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  • March

    IN THE PHOTOS, a team of mechanics, electricians, carpenters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and revetment workers all got together to completely renovate the Tractor Shop’s breakroom, literally from the ground up. These are the before photos of the breakroom.

    Project Makeover: Tractor Shop Breakroom

    The Memphis District's skilled tradesmen are at it again, demoing and remodeling one building at a time until they've covered every structure in need of a makeover at Ensley Engineer Yard. Recently, a team of mechanics, electricians, carpenters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and revetment workers all got together to completely renovate the Tractor Shop’s breakroom, literally from the ground up.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, this month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch. Here are a few photos of her during her time as a government purchase card business manager.

    Employee Spotlight: Carla Wells

    In any business, it’s the people that make it work. Without them, organizations ultimately fail. That’s why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District values each and every one of its employees so much. To show how much we do, we highlight one employee every month by asking a few questions about the position they’re in and how they got to where they are today. This month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) Graham and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Vance Stewart, visited the Memphis District last week. While there, they had the opportunity to welcome home and congratulate the Revetment Team after completing one of the district's longest seasons in history. Here, the units gather for a ‘welcome home’ brief. Additionally, representatives of each unit are coined for a job well done. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    Revetment Team returns after historic season

    The Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works) Vance Stewart and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations Maj. Gen. William (Butch) Graham visited the Memphis District last week. While visiting, they had the opportunity to welcome home and congratulate the Revetment Team after completing one of the district's longest seasons in history.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, St. Francis Levee District Partner Rob Rash, Project Manager Jason Dickard, and Geotechnical Branch Chief Cory Williams brief USACE’s Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) H. Graham and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Mr. Vance Stewart on the importance of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project, as well as the role the St. Francis Levee District plays in that project and keeping America safe from flood events. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    St. Francis Levee District awarded Outstanding Maintenance Award

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) Graham and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Vance Stewart, stopped in West Memphis, Arkansas, where they were briefed by our St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas Partner Rob Rash, Memphis District Project Manager Jason Dickard, and Geotechnical Branch Chief Cory Williams on the Mississippi River Levee system.
  • IN THE PHOTO, as discussed by the Channel Improvement Team, this graphic demonstrates the future of Memphis District bank grading. The goal is to have this new dragline machine in service in fiscal year 2022. Modernization of the Bank Grading Unit and “Armor One,” a new Mat Sinking Unit (MSU), now under development by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will help recapitalize the river revetment program. Among its many assets, the new MSU promises be more efficient and cost effective, and provide a safer working environment for its crew.

    2021 Channel Improvement Team Meeting a success

    In a virtual get-together held mid-February, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Construction Department, operations leaders from the Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans Districts, project managers, regional team members, environmental partners, and other representatives from the St. Louis District, all came together for their annual Mississippi River Channel Improvement meeting to discuss environmental projects and other current channel improvement issues.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller and other district leaders hosted the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Mr. Vance Stewart, and USACE's Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) H. Graham, on March 11, 2021. During his tour, Graham stopped by the Grand Prairie Project to learn more about conserving groundwater resources throughout the region and is briefed by subject matter experts on the project and what is needed to complete the project, preserve groundwater, and save life, land and agriculture for many more years to come. (USACE Photo by Vance Harris)

    Maj. Gen. Graham visits notable Memphis District Grand Prairie Project

    Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller and other district leaders hosted the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Mr. Vance Stewart, and USACE's Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) H. Graham, on March 11, 2021. During his tour, Graham stopped by the Grand Prairie Project to learn more about conserving groundwater resources throughout the region.
  • IN THE PHOTO, A Rock Construction works to resurface the levee crown near Phillips County, Arkansas. 2019 flood damage supplemental funds funded the project.

    White River Backwater Levee Gravel Resurfacing a success

    Imagine it’s pouring rain for days on end, and you live near the Mississippi River. Not a far-fetched idea for many. With rain comes rising river waters and possible flooding. To prepare for such events, monitoring the river is essential but much harder to do if the levee surface isn’t safe for travel. That’s why projects like this one are important to the people living near and around the White River Backwater Levee.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, the Mississippi Valley, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) all met for an event known as the Mississippi Valley Construction Roundtable, which was held in downtown Memphis, Tennessee this year on Feb. 18 and 19. This annual meeting afforded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Associated General Contractors of America an opportunity to recognize contractors and engineering staff that have exhibited outstanding safety practices in delivering USACE projects. One of these awards are pictured above. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    Associated General Contractors of America Event a success

    The Mississippi Valley Associated General Contractors of America (MVAGC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) met for an event known as the Mississippi Valley Construction Roundtable, which was held in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, this year on Feb. 18 and 19. “The meeting between the Mississippi Valley Branch of the AGC and Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps of Engineers offers an opportunity for staff from the division headquarters and six districts to interact with our contracting partners who help us deliver our program,” Construction Branch Chief Jim Wolff said. “Through two key meetings (the Dredging Issues Roundtable and the Construction Specifications Session Roundtable), open communication, and frank discussion, we identify issues or problems related to dredging, construction, and contracting. These meetings offer member contractors an open forum to develop potential solutions to solve issues or problems.”
  • IN THE PHOTO, the location where the St. Francis Floodway Blockage Project will take place. Due to the remote location, personnel will have to boat in and out each day. The material will have to be floated out and excavated to a designated area nearby.

    Ready to Advertise St. Francis Floodway Project

    In partnership with the Dunklin County Levee District Number 4, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently met a tasker “ready to advertise” milestone, ahead of schedule, for the St. Francis Floodway Blockage Project in Cardwell, Missouri, Feb. 17, 2021. As a result of the storms and resulting flood impact in this region, sedimentation and debris built up in drainage channels reduce the capacity to drain stormwater runoff adequately. The work associated with this project will increase the channel's capacity and reduce the chances of localized flooding, threatening property damage, and life safety.

  • February

    IN THE PHOTOS, before and after photos of the West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District successfully completed a construction project in partnership with the Little River Drainage District in Bollinger County, Missouri. Construction started on July 15, 2020, and was completed six months ahead of schedule on Jan. 7, 2021.

    West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction Project complete

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District successfully completed a construction project in partnership with the Little River Drainage District in Bollinger County, Missouri. The West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction contract was awarded to SYTE Corporation for $4,613,864 to repair multiple bank scours along four miles of the Castor River Diversion Channel.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, a photo and map of the Eight Mile Creek Levee Culvert Replacement Project area in Greene County, Arkansas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently met a tasker milestone known as “Ready to Advertise” for the Eight Mile Creek Levee Culvert Replacement Project in Greene County, Arkansas, Feb. 5, 2021.

    Eight Mile Creek Levee Culvert Replacement Project Ready to Advertise

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently met a tasker milestone known as “Ready to Advertise” for the Eight Mile Creek Levee Culvert Replacement Project in Greene County, Arkansas, Feb. 5, 2021.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Supervisory Budget Analyst Marcia Newton retired late last year after serving almost 33 years of federal service. Congratulations and many thanks for your dedicated service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission and this great nation.

    A look back: Newton’s 33 years of service

    Supervisory Budget Analyst Marcia Newton retired late last year after serving almost 33 years of federal service. To celebrate and recognize her for all she's done, we look back at her life and career. "I grew up in Indiana -- a few years in Wolcottville, but most years were in Marion," Newton started. "I went to Marion High School and then Marion College (now called Indiana Wesleyan University) in Marion, Indiana." Newton started her federal service in April of 1988, working as a voucher examiner and lead voucher examiner in Fulda, West Germany.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager Randy Clark retired from the Memphis District after serving 37 years of federal service. Congratulations and many thanks for your dedicated service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission and this great nation. (Courtesy photos)

    A look back: Clark’s 37 years of service

    Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager Randy Clark retired late last year after serving 37 years of federal service. To celebrate him, we will take a look back at his life and career to recognize him for everything he's done, not just for the Memphis District but also for our nation. Clark first started working for the federal government with the Nashville District in 1978 as a summer hire in the Environmental Analysis Branch. There he worked on Cultural Resources for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, the district partner, and other district team members are briefed on the details of the project. Afterward, the group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the victory and celebration of completing yet another significant project. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    Success: Two Projects: Trotters, Rena Lara seepage remediation

    The fifth and final ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Jan. 20, celebrated two construction projects completed in Tunica County, Trotters, Mississippi, and Coahoma County, Rena Lara, Mississippi.

  • January

    IN THE PHOTOS, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller and other district leadership are briefed on the details of the project at the site where the construction took place. Afterward, the group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the victory and celebration of completing yet another significant project. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    W.G. Huxtable gear box repair complete

    Among the five ribbon cuttings held Jan. 20, Memphis District leadership stopped at the W.G. Huxtable Pumping Plant in Lee County, Marianna, Arkansas, to celebrate another project completed with the help of District Partner St. Francis Levee District, pumping plant employees, and the Project Delivery Team.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, District Partners, and other district leadership were briefed on the details of the St. Francis bridge (CR736) project at the exact site where the construction took place. Afterward, the group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (in the photo), symbolizing the victory and celebration of completing yet another significant project. (USACE photo by Vance Harris)

    Graham Burke Pumping Station back online

    Congratulations to the Memphis District team responsible for getting the Graham Burke Pumping Station repaired and back online. To celebrate construction completion, the Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, the Project Delivery Team, and a representative of District Partner White River Levee and Drainage District, other pumping plant employees came together to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 20, 2021.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller and other district leadership are briefed on the details of the St. Francis bridge (CR736) project at the exact site where the construction took place. Afterward, the group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the victory and celebration of completing yet another significant project. (USACE photo by Jessica Haas)

    Complete: Scour repairs downstream of St. Francis bridge

    The Memphis District has done it again. The Memphis District Commander, Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, Project Partner Rob Rash, and Project Delivery Team members all gathered to celebrate, with a ribbon-cutting, the completion of yet another significant project involving riverbank armoring. Along with our longtime partner, the St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas, represented by Rob Rash, the Memphis District awarded a contract to A Rock Construction Co., Inc., in the amount of $2,786,197, to remove debris, reshape the channel, and armor the bank with more than 27,000 tons of stone along the CR736 Bridge over the St. Francis River in St. Francis County, Arkansas.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Project Manager Mark Mazzone briefs Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller and other district leadership on the details of the Hopefield project at the exact site where the armoring took place. Afterward, the group walked down to the riverbank to cut the ribbon, symbolizing the victory and celebration of completing yet another significant project. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hopefield Point completion

    The Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, and members of the Project Delivery Team gathered on the Mississippi Riverbanks in Arkansas for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a bank armoring project, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Project Management Branch Chief Regina Kuykendoll Cash (left photo, center in right photo) retired from the Memphis District after serving 35 years of federal service. Congratulations and many, many thanks to her for her dedicated service to our nation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission.

    A look back: Kuykendoll Cash’s 35 years of service

    Congratulations to Project Management Branch Chief Regina Kuykendoll Cash, who retired from the Memphis District after serving about 35 years of federal service. To celebrate her, we take a look back at her many years of service and recognize her for most everything she’s done, not just for the Memphis District, but also for our Nation.
  • The 55th Chief of Engineers, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, and the 14th Command Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major Patrickson Toussaint, visited the Memphis District last week to better understand some of the ways the district is supporting the USACE Civil Works mission. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    The 55th Chief of Engineers visits the Memphis District

    The 55th Chief of Engineers, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, and the 14th Command Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major Patrickson Toussaint, visited the Memphis District last week to better understand some of the ways the district supports the USACE Civil Works mission.