21 Jun 2022

The Washington Aqueduct | Modernization

For nearly 170 years, the Washington Aqueduct, a division of Baltimore District, has provided potable drinking water for the District of Columbia, later expanding coverage to Virginia’s Arlington and Fairfax Counties in 1927 and 1947, respectively. Under the direction of Baltimore District Commander Col. Estee S. Pinchasin and Washington Aqueduct General Manager Rudy Chow, the Aqueduct is several years into an evolutionary, mission-essential modernization plan that will usher in a new era for the historic water utility. The plan, or Evolution 2030, centers around an intensive asset management strategy, as well as data system upgrades that will result in critical infrastructure renewal, improved water security, and ensured continuity for the Aqueduct. 

25 Apr 2022

East Coast maritime response assets remobilize EVER FORWARD

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, performed hydrographic surveys at the Craighill Channel to determine any potential channel impacts resulting from East Coast maritime response efforts to remobilize the Taiwanese vessel operator Evergreen’s box ship EVER FORWARD. After being grounded for 35 days and successfully refloated, EVER FORWARD made its way back to the Port of Baltimore, resuming its journey to Norfolk, Virginia. Moving forward, material dredged during the remobilization effort will be beneficially re-used at Poplar Island for rebuilding and restoring the area, which is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and waterfowl, as approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

23 Mar 2022

New Splash: Surveyor continues waterways passion

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Survey Technician Ryan Miranda endures another chapter pursuing waterway passions, which includes stints as a rower, scuba diver, and naval historian. As one of the newest members of the survey technician team, he incorporates his experiences from swimming as a child to coaching rowers to successfully contribute towards enhancing the Chesapeake Bay and District’s National Capital Region area of responsibility with hydrographic condition surveys of federal channels and topographic surveys on special projects.

4 Feb 2022

USACE Anacostia River dock upgrades enhance environmental rehabilitation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District’s, DC Field office dock will house the newly arriving NACOTCHTANK Floating Crane in the District of Columbia alongside the Anacostia River. The DC Drift Program planned rehabilitation and modification of the mooring piers at the site location to help aid in the offloading of debris collected by the DC Drift Program vessels. Local contractors performed construction modifications to help enable the District’s ability to protect environmental habitat, improve water quality and aesthetics, and expand public access within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Additionally, USACE boat operators conduct routine debris patrols and respond to debris calls received from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, boat and marina operators, and private citizens. Lastly, the program’s year-round drift removal operations benefit navigation efforts by reducing damages, financial loss, and safety hazards to commercial and recreational vessels, operators, and docking facilities.

1 Feb 2022

ASA (CW), Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection partners tour Port of Baltimore

The Honorable Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, conducted his first port visit since confirming his position in November 2021. He accompanied senior leaders from USACE Headquarters and North Atlantic Division to witness the Baltimore District's Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection operations. Mission partners from the Maryland Port Administration and Ports America Chesapeake showcased how the Baltimore District's Chesapeake Bay protection and restoration efforts help streamline logistics and supply chain improvements for the nation's top e-commerce port destination.

20 Dec 2021

Army Corps begins dredging of Cape Henry Channel to support Ports of Baltimore, Virginia

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, and San Rafael, California-based contractor, The Dutra Group, recently began work to dredge approximately 2.36 million cubic yards of material from the Cape Henry Federal Navigation Channel. The District awarded the $14.8 million contract on Sept. 24, 2021. This work is part of the larger Baltimore Harbor and Channels Project, supporting the Ports of Baltimore and Virginia. Maintenance dredging of federal channels is necessary to ensure continued safe navigation for vessels and keep the ports open for business.

9 Nov 2021

Unforgotten: Veterans honor Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, employees reflected on their military service and mourned the unidentified service members who perished in war, while visiting the Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier site during a Veteran's Day tribute.

5 Nov 2021

Multiagency partners enhance Chesapeake Bay coastline under Hurricane Sandy Resiliency program

Multiagency partners enhanced Chesapeake Bay coastline under the Hurricane Sandy Resiliency program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District’s Regulatory Program worked with project proponents to protect vulnerable sections of Chesapeake Bay coastline for a Hurricane Sandy Resiliency project post construct. Through the regulatory review process, USACE is responsible for evaluating coastal resilience actions that aim to protect the Nation’s aquatic resources through fair and balanced permitting decisions.

28 Oct 2021

Government contractors emerge victorious following historic $1.1 billion fiscal year

Handling contracts that can value up in the millions while under immense pressure and tight deadlines can be a nerve-racking experience for most. But for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District's Contracting team, their financial expertise equips them to surpass challenges like these. They emerged victorious as they ramped up operations to ensure the successful and timely execution of budgetary requirements throughout a historic fiscal year closeout, where they oversaw $1.1 billion in obligations. Not only did the Contracting team race against the clock amid an enduring global pandemic, but they also relied on their innovative contracting approaches to power through regional hurricane impacts from Ida and a high-profile mission to support the in-processing of Afghan evacuees. Providing comprehensive acquisition services to ensure timely execution of requirements while upholding best value, quality, ethics, and compliance under such circumstances wasn't easy, but the team relished in their accomplishments.

1 Oct 2021

Army Corps of Engineers districts revitalize Ocean City inlet

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN conducted 24/7 dredging operations at an inlet near Ocean City, Maryland, during September 2021. The ongoing Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass dredging efforts enhance safe navigation conditions, boost commercial endeavors, and promote recreational activities for travelers. The USACE Baltimore District routinely receives services from the Wilmington District’s MURDEN or its sister ship CURRITUCK for routine dredging in and around the Inlet. The Baltimore District manages the Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass project while the Wilmington District staffs, trains and equips these special-purpose dredges that work up and down the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, dredging similar inlets or near-shore coast projects.