US Army Corps of Engineers
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District reaches important milestone on Ditch 251 cleanout project

Memphis District Public Affairs Office
Published July 22, 2020
Ditch 251 Lower Ditch Cleanout Project

IN THE PHOTO, left, the CAO, PDT, and project partner Little River Drainage District’s Dustin Boatwright conduct a virtual pre-construction conference with contractor Babcock SDV, LLC to achieve a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and to identify and resolve potential problems prior to work starting. The photo on right is a map of the project site.

While we humans are not that fond of change, we have an amazing ability to adapt to change. Adaptability is a strength the Caruthersville Area Office (CAO) and our Project Delivery Teams (PDT) quickly leveraged when they had to switched to virtual pre-construction conferences to continue pushing projects forward. Five months into COVID-19 pandemic working conditions, virtual pre-construction conferences are the new normal—for now.

On July 15, the CAO and PDT members held a virtual pre-construction conference to kick-off work on the Ditch 251 Lower Channel Cleanout project. The purpose of pre-construction conferences is to kick-off the project with a “face-to-face” meeting of key members from the contractor, Federal Government, and project partner to achieve a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and to identify and resolve potential problems.

The Ditch 251 Lower Channel Cleanout project, located in Pemiscot and Dunklin Counties, Missouri, includes clearing and snagging, and channel excavation among other contract requirements. The cleanout is necessary to maintain the drainage capacity of the channel. Dirt, sediment and debris build-up can cause water to flow out of the channel’s banks. This channel maintenance reduces the flood damage risk to adjacent agricultural areas, nearby roads, and communities.

Our much appreciated local partner on this important $5,072,511 project is Dustin Boatwright and the Little River Drainage District. Contractor Babcock SDV, LLC is performing the work on the project.

Congratulations to the entire team on reaching this significant project milestone.