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  • May

    Another record-breaking season is in the books after the Memphis District’s Revetment Units returned home mid-March of 2023, making it one of the longest seasons had in 20 years. The Memphis District’s Clearing and Snagging and Bank Grading Units are primarily responsible for preparing Mississippi riverbanks for the placement of articulated concrete mattress (ACM), which is accomplished by the Vicksburg District’s Mat Sinking Unit.

    Memphis District revetment units breaks record, longest season in 20 years

    Another record-breaking season is in the books after the Memphis District’s Revetment Units returned home mid-March of 2023, making it one of the longest seasons had in 20 years.

  • April

    The Memphis District recently completed dike construction and maintenance at Coahoma-Armstrong near Memphis, Tennessee (MS River Mile 719) on March 23, 2023. The project completion will result in long-term improvement of the navigation channel crossing in this reach of the river, which has historically been a low water problem spot for the commercial towing industry.

    Memphis-area dike construction complete, commercial towing industry to benefit immediately, long-term

    The Memphis District recently completed dike construction and maintenance at Coahoma-Armstrong near Memphis, Tennessee (MS River Mile 719), March 23, 2023. The project completion will result in long-term improvement of the navigation channel crossing in this reach of the river, which has historically been a low water problem spot for the commercial towing industry. The project was awarded as a task order through an existing Mississippi River Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) using a combination of Disaster Relief Supplemental Act of 2022 (DRSAA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding.
  • Congratulations to the Memphis District for reaching a major project milestone on March 8, 2023, and for awarding a task order for dike construction at Below Walnut Bend and Shoofly Bar near Helena, Arkansas. The project delivery team awarded the task order via the Mississippi River Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), with $6,055,440 going to contractor Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Contract funding came from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Act of 2022 (DRSAA) provided by Congress in late 2021.

    Contract awarded for Mississippi River dike construction near Helena, Arkansas

    Congratulations to the Memphis District for reaching a major project milestone on March 8, 2023, and for awarding a task order for dike construction at Below Walnut Bend and Shoofly Bar near Helena, Arkansas. The project delivery team awarded the task order via the Mississippi River Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), with $6,055,440 going to contractor Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Contract funding came from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Act of 2022 (DRSAA) provided by Congress in late 2021. “This work is critical to helping maintain the navigation channel crossing in this reach of the river and we are thankful for the continued investment being made by Congress in our river infrastructure,” Memphis District Channel Improvement Project Manager Zach Cook said.   
  • The Memphis District officially welcomed a brand new, $25.5 million Bank Grading Unit (BGU), April 11, 2023, when it docked at its new home port at Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis, Tennessee. The new BGU was built over a period of three years and is replacing the district’s legacy bank grader. With nearly 75 years of operations in the books, it’s safe to say the 1949 barge-mounted Bucyrus-Erie dragline model is ready for retirement.

    Memphis District retires a legacy, replaces with faster, better, brighter model

    The Memphis District officially welcomed a new, $25.5 million Bank Grading Unit (BGU), April 11, 2023, when it docked at its new home port at Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis, Tennessee. Constructed in three years, the new BGU is replacing the district’s legacy bank grader, and with nearly 75 years of operations in the books, it’s safe to say the 1949 barge-mounted Bucyrus-Erie dragline model is ready for retirement.
  • Memphis District Industry Day announcement.

    Memphis District to host Industry Day May 23rd

    Interested in doing business with the Federal Government? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District is hosting an Industry Day on May 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Renasant Convention Center, 255 North Main Street, Memphis.

  • Congrats, and thank you to Ms. Codi Till!

    The Memphis District stays busy with executing significant projects in support of the districts many initiatives, as well as hosting their valued partners and sponsors on trips like the Mississippi River Commission Inspection Trips twice a year. These projects and events are always successful; the reason for this is due to the teams and people who are working hard behind the scenes in support of these important events. If it weren't for the crew working hard in support of each event, trip, and project, none of what our district does would ever come to fruition; that's why recognizing these support teams is just as important as the event itself. With that said, recognizing those people for a job well done is just as important as the event itself, which is why we are so happy to say congratulations to Ms. Codi Till!

  • March

    April 3 - 7 is Skilled Trades Week at the Memphis District. Skilled Trades Week is dedicated to our skilled trades workforce and recognizing their importance to the Memphis District Team, the USACE mission, and ultimately this Nation. Meet Ernie Smith Experience: 10 years in the industry; 3 Years w/USACE MVM Job Title: Steersman/Pilot M/V Keywoods Likes about job/career field: “I take pride in people looking at the work you do and I like a challenge. I also like having the chance to work with all the different crews – the bank grading unit, the Dredge Hurley, the Jadwin, the Gruggett… also I like being able to help out with moving barges for the Yards and Docks unit, assist with drydocking…. It just feels good to help out in little ways but make big improvements for the future.”

    Getting to know the Memphis District

    Ever wondered what the people working behind the scenes at the Memphis District Corps of Engineers are like? Have you wanted to know what types of jobs we offered and what those roles looked like? Or maybe you wondered what an engineer liked most about their job with the Corps of Engineers.
  • Channel Improvement Projects discussed during the Channel Improvement Team Meeting included Articulated Concrete Mattress operations, Mat Loading Unit operations, Bank Grading Unit Operations, and the Clearing and Snagging Unit operations, among other projects forecasted for the upcoming year.

    Memphis District’s annual Mississippi River Channel Improvement meeting a success

    Members of the Regional Channel Improvement (RCI) Team met in New Orleans, Louisiana, for their annual Mississippi River Channel Improvement meeting, Feb. 7 – 8, 2023 to discuss new channel improvement projects and other current channel improvement issues.

  • February

    The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Mississippi Valley is to serve the region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. The mission is accomplished by two distinct, complementary organizations -- the Mississippi Valley Division and the Mississippi River Commission. For more information, visit us at: Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers We will be recruiting a variety of positions using direct hire authority for multiple disciplines and grade levels, from GS-03 to GS-12. Depending on position/location selected, promotion potential will be the GS-05, 07, 09, 11, or 12 levels. We are also recruiting for many Federal Wage System positions in Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA.

    Mississippi Valley Division Virtual Recruitment Event

    WHO: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mississippi Valley Division WHAT: Mississippi Valley Division Virtual Recruitment Event WHEN: Pre-registration opens on 7 Feb 23 and closes on 27 Feb 23. Please see the ‘REQUIRED DOCUMENTS’ section below. Event dates are 7-8 March 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT). We encourage interested candidates to register and submit resumes early. Interviews will be conducted and job offers will be extended during the event. WHY: The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Mississippi Valley is to serve the region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. The mission is accomplished by two distinct, complementary organizations -- the Mississippi Valley Division and the Mississippi River Commission.
  • Engineer Week 2023

    2023 Engineer Week: Creating the Future

    Engineers Week is February 19 - 25, 2023 this year. Engineer Week is a celebration that takes place on the third week of February annually because it coincides with President George Washington’s birthday. This is significant, since Washington is considered our Nation’s first engineer, and he also appointed the first engineer officers to the U.S. Army on June 16, 1775.
  • The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley returned to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor on Jan. 13, 2023, after finishing a record-breaking 273-day season, which began Apr. 26, 2022. In those eight and a half months, the 36-person crew removed 14.5 million cubic yards of material, which is the most the Dredge Hurley has ever removed in a single season.

    Memphis District's Dredge Hurley returns home ending most productive, longest season on record

    The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley returned to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor on Jan. 13, 2023, after finishing a record-breaking 273-day season, which began Apr. 26, 2022. In those eight and a half months, the 36-person crew dredged 14.5 million cubic yards of material, which is the most the Dredge Hurley has ever removed in a single season.
  • The Hurley begins its 2022 season by dredging a Memphis harbor, May 1, 2022.

    Memphis District celebrates Kellinsky's retirement

    "The best part of my job here at the Memphis District was building things for people," Memphis District Carpenter Steve Kellinsky said. "I loved being a carpenter and I loved the Army, so I always looked at it like getting paid to play in a billion-dollar playground." After dedicating more than seven years of service to the Memphis District, 11 to the federal government, and six to the U.S. Army, Steve Kellinsky is celebrating his recent retirement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District as a carpenter.
  • Ashley Evans on her selection for a six-month detail as a Levee Safety Endowed Chair. The position is with the Headquarters Dam and Levee Safety Branch in Washington D.C. Her main job will be to help launch the National State Levee Safety Program, which aims to assist states in initiating or enhancing a state levee safety program.

    Evans selected as HQ Levee Safety Endowed Chair

    Congratulations to Ashley Evans on her selection for a six-month detail as a Levee Safety Endowed Chair. The position is with the Headquarters Dam and Levee Safety Branch in Washington D.C.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District awarded Graylee Construction and Demolition from Ward, Arkansas, a contract to rehabilitate and repair the New Madrid City Front Boat Ramp located on the Mississippi River at approximate River Mile 889. The city of New Madrid, Missouri, and St. John's Levee and Drainage District are partners on this vital project. The $959,000 used to award the project work comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed in early 2022.

    Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds awarded for vital New Madrid boat ramp repairs

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District awarded Graylee Construction and Demolition from Ward, Arkansas, a contract to rehabilitate and repair the New Madrid City Front Boat Ramp located on the Mississippi River at approximate River Mile 889. The city of New Madrid, Missouri, and St. John's Levee and Drainage District are partners on this vital project.

  • January

    Earlier this week, the Memphis District hosted a Flood Risk Management exercise involving multiple federal organizations including the Mississippi Valley Division. Mississippi Valley Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diana Holland (far left) recognized (from left to right) Memphis District Emergency Manager Kandi Waller, Hydraulics & Hydrology Branch Chief Mike Clay, and Captain Sean Tedtaotao for their superb planning and execution of the exercise. Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser (far right) joined in to congratulate his team.

    Flood risk management star recognition

    Earlier this week, the Memphis District hosted a Flood Risk Management exercise involving multiple federal organizations including the Mississippi Valley Division. Mississippi Valley Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diana Holland (far left) recognized (from left to right) Memphis District Emergency Manager Kandi Waller, Hydraulics & Hydrology Branch Chief Mike Clay, and Captain Sean Tedtaotao for their superb planning and execution of the exercise. Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser (far right) joined in to congratulate his team.
  • A photo of Jessica Haas, December 2022 Employee of the Month, with the Dredge Hurley Veterans. Haas is the principal writer in the Public Affairs Office. She writes about everything from the Memphis District reaching important project milestones to the Dredge Hurley crew out working during the cold Christmas Holidays. She is also our extraordinary website and social media manager who has the Memphis District positioned number one in MVD for the most followers. You would expect all that’s been mentioned about what Jessica does is hard work and it is. However, if you ask her about it, you’ll get a different perspective. "I'm the lucky one here," Haas explains. "When you love what you do, it isn’t work anymore. It’s an honor to be around and interact with such a talented team of professionals every day. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up."

    Haas named Memphis District Employee of the Month

    With December’s Employee of the Month selection, the script is sort of flipped with the “Recognizer-in-Chief” being recognized! Congratulations to Jessica Haas on her well-earned recognition as Memphis District’s Employee of the Month for December 2022!
  • Curtis Williams, also known by many as Lil Wolf, recently celebrated his retirement from the Memphis District after 33 years of federal service. Williams spent most of his career as the Memphis Districts Dredge Hurley Shipkeeper. According to his colleagues, he was one of the best to ever step foot on the vessel, or any vessel for that matter.

    Dredge Hurley legend retires after 33 years of service

    Curtis Williams, also known by many as 'Lil Wolf', recently celebrated his retirement from the Memphis District after 33 years of federal service. Williams spent most of his career as Dredge Hurley's Shipkeeper, and according to his colleagues, he was one of the best to ever step foot on the vessel, or any vessel for that matter.
  • Construction Control Inspector Shaun Bass with the Memphis District's Caruthersville Area Office. Shaun is hailed as a hero for his part in rescuing a family of four in late July of 2022.

    Memphis District employee helps rescue mother, three daughters

    Mr. Shaun Bass, a Construction Control Inspector from the Memphis District's Caruthersville Area Office, witnessed a horrific car accident occur right in front of him while travelling for work in July of 2022. The accident involved a mother and her three children driving head on into a bridge embankment. He was able to call 911 and tend to the mother before the first ambulance arrived. Once the first ambulance was onsite, he directed traffic around the accident while assisting paramedics with the children as needed. Amazingly, the mother and three children survived, yet arguably, if it were not for Bass and the ambulance personnel, this story may have had a much more tragic conclusion. This is his recollection of that day's events.
  • A Memphis District Project Delivery Team recently completed a $5.3M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded revetment project in Bauxippi-Wyanoke, Arkansas.

    $5.3M BIL-funded revetment project complete ahead of schedule

    A Memphis District Project Delivery Team recently completed a $5.3M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded revetment project in Bauxippi-Wyanoke, Arkansas. Work began in November last year when historic low water conditions and tow restrictions delayed much of the river industry’s transportation of goods. Despite these less-than-stellar conditions, the team completed construction ahead of schedule, finishing all work on Dec. 16, 2022.
  • The holidays weren’t the only reason the district celebrated the end of 2022. Additionally, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser recognized, thanked, and presented a Commander’s Coin and a Length of Service Certificate to our Program Assistant Jeff Berry for his incredible 30+ years of federal service. Please help us say congratulations and thank you to Mr. Jeff Berry! We value and appreciate all you’ve done and continue to do for the District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and this great Nation! People like you are why the Memphis District Team is the best team there is, and we are lucky to have you!

    Congratulations, Thank You, Mr. Jeff Berry!

    The holidays weren’t the only reason the district celebrated the end of 2022. Additionally, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser recognized, thanked, and presented a Commander’s Coin and a Length of Service Certificate to our Program Assistant Jeff Berry for his incredible 30+ years of federal service. Please help us say congratulations and thank you to Mr. Jeff Berry! We value and appreciate all you’ve done and continue to do for the District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and this great Nation! People like you are why the Memphis District Team is the best team there is, and we are lucky to have you!