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Author: Jessica Haas, Public Affairs Specialist
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  • April

    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.

  • March

    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

    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

    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.”

  • 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.