Home / Media / News Stories

News Story Manager

  • January

    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!
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District invests in employees and develops their leadership skills by utilizing the Leadership Development Program (LDP). LDP graduates are said to benefit from an expanded network of mentors, elevated promotion potential, and a greater understanding of the enterprise and district (to name a few).

    LDP grads on program: Making connections, overcoming obstacles, coming out stronger

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District invests in employees and develops their leadership skills by utilizing the Leadership Development Program (LDP). LDP graduates are said to benefit from an expanded network of mentors, elevated promotion potential, and a greater understanding of the enterprise and district (to name a few). Having more mentors and a better chance at promotion is nice, but according to the class of 2022, these perks are barely a fraction of what participants can get out of this yearlong program.

  • December

    Congratulations to Machinist Tommy Reed on his selection as the November Memphis District Employee of the Month! Working in the Operations Division, Tommy proves himself day after day with his steadfast, tenacious, and rock-solid approach to the Dredge Hurley’s Z-Drive propulsion units that keep it mission-capable. His doing so has been nothing short of miraculous. He has worked through supply chain and material issues, while also salvaging used parts from other damaged and obsolete units in order to complete the repairs of three complete units – all during the historic low water season on the Mississippi River.

    Employee of the Month: Congrats, Tommy!

    Congratulations to Machinist Tommy Reed on his selection as the November Memphis District Employee of the Month!
  • (USACE Photo/Jessica Haas)

    A day with the Memphis District Revetment team

    On Dec. 7, 2022, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser made the trip down to St. Francisville, Louisiana, to visit the Memphis District Revetment Team at their current project site. The commander spent the day getting a firsthand look at what this talented crew does on a daily basis, getting a better understanding of exactly just how important this team is to executing the Memphis District mission.
  • Congratulations to the Memphis District for recently completing a $6M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded project at Below Knowlton, Arkansas. “Work to complete revetment stone repairs began on Sep. 27, 2022,” Project Manager Zach Cook said. “Work was then completed ahead of the required completion date on Nov. 8, 2022, despite record low water conditions and stone delivery delays due to tow restrictions.” Contractor Luhr Bros., Inc. from Columbia, Illinois, executed the project work, which consisted of placing approximately 163,000 tons of Graded Stone C (400-pound maximum stone-size) to repair two bank failures. Repairing these banks ultimately restored them to stable slopes.

    Memphis District completes $6M in BIL-funded Revetment Repairs

    Congratulations to the Memphis District for recently completing a $6M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded project at Below Knowlton, Arkansas. “Work to complete revetment stone repairs began on Sep. 27, 2022,” Project Manager Zach Cook said. “Work was then completed ahead of the required completion date on Nov. 8, 2022, despite record low water conditions and stone delivery delays due to tow restrictions.”
  • The National Technical Committee for the Ordinary High Water Mark meeting in Boise, Idaho to discuss regional variations in OHWM and difficulties in identifying OHWM throughout the U.S. The NTC-OHWM is an interagency committee that includes ERDC CRREL, USACE Regulators, EPA, and academics. This meeting in Idaho took place in August of 2018. The photograph shows the committee members walking along Long Tom Creek.

    Notice of Availability of the Interim Draft of the National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly announce the availability of the Interim Draft of the National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams (National OHWM Manual) and are soliciting public comments on this Interim Draft.

  • November

    Congratulations to Operations Project Manager Vickie Watson on her selection as Memphis District Employee of the Month! Watson is credited for being proactive and coordinating with all 10 harbors and port authorities within the Memphis District’s area of responsibility (AOR), including key tenants at harbors as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, during the recent/ongoing low water conditions.

    Employee of the Month: Congrats, Vickie!

    Congratulations to Operations Project Manager Vickie Watson on her selection as Memphis District Employee of the Month!
  • Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser, district leadership, project delivery team members, and Project Partner Yazoo Mississippi Delta Levee Board, gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Nov. 15, 2022, to celebrate the completed Sherard Seepage Remediation Construction Project. Location: Coahoma County, Mississippi Contract Amount: $1,800,000 Substantial Completion Date: Oct. 17, 2022 Contractor: Syte Corporation Project Partner: Yazoo Mississippi Delta Levee Board

    MVM celebrates completed Sherard Seepage Remediation

    Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser, district leadership, project delivery team members, and Project Partner Yazoo Mississippi Delta Levee Board, gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Nov. 15, 2022, to celebrate the completed Sherard Seepage Remediation Construction Project.
  • On Nov. 8, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser and district project managers met with the West Tennessee River Basin Authority at Lone Oak Farms in Hardeman County, Tennessee. The Memphis District and the Basin Authority are partnering on a variety of projects in West Tennessee, including Running Reelfoot Bayou, Cypress Creek, and Piney Creek.

    Memphis District Commander meets w/West TN River Basin Authority

    On Nov. 8, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser and district project managers met with the West Tennessee River Basin Authority at Lone Oak Farms in Hardeman County, Tennessee. The Memphis District and the Basin Authority are partnering on a variety of projects in West Tennessee, including Running Reelfoot Bayou, Cypress Creek, and Piney Creek.
  • The Memphis District recently finalized the feasibility study phase of the Piney Creek Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project. The study, conducted in accordance with Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, identified and evaluated alternatives in a decision document that recommended a coordinated and implementable solution for restoring aquatic ecosystem of Piney Creek.

    Piney Creek: Feasibility study complete, construction on horizon

    The Memphis District recently finalized the feasibility study phase of the Piney Creek Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project. The study, conducted in accordance with Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, identified and evaluated alternatives in a decision document that recommended a coordinated and implementable solution for restoring aquatic ecosystem of Piney Creek.

  • October

    Quality Assurance photo of the Locust Creek project site in Craighead County, Arkansas. The creek is part of the St. Francis River Basin and required approximately 12,000 linear feet of sediment removal. A $1,289,305 contract was awarded to Innovative Performance Construction Company to complete the needed two miles of excavation. "The purpose of this project was to improve drainage along the Locust Creek area," Wynn Area Office Civil Engineer Jason Britt said. "Improvements to drainage will reduce standing water upstream of the project area, thereby reducing the amount of standing water against the levees." To clear the creek, the contractor removed material from the channel using a dragline before placing the excavated material in the levee as Excavated Material Embankment (EME). In partnership with the St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas, construction began on Oct. 15, 2021. It was declared substantially complete on Jul. 9, 2022.

    Celebrating value-added projects, district professionals, partners

    Memphis District Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Robert Green, district leadership, project delivery team members, and district partners celebrated the completion of three district projects in Missouri and Arkansas on Sept. 29, 2022.
  • Joanna Neu is a permit manager and serves as the Regulatory Division's Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO). She provides safety updates to the Regulatory Team at the start of every monthly staff meeting, takes initiative to update the staff on current trends, and continues to ensure the team safely executes the regulatory mission. Recently, she identified the need to strengthen site visit accountability procedures. She got the buy-in from the entire team and then formally instructed the staff on the new accountability processes. The regulatory team has now been accident free for the past five fiscal years and with Joanna's leadership, they're on target to make it to six and beyond that without any problem whatsoever. Great job, Joanna! Way to look out and take the initiative. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

    Congrats and Thank You, Joanna!

    Permit Manager Joanna Neu identified a need to strengthen site visit accountability procedures. After getting the Regulatory Team's buy-in, she followed through with formally instructing the staff on the newly created accountability processes. The regulatory team has been accident free for the past five fiscal years, and with Joanna's leadership, they're on target for another year free of any safety incidents, making their office accident-free for a total of six years.
  • Congrats to Dr. Zuzana Chovanec on her recent recognition and receiving of a Civilian Service Commendation Medal! She was commended for delivering exceptional results as the Memphis District’s Regulatory Archaeologist for the authorization of a Department of the Army permit for the Ford Motor Company’s Blue Oval City industrial development in Haywood County, Tennessee.

    Congratulations, Zuzana!

    Congrats to Dr. Zuzana Chovanec on her recent recognition and receiving of a Civilian Service Commendation Medal! She was commended for delivering exceptional results as the Memphis District’s Regulatory Archaeologist for the authorization of a Department of the Army permit for the Ford Motor Company’s Blue Oval City industrial development in Haywood County, Tennessee.

  • September

    (left) Operations Division Andrea Williams and (right) District Counsel Suzy Weil are the first women to hold leadership positions historically held by men.

    Memphis District Trailblazers: Leading with style, humility, to make change

    All Memphis District leaders are exceptional, but these women set the standard. Perhaps it's because their leadership styles are relationship-based, or maybe it's their strength and resiliency. It could also be that when they're wrong, they willingly admit it and do so gracefully. All these traits are fantastic, but their vested interest in employees sets them over the top because leadership is about taking care of people, and that’s what these leaders do every single day. In this second article of the series, Operations Division Chief Andrea Williams and District Counsel Suzy Weil discuss their leadership styles, benefits of women in leadership, and resiliency in difficult times.
  • Luhr Bros., Inc. of Columbia, Illinois, was awarded a construction contract on Sept. 9 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, to perform dike construction and maintenance along the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The awarded $6.8 million comes from a combination of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Act of 2022 (DRSAA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding.

    $6.8M awarded for dike construction, river navigation improvements

    Luhr Bros., Inc. of Columbia, Illinois, was awarded a construction contract on Sept. 9 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, to perform dike construction and maintenance along the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee.
  • August Employee of the Month Civil Engineer Samantha Harper was called upon to support the commander’s visits, to which she happily accepted. Supporting these visits included working with district Project Management personnel to plan the visits, prepare the presentations, as well as providing multiple presentations at various project sites featuring the Marion Berry Pumping Station and Grand Prairie Pumping Station. She did everything from unlocking gates and buildings to preparing the presentation boards, giving presentations, and providing guided tours of the pumping plants.

    Congrats to Employee of the Month, Samantha Harper!!

    When life gives you Monday, the Memphis District gives you motivation. How? Because MVM employees know how to rock it like no one else. Take for example the district's latest Employee of the Month, Samantha Harper. During the month of August, District Commander Col. Brian Sawser had the opportunity to meet with our Grand Prairie and Bayou Meto project sponsors to get a firsthand look at all the work that’s been done thus far.