On August 20, 2021, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, USACE Commanding General and 55th Chief of Engineers, signed a Chief’s Report proposing the recommended plan from the Portland Metro Levee System Feasibility Study be considered for authorization by Congress. The recommended plan seeks to address inconsistencies within the 27 miles of federally authorized levees system to provide more uniform flood risk, especially in areas with high levels of at-risk residential populations and those that meet the definitions for environmental justice considerations. If Congress chooses to authorize the project, it would be included in a future Waters Resources Development Act legislation. Separate legislation would be needed to fund construction of the project.

In this jam packed episode we take a look at a new Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Drum New York, a partnership that is being built between our Europe District and U.S. Army Garrison Italy. The Charleston District is deepening the harbor to be the deepest on the East Coast. The Nashville District works to protect slave graves, while our Buffalo District is working to keep non-native Flowering Rush under control. The Engineering Research and Development Center is working with universities to study how to handle algal blooms. We have safety tips for boating near dams, as well as camping during severe weather. Our St. Paul District is using new fee machines at many of its recreational areas, and the Los Angeles District is reminding people that off-roading at the Deep Creek Spillway near Apple Valley California is not allowed. Our Tulsa District help emergency operations training, while the Trans-Atlantic Division's active duty military members tried out the new Army Combat Fitness Test. And finally, the Cold Regions Research Engineering Lab celebrates its 60th anniversary.