residents and hear their concerns, ideas and issues.
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| Col. Duane Gapinski Assumes Command of Rock Island District |
| Public Affairs Office |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Col. Duane P. Gapinski assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in a change of command ceremony, July 11, at the Davenport River Center Concourse in Davenport, Iowa.
Col. Gapinski replaced Col. William J. Bayles, former commander, who completed his three-year term as district engineer from July 11, 2000, through July 10, 2003.
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| Corps Signs Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment at Coralville Lake, Iowa |
| Public Affairs Office |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment of a proposed lease of the former Girl Scouts¿ Camp Daybreak site at Coralville Lake, Iowa. Concurrently, the Corps has selected Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative, leasing the former Camp Daybreak area for group recreational use and development by a non-profit organization at a reduced level of use and development below that proposed in the Muslim Youth Camps of America (MYCA) application.
Camp Daybreak - Proposed Lease of Site (Home Page)
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| Updated River Flow Frequencies Presented at Open Houses |
| Public Affairs Office |
ROCK ISLAND -- The public recently attended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers open houses along the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. Participants learned about and discussed the findings of the Upper Mississippi, Lower Missouri, and Illinois Rivers System Flow Frequency Study.
The Study, initiated in October 1997, partnered the Corps with state and federal agencies to develop revised flow frequencies for the main-stem Upper Mississippi, Lower Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. April 2003 Newsletter
Flow Frequency Study Home Page
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| Corps Publishes Final Mad Creek Flood Reduction Report |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND -- The Rock Island District has released a final Detailed Project Report with Environmental Assessment presenting the results of a feasibility study of flooding problems along Mad Creek in Muscatine, Iowa.
The public review and comment phase has been completed and relevant comments have been addressed. The design of flood reduction improvements has begun and construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2004.
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| Corps Seeks Public Comment on Environmental Assessment of Proposed Lease at Coralville Lake |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has released the Environmental Assessment (EA) of Proposed Lease at Coralville Lake, Johnson County, Iowa. The EA presents an evaluation of alternatives, assesses the potential impacts of alternatives, and recommends a preferred alternative for a 106-acre site located along Coralville Lake, approximately two miles from North Liberty.
The EA evaluated four alternative levels of development for the site, including no action. The Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment for 45 days beginning November 19.
Camp Daybreak - Proposed Lease of Site (Home Page)
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| Senator Kit Bond Visits Lock and Dam 21 |
| Ron Fournier |
QUINCY, ILL -- Senator Kit Bond visited Lock and Dam 21 on Monday, 26 August, to see first hand, the operations and condition of one of the 37 locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River system.
Bond pledged to win the battle necessary to improve the Mississippi River basin. Bond's remarks, made at Lock & Dam 21 North of Hannibal, were followed by a tour and briefing.
- Sen. Bond's Remarks at Lock and Dam 21
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| Corps Seeks Public Input on Plan to Minimize Mad Creek Flooding |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND -- The Rock Island District, Corps of Engineers, has released a draft Detailed Project Report presenting the results of a feasibility study of flooding problems along Mad Creek in Muscatine, Iowa, and is looking for public comment on the proposed plan to minimize flood problems.
News Release: Corps Seeks Public Input on Proposed Plan to Minimize Mad Creek Flooding Problems
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| Navigation Study Interim Report Completed |
| Public Affairs Office |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a blueprint for moving forward with its plan to ensure the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers continue to be nationally treasured ecological resources, as well as effective transportation systems.
The blueprint is included in the Corps' Interim Report of the restructured Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study.
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| Corps Testifies Before Senate Committee |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on June 18 where the Corps' Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) and the Chief of Engineers testified on Corps water resources development programs, Corps reform and other issues facing the Corps into the 21st Century.
"I'm willing to state categorically that the Corps must change," said LTG Robert Flowers, chief of engineers. "The Corps can change, we have before at critical turning points and are certainly at a turning point right now."
"Today, 35,000 Corps employees work around the world to help improve the quality of life for people at home and abroad," testified Honorable R. L. Brownlee, Acting ASA (CW). "We also want to ensure, as I'm sure you do, that this country can continue to rely on the capability, expertise and leadership of the Corps now, and in the future."
Complete testimony of Honorable R. L. Brownlee, Acting ASA (CW)
Complete testimony of Lt. Gen. Robert Flowers, Chief of Engineers
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| Draft Navigation Study Report Completed |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed a draft of the Interim Report of the restructured Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System Navigation Feasibility Study.
The Draft Interim Report provides a blueprint for moving forward with the feasibility study to ensure the Mississippi and Illinois rivers continue to be a nationally treasured ecological resource, as well as an effective transportation system.
Navigation Study Home Page
Draft Interim Report
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| Corps Holds Meetings to Discuss Future of the Mississippi River System |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, IL -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented an overview of the newly restructured study of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway at a series of public meetings throughout the study area.
The meetings provided the public with a study update and the opportunity to provide comments on its direction. "We wanted to see if there was general agreement with the direction in which we're heading," said Denny Lundberg, regional project manager.
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| Corps Reissues Nationwide Permits, Strengthens Commitment to Wetlands Protection, "No Net Loss" |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will issue nationwide permits (NWPs) in the Jan. 15, 2002, Federal Register. Nationwide permits ensure appropriate environmental protections when authorizing discharges of small amounts of dredge and fill material into waters of the U.S.
Questions & Answers about the new Nationwide Permits
Nationwide Permits Chart
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| Corps Evaluates Davenport Flood Protection |
| Ron Fournier |
DAVENPORT, IOWA -- Following the Spring 2001 flood along reaches of the Mississippi River at Davenport, Iowa, city officials requested the Corps of Engineers re-evaluate the 1982 Davenport Flood Protection Project to determine if the project, or other flood damage reduction alternatives, are possible based on current conditions. The Limited Re-Evaluation Study, currently underway, is scheduled for completion early Spring 2002.
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| Corps Opens Regulatory Guidance Letter for Comment |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (December 18, 2001) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking other federal agencies to comment on a recently issued regulatory guidance letter which sets standards for mitigating permitted impacts to the aquatic ecosystem. The comment period ends March 1, 2002.
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| Corps Modifies Reservoir Releases |
| Justine Barati |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, began modifying reservoir outflows today at Coralville, Red Rock, and Saylorville reservoirs. Each year pool levels are increased in the fall to provide additional habitat for migrating waterfowl. Following the end of the fall waterfowl season, pools are returned to normal winter conservation levels to preserve storage capacity for spring runoff.
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| Corps Issues New Guidance to Protect Wetlands |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued guidance to its field offices to address issues outlined in the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences Report on mitigation in the Corps' Regulatory Program. Regulatory Guidance Letter 01-1 requires more stringent standards for mitigating permitted impacts to the aquatic ecosystem, including wetlands. The Corps is committed to improving our mitigation and enforcement of permit compliance.
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| Local Corps Employees Deploy in Support of Disaster Recovery |
| Ron Fournier |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- The 5,500 men and women of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, join the rest of the nation in expressing sympathy for the victims and families of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The members of the Mississippi Valley Division also join the nation in the resolve to recover from these attacks as quickly as possible.
Currently, seventeen employees of the Mississippi Valley Division have been deployed to the New York and Washington, D.C., areas.
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| Corps Assists in Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks |
| Ron Fournier |
NEW YORK, NY -- The United States Army Corps of Engineers is coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster response support in the aftermath of the recent World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks.
The Corps is the designated Department of Defense planning and operating agent for Emergency Support Function (ESF) #3, Public Works and Engineering, of the Federal Response Plan.
The Corps is executing several missions under ESF 3, including providing technical assistance for debris removal, electrical power assessment and structural assessments during operations in New York. Corps members are also providing technical assistance for debris removal and the Pentagon in Virginia.
CORPS' ROLE IN THE FEDERAL RESPONSE PLAN
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| Maintenance Crew Completes Emergency Lock Gate Repairs |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- With applause and cheers as they traveled through Lock 15's main 600-foot chamber, passengers of the American Queen cruise ship thanked the Corps' Mississippi River Maintenance Crew for seven days of exhaustive, around-the-clock work which allowed them to continue their journey downriver.
Following hundreds of hours of careful planning and precision work, Maintenance Crew members set the 81.7-ton gate into the lock's sill early Wednesday morning. After adjustments to both downstream gates, the chamber was filled and by 10:30 a.m., the Corps' vessels Rock Island, Bettendorf and Tangent, along with the Gatelifter Quad Cities, were moved from the chamber to make way for the American Queen.
It was a job well done. Photo by Mark Kane.
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| Locks and Dam 15 Undergoes Emergency Repairs |
| Ron Fournier |
Rock Island -- On Wednesday, August 15, the Corps of Engineers closed Locks and Dam 15's main lock chamber to all river traffic. The 110-foot-wide x 600-foot-long chamber was closed for emergency repairs of lock components that time, weather and 67 years of use have taken their toll.
Corps crews discovered the damage while pulling the #3 miter gate for scheduled repairs. Crews discovered severe corrosion and section loss of the embedded channel that attaches the perpendicular eye-bar/anchor bar. Also found at Locks and Dam 15 were areas where the flange on the underside of the channel was rusted away, and sections on the top flanges had remaining steel of only about 1/8" thick.
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| Navigation Study Underway |
| Ron Fournier |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- On August 2, the Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the concurrence of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works announced that the Corps is resuming the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study. The refocused study will be modified to emphasize environmentally sustainable development of the river and to address concerns raised by the National Research Council in February 2001.
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| Lock 14 Mooring Cell Approved |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Following the recommendations of the towing industry and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Rock Island District will construct a mooring cell below Locks and Dam 14 at Hampton, Ill.
The mooring cell will improve the efficiency and safety of commercial navigation and help minimize its impacts on the Mississippi River's ecosystem. At the earliest, construction of the cell will begin in summer 2002, if funds become available.
For more information, click below:
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| Mississippi River Pool 13 Lowered by One Foot |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District modified its normal regulation plan for Mississippi River Pool 13 to lower the pool level at Lock and Dam 13 by one foot below the normal summer flat pool elevation of 583.0 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.).
The Corps was requested to modify its operating plan by the Fish and Wildlife Interagency Committee; a group comprised of representatives of Federal and State natural resource agencies having management responsibilities on the Upper Mississippi River System. The purpose of the modification is to stimulate increased production of aquatic and wetland plants for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources.
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| Fleeting Permit Issued for Mississippi River Pool 16 |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District has issued a barge fleeting permit for Pool 16 on the Upper Mississippi River.
Walter Marine Enterprise, Inc., has received the U.S Army Corps of Engineers permit under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Section 10 requires a Corps of Engineers permit for the construction of any structure in, under, or over any navigable water of the United States; the excavation from or depositing of material in such waters; or the accomplishment of any other work affecting the course, location, conditions, or capacity of such waters.
For detailed information, click below:
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| Two Area Companies Seek Barge Fleeting Permits in Mississippi River Pool 16 |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island District has received permit requests for barge fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16.
Blackhawk Fleet, Inc. and Walter Marine Enterprise, Inc., have submitted permit requests requiring a Corps of Engineers permit under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
The permit requests include structures (anchor barges) used to facilitate barge fleeting in the Mississippi River, which will eliminate the long-standing practice and resulting damage of tying barges to trees along the River?s shoreline
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| After the 2001 Upper Mississippi River Spring Flood |
| Ron Fournier |
VICKSBURG, MISS. -- Corps personnel involved in the Spring 2001 flood fight are now working to complete closeout actions, finalize contracts and redistribute supplies and equipment as flooding on the upper Mississippi River comes to an end.
Flood protection projects already in place, together with Spring 2001 emergency activities undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, prevented an estimated $1.6 billion in flood damages during the recent high water event on the upper Mississippi River.
Types of flood protection projects included dams, levees, floodwalls, pump stations and channel improvements. Emergency activities included technical assistance, flood fight materials and construction of emergency levees.
"The Corps' flood protection structures did the job they were designed to do, which is to help protect lives and property," said Brig. Gen. Edwin J. Arnold, Jr., Commander of the Mississippi Valley Division.
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| Public Hearing Held On Barge Fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16 |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Nearly 150 area residents attended the public hearing on October 11, at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, to obtain additional information and comments regarding two separate permit requests for barge fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16.
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| Corps Responds to Sierra Club's False Allegations |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- On Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Sierra Club's Midwest Office released a report entitled, "A Sierra Club Report: The Corps Of Engineers' Scheme To Expand Barge Traffic On The Mississippi And Illinois Rivers Through Phony "Rehabilitation Cost Savings."" The report erroneously interprets decade-old documents and claims, once again, that the Corps is "cooking the books" and committed "fraud" to justify a billion-dollar expansion of navigation locks on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
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| Corps Answers Barge Fleeting Questions |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Nearly 150 area residents attended a recent public hearing to obtain information and provide comments regarding two separate permit requests for barge fleeting in Mississippi River Pool 16. Here, the Corps provides answers to many of your questions and concerns.
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| Navigation Study Investigation Comes to an End |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Office of Special Counsel announced December 6 that it had concluded a ten-month investigation into Dr. Donald C. Sweeney's allegations that officials at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engaged in violations of law, rule or regulation and a gross waste of taxpayers' funds. Special Counsel Elaine Kaplan transmitted Secretary of Defense Cohen's report to the White House and the Congress. The transmittal package included the report, as well as Kaplan's assessment of whether the report contains necessary information and whether its findings appear reasonable, along with Dr. Sweeney's analysis. Copies of the Department of Defense's report, Special Counsel Kaplan's transmittal letter and Dr. Sweeney's comments can be obtained from the Office of Special Counsel.
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| National Research Council Commends Corps, Offers Recommendations |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON -- The National Academies? National Research Council released its review of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? Upper Mississippi River ? Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study on Wednesday, 28 February, commending the Corps for advances made in the draft Study. The report is a result of the Council?s nine-month research and review of eight years of Corps? reports, research, data, documentation, scientific models, and work in progress on the Navigation Study
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| U.S. Army Corps' Responds to Navigation Study Critics |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON -- Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, recently testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.
Flowers appeared before the Subcommittee to discuss the service of the Army Corps of Engineers to the Nation. Portions of the testimony dealt with the Army Inspector General?s and the National Research Council?s report on the Upper Mississippi River - Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study.
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| Corps Crew Crucial to Flood Fight |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Ron Flowers, and the crew at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? LeClaire Base, have distributed more than one million sandbags to assist in the valiant flood-fighting efforts of counties, cities and villages along the shores of the Mighty Mississippi River. However, Flowers? job is far from over. As the crest rolls down the river, communities continue to require his flood-fighting supplies.
During his daily ten-hour shifts, the crew has already distributed 1,200,000 sandbags, 272 rolls of plastic sheeting, and 23 pumps. He has also inspected 87 more pumps that are ready to be loaned to communities in need.
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| Army Corps Establishes Quincy Emergency Operations Center |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, established an emergency operations center in Quincy, Ill., at the U.S. Army Reserve Center located at 601 North 36th Street. The phone number for the Quincy Emergency Operations Center is (217) 224-9587.
The temporary office is staffed with Corps flood area engineers who will provide expert guidance on construction of sandbag levees, flood-fighting techniques, flood information, and flood supplies as necessary.
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| Rock Island District Provides Flood Fighting Expertise |
| Ron Fournier |
MOLINE, ILL. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Emergency Management members are exuberantly greeted by a member of the public after arriving at a sandbagging scene in Moline, Ill.
The Corps frequently visits such sites to assist the public's flood fighting efforts as well as providing expert guidance on constructing sandbag levees, flood fighting techniques, flood information, and guidance.
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| Chief of Engineers Assesses Flood Fight |
| Ron Fournier |
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Chief, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Robert Flowers, assessed area Mississippi River flood damages and discussed flood-fighting operations with city officials during his visit to the area Sunday, April 22.
Flowers arrived in the Quad-City area to get a first-hand look at the area flood. While in the Quad Cities, Flowers walked the Bettendorf levee and met with media representatives near the Isle of Capri Casino. He spoke about the federal, state and city flood-fighting successes to date, as well as challenges the current flood is expected to bring in the near future.
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| Saylorville Releases Increase - Recreation Areas Close |
| Ron Fournier |
SAYLORVILLE LAKE, IOWA -- Recent rainfall across the drainage basin of Saylorville Reservoir has resulted in increased inflows into the reservoir. To control water levels below the reservoir, the Corps has been restricting outflows which has caused higher lake levels. As the lake continues to rise, the Corps will begin to release additional flows from the reservoir. However, inflow into the reservoir will continue to exceed its outflow.
Beginning May 9, reservoir releases will gradually increase from the current release of 12,000 cubic feet per second to 17,000 cfs. The scheduled release rate should be reached by May 12.
Due to the associated high lake and river levels, some recreation areas will be closed beginning Friday, May 11th. This includes Bob Shelter campground and fishing access, as well as the Cottonwood Picnic Area. Swimming beaches at Oak Grove and Sandpiper Recreation Areas and portions of the Neal Smith Bike Trail are also closed.
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| America's Water Resources Challenges for the 21st Century |
| Ron Fournier |
WASHINGTON -- Water plays a major role in how we live and work. But are we taking this critical resource for granted?
Last year, the United States Army Corps of Engineers invited Americans to "Join the Dialogue" about our nation's water resources.
The purpose of the Listening Sessions was twofold. First, it was to provide citizens an opportunity to voice concerns about pressing water resources needs, problems, and opportunities that impact their lives, communities and future sustainability. Secondly, it was to provide citizens an opportunity to tell us what they believe the Federal role should be in addressing those concerns.
Here is what was said...
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