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  • LaGrange Lock and Dam, Illinois River: Navigation Approach Physical Model

    Abstract: A physical model study of the LaGrange Lock and Dam was conducted to optimize the navigation conditions for the new landside lock chamber design developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers–Rock Island District, Inland Navigation Design Center, and Stanley Consultants. A 1:120 Froude scale model was built to evaluate the navigation conditions for tows entering and exiting the upper and lower approaches. The final design consisted of a new 1,200 ft lock chamber located landward of the existing chamber. Data were collected to evaluate tow tracks and current direction and velocity information. Satisfactory navigation conditions were developed, and details are shown in the results section of this report.

  • USACE Project Oversight Part Art Part Science

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District focuses on ensuring its projects are led by a healthy Project Delivery Team (PDT), which consists of trained professionals, is mission-focused, and demonstrates innovation and adaptability. Success is assessed through both hard data, such as schedules and budgets, and softer factors like communication and stakeholder management. Improvements in project quality have been achieved through the implementation of data quality review boards. COL Christopher Klein emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement, noting that sometimes saying "no" is necessary to ensure a successful, realistic project outcome rather than one that is expedited.

  • Get to know the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District is a key federal agency responsible for providing engineering solutions to support the infrastructure, safety, and land and water conservation of the Pacific Northwest.

  • Power Failure Impacts Cherry Glen Picnic Area

    Due to a power failure at the Cherry Glen Picnic Area at Saylorville Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily modifying operations within the park. Repairs are pending, but a completion date is not yet known.

  • VTIME Using ERDC as a Testbed with PLANNER

    Abstract: This technical note documents the outcome of a September 2023 workshop titled “VTIME using ERDC as a Testbed with PLANNER.” PLANNER exists as a prototype installation master planning tool, operating as an application using the Virtual Toolbox for Installation Mission Effectiveness (VTIME) as a platform. The objectives of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) FLEX-4 project for VTIME using “ERDC as a Testbed” with PLANNER included modeling and analyzing ERDC facilities using the PLANNER prototype and assessing the feasibility of ERDC as a pilot site for inclusion PLANNER implementation. The workshop aimed to demonstrate PLANNER for ERDC personnel and showcase a new installation planning capability that intends to transform the way the Army performs installation master planning by digitalizing and operationalizing master planning.

  • Bacterial Remediation of Microsystin-HAB Toxins Utilizing Microcystinase (MlrA)

    Abstract: Microcystins are a class of hepatotoxins produced by some harmful algal bloom–associated cyanobacteria and are the most reported tox-ins in freshwaters. Their cyclic structure makes them resistant to conventional methods used in water treatment operations (boiling, chlorination, and UV treatment). Some bacteria can naturally degrade microcystins via the mlrABCD cluster, a pathway initiated by the primary enzyme microcystinase (MlrA). MlrA linearizes the cyclic microcystin, greatly reducing its toxicity. Protein fusion was employed to produce a recombinant MlrA enzyme fused to maltose-binding protein ([MBP] MBP-MlrA) and to evaluate long-term enzymatic stabilization and reconstitution for future applications. MBP-MlrA degraded cyclic microcystin in vitro and demonstrated stability across a range of biological pHs. At a concentration of 0.61 ng/µl in buffer, MBP-MlrA achieved and maintained an average degradation rate of approximately 101.95 µM/h/ng of protein across fifteen freeze/thaw cycles. Stability assays demonstrated that enzyme activity was preserved over 5 months at −20°C. Results also demonstrated the effectiveness of MBP-MlrA to linearize microcystin upwards of 55.59 µM/h/ng of protein at the bench scale in both buffer and various freshwater matrices. The presence of the linear metabolite is of concern regarding intermediate toxicity, and future studies to incorporate the MlrB peptidase are discussed.

  • USACE Ready to Deliver Critical Repairs to Oswego Harbor Outer West Breakwater

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District awarded a $9.1 million contract to Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock and materials for repairs to the Oswego Harbor outer west breakwater, with plans to start this spring. The breakwater foundation has been significantly damaged by storms, wave action, and deterioration for more than 90 years. Repairs will ensure continued safe navigation for commercial and recreational vessels between Lake Ontario and the rest of the Great Lakes, directly contributing to the nation’s economy.

  • Agricultural Lease Available at East Lynn Lake

    The Huntington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting bids for an agricultural lease located at East Lynn Lake. This opportunity is for hay only.

  • Greenup Auxiliary Lock Closure Update

    The Huntington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces that the auxiliary chamber at the Greenup Locks and Dam on the Ohio River in Greenup, Ky. will no longer be closed to recreational traffic. Recreational traffic can now use the auxiliary chamber for passage. Fishing tournament sponsors must coordinate directly with the lockmaster prior to their event for special instructions.

  • Albuquerque District joins SSCAFCA, others for ground-breaking on Tortugas Arroyo Improvements Project

    The Albuquerque District joined representatives from the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, and local and state officials to celebrate the groundbreaking and start of construction on the Tortugas Arroyo Improvements Project, March 26, 2025.