Gavins Point Dam spillway and powerhouse are photographed April 9, 2025. The Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake (the reservoir behind the dam) straddle the Nebraska/South Dakota border and are nestled in the chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River and has grown into one of the most popular recreation spots in the Great Plains. The dam consists of an earthen embankment, a powerhouse, and 14 gates on a concrete-lined spillway. During normal operations, USACE releases water through the powerhouse to generate power and balance reservoir levels for other uses.
Civil Works

Our mission is to provide national leadership and expert direction in the planning, design, construction, operation and stewardship of the Nation’s water resources infrastructure.

Gavins Point Dam spillway and powerhouse are photographed April 9, 2025. The Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake (the reservoir behind the dam) straddle the Nebraska/South Dakota border and nestled in the chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River
OMAHA, NE. 09 Apr 2025
Civil Works
Civil Works Directorate

Plans, designs, constructs, operates and stewards the Nation’s water resources infrastructure. Partners with local, state, and tribal stakeholders to deliver sustainable solutions for flood risk reduction, navigation, ecosystem restoration, emergency response, and water management. Delivers safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable solutions that protect communities, drive economic vitality, and support the American people.

Click Here To Submit Your Feeback Now

Mission Areas (What We Do)

Provides safe, reliable, and efficient waterborne transportation by studying, constructing, and maintaining harbors, channels, and waterways. Promotes the beneficial use of dredged material for environmental restoration and storm protection.

Navigation
Beneficial Use

 

Reduces threats to life and property from inland flooding and coastal storms. Delivers structural (levees, floodwalls) and non-structural measures (flood proofing, land acquisition) solutions in collaboration with local and federal partners. Provides technical assistance on qualifying projects.

Learn More

 

Operates 75 dams as the nation’s largest producer of clean, renewable hydropower. Sales revenue directly funds ongoing facility operations and maintenance.

Learn More

 

Delivers diverse outdoor recreation (trails, parks, boat launches) at USACE lakes and rivers, offering significant public and economic value as a project co-benefit.

Learn More

 

Protects aquatic resources and wetlands by evaluating permit applications for construction activities in U.S. waters under the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act.

Learn More

 

Functions & Programs (How We Execute)

Provides a framework for developing and evaluating water resources projects. Formulates and evaluates water resource project alternatives to ensure recommended actions provide economic, environmental, and social value. 

Learn More

 

Protects communities by ensuring the integrity and reliability of critical infrastructure. Through regular inspections, continuous monitoring, and risk-informed decision-making, manages public safety risks for all federal dams and assesses levee systems to communicate flood risks effectively.

Levee Safety Program
Dam Safety Program

 

USACE develops and disseminates policy and guidance across its Civil Works mission areas. These policies ensure consistency and effectiveness in the planning, design, construction, and operation of water resources projects. They cover a wide range of topics, including safety standards, environmental compliance, and cost-sharing agreements.

Policy and Guidance
Budget
Supplemental Program
Tribal Nations

 

Explore Civil Works National Impacts

Infographic of Civil Works National Impacts