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  • August

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District has contracted with the Inland Dredging Company, LLC, for the rental of a 24-inch hydraulic cutterhead dredge, attendant plant, and discharge pipeline for the annual maintenance dredging of ten Mississippi River harbors this year.

    Memphis District awards $11.5M contract for vital harbor dredging project to Inland Dredging Co.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District has contracted with the Inland Dredging Company, LLC, for the rental of a 24-inch hydraulic cutterhead dredge, attendant plant, and discharge pipeline for the annual maintenance dredging of 10 Mississippi River harbors this year.   "The Memphis District is responsible for the maintenance dredging of 10 harbors within our area of responsibility," Project Delivery Team Manager Vickie Watson said. Dredging these harbors involves removing sediment from the authorized navigation channel to provide the 9-foot depth needed for fully loaded commercial barges to travel in and out of harbors safely.
  • Critical Eastern Arkansas groundwater security projects underway

    Critical Eastern Arkansas groundwater security projects underway

    Groundwater is a renewable source that’s tapped through wells placed in water-bearing soil and rock beneath the Earth’s surface. However, in some locations, such as the Eastern Arkansas Region, the rate of groundwater use far exceeds the replenishment rate, which creates a serious problem. Groundwater from the Alluvial and Sparta Aquifers is the Eastern Arkansas Region’s lifeblood, providing high quality drinking water and essentially all the water used for agricultural irrigation and fish farming. The aquifers’ loss would devastate the region’s economic conditions, national rice production, regional drinking water supply, and have far reaching impacts on food security. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has two large-scale groundwater security projects under construction designed to address this serious problem. The Grand Prairie Region Project led by USACE Memphis District Project Manager Billy Grantham, P.E., and Bayou Meto Basin Project led by USACE Memphis District Project Manager Jill Kelley, P.E. will both deliver river water to farmers for irrigation and reduce their use of groundwater from the Alluvial and Sparta aquifers.

  • July

    IN THE PHOTO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters Engineering and Construction Division announced in June that Pictured is Nicholas "Nikko" Aleman, Memphis District (MVM) geotechnical section chief . He is the recipient of this year's Timothy Skeen Geotechnics Professional of the Year award, the highest honor a USACE geotechnics professional can receive. The Timothy Skeen Geotechnics Professional of the Year award recognizes one USACE geotechnics professional who has demonstrated the highest professionalism and commitment to advancing the Geotechnical, Geology, and Materials Community of Practice (GG&M COP). (USACE photo by Visual Information Specialist Vance Harris)

    Memphis District section chief named 2024 Geotechnics Professional of the Year

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters Engineering and Construction Division announced in June that Nicholas "Nikko" Aleman, the Geotechnical Section Chief for the Memphis District (MVM), is the recipient of this year's Timothy Skeen Geotechnics Professional of the Year award.
  • IN THE PHOTO, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District promoted Shane Callahan, pictured above, to the engineering and construction division chief role. In this role, he is responsible for flood risk management, engineering and construction, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and water supply projects within the Memphis District's boundaries, including portions of Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. (USACE photo by VI Specialist Vance Harris)

    Memphis District appoints new engineering and construction division chief

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District promoted Shane Callahan to the engineering and construction division chief role. In this role, he is responsible for flood risk management, engineering and construction, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and water supply projects within the Memphis District's boundaries, including portions of Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky.

  • May

    With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District hosting the most recent in-person conference, the entire team of Deputy District Engineers for Programs and Project Management (DPMs) traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, where they met for their semi-annual DPM Forum, which began April 30 and concluded on May 2.  The forum’s primary responsibilities are to influence and inform policy and to provide senior leadership with recommendations and actions for improvement for implementing enterprise wide. The DPM Forum was established in 2015 after USACE Senior Leaders recognized the need for a senior leader body to act as voice for the workforce. It was also crucial that this body have a level of continuity and a real-time field perspective at the district level. The forum has achieved many great milestones since its inception, some of which include creating a TEAMS site to facilitate regular, year-round communication and collaboration, and establishing another online meeting space called "Happy Hour" where DPMs can share best practices, advance networking opportunities, and elevate any problems and/or solutions within their community of practice. With an online worksite like TEAMS ensuring teamwork all year long, the DPM Forum supplements their virtual productivity with semi-annual, face-to-face meetings as well. These meeting are reserved for tackling the past year's challenges and developing strategies to best move the organization forward.

    DPM Forum paves way for one united USACE team

    With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District hosting the most recent DPM Forum meeting, Deputy District Engineers for Programs and Project Management (DPMs) enterprise-wide traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, where they gathered for their first semi-annual meeting of the year, which started April 30 and ended May 2.  "The DPM Forum provides a venue for all district senior civilians to share valued lessons learned, identify and discuss the challenges we face, and influence policy and processes charting the future of the Programs and Project Management community of practice," said Stacey Hirata, DPM Forum Senior Executive Leader and USACE/HQ Military Programs Director for the Programs Integration Division. The forum’s primary responsibilities are to influence and inform policy and to provide senior leadership with recommendations and actions for improvement for implementing enterprise wide. The DPM Forum was established in 2015 after USACE Senior Leaders recognized the need for a senior leader body to act as voice for the workforce. It was also crucial that this body have a level of continuity and a real-time field perspective at the district level.
  • Selected after the review of all applications submitted, Metals Unit Leaderman Joey Cabay will advance to the headquarters level as the single Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) nominee for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters Operations and Maintenance Castle Award. The esteemed Operations and Maintenance Castle Award is awarded to one USACE Civil Works employee with a history of outstanding performance in operations and maintenance support. Applicants are evaluated for their technical skill, customer service, innovation, safety, and self-development. Since his start with USACE in 2018, Cabay has become a master welder and leaderman, conquered the art of customer service, and is committed to advancing his craft through continued training and thinking outside the box. Adding to his technical education, Cabay has also completed several self-development courses, including the Memphis District Leadership Development Program and the Mississippi Valley Division Emerging Enterprise Leader Program. Finally, Cabay prioritizes workplace safety above all else, and dedicates significant time and energy to this program as a collateral duty safety officer.

    Excellence in Operations, Maintenance Support | MVD nominates Cabay for HQUSACE Castle Award

    Selected after the review of all applications submitted, Metals Unit Leaderman Joey Cabay will advance to the headquarters level as the single Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) nominee for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters Operations and Maintenance Castle Award. The esteemed Operations and Maintenance Castle Award is awarded to one USACE Civil Works employee with a history of outstanding performance in operations and maintenance support. Applicants are evaluated for their technical skill, customer service, innovation, safety, and self-development.
  • As the Memphis District joins in celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the USACE Civil Works Program, we’re reflecting on our contribution to the program.. This graphic defines the Memphis District mission, vision, programs, as well as what winning means to this Memphis District organization.

    Civil Works | Memphis District, civil work, winning for 142 years

    As the Memphis District joins in celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the USACE Civil Works Program, we’re reflecting on our contribution to the program.  The Memphis District as it exists today, is descended from several organizational units, extending over 142 years. The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) established the Little Rock River and Harbor Office in February 1881. That office assumed charge of improvements on the Arkansas, White and St. Francis rivers and tributaries. Most of this work involved removing snags and debris from channels. Some of these waterways would eventually be assigned to the Memphis District.

  • April

    The Mississippi River Commission conducted its annual high-water inspection trip April 8-12, 2024. Four public meetings aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi also took place in selected towns along the river. The Commission and the Corps value the opportunity to hear issues and concerns firsthand through the public hearing process. Interaction with congressional, federal, and state interests, local boards, non-government organizations, and the public is crucial to the decision-making process for the nation's water resources. The Mississippi River Commission brings critical engineering representation to the drainage basin, which impacts 41% of the United States and includes 1.25 million square miles, over 250 tributaries, 31 states, and two Canadian provinces.

    Memphis District positions for annual High Water Inspection Trip, hosts partners, stakeholders on upstream trip to

    The Mississippi River Commission conducted its annual high-water inspection trip on the Mississippi River, April 8-12, 2024. The commission held four public meetings in select towns while aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi. The Memphis District stopped in two of the four cities for public meetings.
  • This project is a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for seepage projects throughout the Memphis District. Typical construction task orders may include seepage berm construction, relief well construction, and all associated tasks with each of these construction processes as designated in each contract. The work on each task order will consist of furnishing all plant, labor, and materials for the work to be performed.

    Contract Award | Seepage Multiple Award Task Order Contract

    This project is a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for seepage projects throughout the Memphis District. Typical construction task orders may include seepage berm construction, relief well construction, and all associated tasks with each of these construction processes as designated in each contract. The work on each task order will consist of furnishing all plant, labor, and materials for the work to be performed.

  • March

    The Charleston District visited the Memphis District at its Ensley Engineer Yard from March 21 to 22 to explore the capabilities of its world-class Marine Maintenance Facility. This meeting is just the beginning of a new, collaborative relationship that promises to deliver quality projects that are on time and within budget, and of great value. We accomplish this, in part, by overcoming challenges through teamwork, innovation, knowledge, technology, and collaboration. Visiting from the Charleston District were Deputy District Engineers for Programs and Project Management (DPM) Lisa Metheney and Project Manager Caleb Brewer with Charleston Commander Lt. Col. Robert Nahabedian joining the group virtually. Welcoming them from the Memphis District team were Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Collin Jones, DPM- Donny Davidson, Operations Division Chief Andrea Williams, Project Manager Jake Storz, Physical Support Branch Chief Kevin Woods.

    Memphis, Charleston Districts Collaborate | Delivering greater value

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a world-class organization offering one of the most diverse mission sets in the federal government — delivering vital engineering solutions to secure the nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. We accomplish this, in part, by overcoming challenges through teamwork, innovation, knowledge, technology, and collaboration. The Charleston District visited the Memphis District at its Ensley Engineer Yard from March 21 to 22 to explore the capabilities of its world-class Marine Maintenance Facility. The positive meeting started a promising new collaborative relationship that will deliver greater value for the nation.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Congratulations to Ms. Ingrid Kimble, pictured above, on her selection as February Employee of the Month! According to her nomination, “Ms. Kimble has been very instrumental in boosting the Resource Management team’s morale by creating a welcoming professional environment to work in. She has a creative, helpful, gentle spirit and her willingness to MANUALLY work hard is unmatched. Ingrid coordinated with Contracting, ULA, and a moving company to collect old, unused, and broken-down equipment from three of Resource Management’s internal offices and had the equipment transferred to Ensley Engineer Yard.”

    Congratulations to the Memphis District February Employee of the Month

    Congratulations to Ms. Ingrid Kimble on her selection as February Employee of the Month! According to her nomination, “Ms. Kimble has been very instrumental in boosting the Resource Management team’s morale by creating a welcoming professional environment to work in. She has a creative, helpful, gentle spirit and her willingness to MANUALLY work hard is unmatched. Ingrid coordinated with Contracting, ULA, and a moving company to collect old, unused, and broken-down equipment from three of Resource Management’s internal offices and had the equipment transferred to Ensley Engineer Yard.”

  • Memphis District hosts eight public meetings

    Over the last two weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District has hosted eight public scoping meetings to gather input and feedback from citizens and other stakeholders concerning a five year, $25M comprehensive study to improve management of the Mississippi River, from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to the Gulf of Mexico.   The LMRCMS area encompasses seven states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Because of the size and scope of the LMRCMS, active participation, and collaboration from the public and stakeholders throughout the five-year endeavor will be critical to identifying practical and sustainable recommendations for successful management of the river.

  • February

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District (MVM) hosted their first ever two-day lndustry Day business event on Feb. 20 and 21 at the Memphis, Tennessee, Renasant Convention Center. Industry Day is a Department of Defense (DoD) Program Management Office (PMO) event providing federal contractors the opportunity to network with each other and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals. It also allowed the Memphis District to highlight different program areas and further ensure the district’s competency and capacity to deliver the mission.

    Memphis District hosts first-ever two-day Industry Day, deemed successful, more informative

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District (MVM) hosted their first ever two-day lndustry Day business event on Feb. 20 and 21 at the Memphis, Tennessee, Renasant Convention Center.  Industry Day is a Department of Defense (DoD) Program Management Office (PMO) event providing federal contractors the opportunity to network with each other and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals.

  • January

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, congratulates and bids farewell to Mr. Loy A. Hamilton, who retires after 40 remarkable years of dedicated service to the Corps of Engineers and the communities it serves. Hamilton’s distinguished leadership and flexibility were highly visible throughout his career, as was his unwavering commitment to personal growth and education. Some of his more impressive educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Arkansas State University, a Level II Contracting DAWIA Certification, and Level II Facilities Engineering training and certification. Hamilton is also a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arkansas.

    Congratulations on your retirement, Loy Hamilton!

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, congratulates and bids farewell to Mr. Loy A. Hamilton, who retires after 40 remarkable years of dedicated service to the Corps of Engineers and the communities it serves. Hamilton's four-decade career was nothing short of extraordinary. His depth of knowledge and wide-ranging experience made him an invaluable team member, and his commitment to the  USACE mission, personal and professional growth, and the STEM initiative made him an inspiration to many.

  • December

    All 43 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Deputy District Engineers for Programs and Project Management (DPM) met in San Antonio, Texas, on October 20 for a two-day forum coined "The DPM Forum Top 6." DPMs gather twice yearly to share best practices, tackle the past year's challenges, and develop strategies that best move the organization ahead. Several representatives from USACE Headquarters, including the 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon spoke to the group about all the incredible work the Corps is doing nationwide. The commander also touched on expressing capabilities, work acceptance, design maturity, and telling our story.

    Charting the Course | USACE DPM Forum Top 6

    All 43 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Deputy District Engineers for Programs and Project Management (DPM) met in San Antonio, Texas, on October 20 for a two-day forum coined "The DPM Forum Top 6." DPMs gather twice yearly to share best practices, tackle the past year's challenges, and develop strategies that best move the organization ahead. Several representatives from USACE Headquarters, including the 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon spoke to the group about all the incredible work the Corps is doing nationwide. The commander also touched on expressing capabilities, work acceptance, design maturity, and telling our story.

  • August

    Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser and several members of the district leadership team traveled to Mhoon Bend, Mississippi, on July 12, to visit the district's Bank Grading Unit team and observe the new bank grader, Grader 1, in action for the first time since its arrival and christening earlier this year. With this year’s revetment season now in full swing, the BGU is laser-focused on accomplishing two key objectives, with the first being training, both contractor-led and on-the-job, to attain the necessary certifications and practice according to each employees' role. Additionally, unit operators will use this first test site to calibrate the newly constructed machine, ensuring it's “put through the paces,” so to speak. Additionally, unit operators will use this first test site to calibrate the newly constructed machine, ensuring it's “put through the paces,” so to speak.

    New Bank Grading Unit “Grader 1” | Begins season with focus on calibration, training

    Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management Donny Davidson, Operations Division Chief Andrea Williams, Channel Improvement Project Manager Zach Cook, and Regional Channel Improvement Coordinator Jake Storz, traveled to Mhoon Bend, Mississippi, on July 12, to visit the Memphis District Bank Grading Unit team and observe the new bank grader, Grader 1, in action for the first time since its arrival and christening earlier this year. The district’s Bank Grading Unit (BGU) is the second field activity of Revetment Operations following the Clearing and Snagging Unit. It grades the banks of the Mississippi River to the proposed design slopes to support the sinking of Articulated Concrete Mattress (ACM) performed by the Vicksburg District’s Mat Sinking Unit.

  • July

    Memphis District awards contract Stewart Towhead Dikes & Dike Stone Repairs

    The Memphis District continues its 141-year 'winning' tradition of safely delivering quality projects on time and within budget by recently awarding two separate contracts for Mississippi River dike repair and construction projects.

  • June

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District maintains a safe and dependable navigation channel for 355 miles of the Mississippi River. It delivers on this charge by constructing dikes and other river training structures, performing revetment and dredging operations, and executing several other navigation and flood risk management projects. The Memphis District completes dozens of projects annually to ensure a safe and reliable waterway, most recently partnering with Commercial Towing Interests, represented by the Lower Mississippi River Committee (LOMRC), to carry out a dike construction and restoration project in New Madrid, Missouri.

    Dike restoration project minimizes excessive dredging, supports river

    The Memphis District completes dozens of projects annually to ensure a safe and reliable waterway, most recently partnering with Commercial Towing Interests, represented by the Lower Mississippi River Committee (LOMRC), to carry out a dike construction and restoration project in New Madrid, Missouri.

  • May

    In line with USACE’s top priority, public safety, the Memphis District is part of a huge undertaking to design, procure, and construct hurricane and storm risk reduction features and ensure the Mississippi River remains viable from New Orleans to Venice, Louisiana. The purpose of the New Orleans to Venice (NOV) project is much bigger than what Memphis is doing for this project. Overall, the NOV project will achieve storm risk reduction for Plaquemines Parish by repairing and restoring the original federal project levees, replacing, or modifying certain Non-Federal Levees (NFL), accelerating the completion of unconstructed portions of the authorized project and armoring critical elements of the authorized project along the Mississippi River, from Oakville to Venice on the West Bank, and Phoenix to Bohemia on the East Bank. While not inside Memphis District footprint, the project is a key component in showcasing the capability of the Memphis District.

    New Orleans to Venice by way of Memphis

    In line with USACE’s top priority, public safety, the Memphis District is part of a huge undertaking to design, procure, and construct hurricane and storm risk reduction features and ensure the Mississippi River remains viable from New Orleans to Venice, Louisiana.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District officially launched its new, $25.5 million Bank Grading Unit (BGU), “Grader 1”, with a May 2 christening ceremony on a boat ramp located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee.

    USACE Memphis christens replacement, $25.5M bank grading unit "Grader 1"

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District officially launched its new, $25.5 million Bank Grading Unit (BGU), “Grader 1”, with a christening ceremony held on the afternoon of May 2 at a boat ramp located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Event attendees included Mississippi Valley Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diana Holland, Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser, Grader 1's project delivery team and project partners, and several members from the Memphis District Employee and Retiree Communities. Vessel christenings are widely considered an important part of nautical culture with many associated customs practiced for centuries now. While variations do exist, the overall purpose is to request protection for the vessel and crew while navigating the waterways of the world.