The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District maintains a safe and dependable navigation channel for 355 miles of the Mississippi River. It delivers on this charge by constructing dikes and other river training structures, performing revetment and dredging operations, and executing several other navigation and flood risk management projects.
The Memphis District completes dozens of projects annually to ensure a safe and reliable waterway, most recently partnering with Commercial Towing Interests, represented by the Lower Mississippi River Committee (LOMRC), to carry out a dike construction and restoration project in New Madrid, Missouri.
"In recent years and during periods of low water conditions, towboat pilots have raised concerns regarding this area of the river, as well as the need for dike work," Project Manager Zach Cook said. "This part of the river has also required frequent dredging over the past few years. Restoring and raising the existing dikes should help lessen that demand as dikes help constrict the waterway during mid-bank to low water stages and in turn, create a more efficient channel."