2 Jul 2026

In feat of engineering precision, massive concrete beams placed at Chickamauga Lock as Upstream Approach Wall Contract reaches major milestone

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, in partnership with contractor CJ Mahan Construction Co. and McKinney Salvage LLC, has reached a major milestone on the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project under the active Upstream Approach Wall contract by successfully placing the first eight massive, 420-ton precast concrete beams using a dual-derrick barge crane system on the Tennessee River. This current phase of the Upstream Approach Wall contract is on track for completion by early August 2026.

30 Mar 2026

Nashville District assistant district counsel earns national award

Kathryn Morris, assistant district counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nashville District, receives the prestigious E. Manning Seltzer Award, an honor recognizing her as one of the top attorneys in the enterprise. Morris earns the award for her successful defense of USACE in high-stakes federal litigation, her leadership in training regulatory specialists and her creation of the Nashville District’s legal externship program for law students. Her work on complex cases, such as the Tennessee Gas Pipeline challenge, and her commitment to mentoring set a new standard of excellence within the federal legal community.

24 Feb 2026

Division commander’s visit highlights people, partnerships in mission delivery

Col. Daniel J. Herlihy, commander of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, visited the Nashville District to gain an in-depth understanding of its complex infrastructure projects by speaking directly with the people managing them. His tour included a stop at Center Hill Dam, where a critical spillway gate replacement is underway in partnership with American Bridge Company to ensure public safety, and the Chickamauga Lock, where a new lock is being built to significantly increase navigation efficiency. Throughout the visit, Herlihy emphasized that the success of these modernizations depends on the quality of the people and strong partnerships, recognizing several employees for their excellence and stating his priorities are to "continue to deliver, and to take care of each other.

2 Feb 2026

USACE team looks to provide emergency power to reopen Nashville schools

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers power team is assessing critical power needs at eight Nashville schools to reopen them after Winter Storm Fern. FEMA has tasked USACE with ensuring the schools have power and are safe for students to return. The team, which includes members from the USACE Tulsa District, the 249th Engineer Battalion, and a contractor, is conducting pre-installation inspections of backup generator systems and commercial power status. This mission is part of a larger national response to the winter storm, with USACE deploying teams to various locations along the Southeast and East Coast.

19 Nov 2025

Cumberland river hydropower rehabilitation project moves toward key milestones

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is advancing its $1.2 billion Section 212 Hydropower Rehabilitation Program to modernize nine power plants across the Cumberland River Basin. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reliability while meeting the growing energy demands of 4 million customers in eight states. Ongoing projects at Barkley and Old Hickory power plants are enhancing turbine generators and supporting infrastructure to ensure a consistent, zero-emission energy source for decades to come.

29 Sep 2025

Community collaboration cultivates storybook experience for childhood literacy

Cordell Hull Lake opened a new Storybook Trail on the Periwinkle Hiking Trail during National Public Lands Day, successfully blending childhood literacy with outdoor exploration to encourage youth in Smith and Jackson counties. This initiative was powered by a community-wide collaboration, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Imagination Libraries, and numerous local volunteers and Boy Scout troops, marking a new recreational and educational opportunity.

9 Sep 2025

Nashville District invests in tomorrow’s leaders through leadership program

Eighteen employees from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District graduated from the Level I Leadership Development Program, which focused on self-awareness, communication, and adaptable leadership. The six-month course fostered cross-departmental collaboration and emphasized flexible leadership, with participants expressing gratitude for the networking and personal growth opportunities. The program underscores the district’s commitment to developing effective leaders to meet complex, evolving challenges.

2 Sep 2025

Massive Wall Beams make their move to Chickamauga Lock

After over a decade in storage, massive 120-foot-long concrete wall beams are being transported by barge from Watts Bar Dam to the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project site, marking a key milestone in improving navigation infrastructure on the Tennessee River. These beams, originally fabricated in 2013, are crucial to completing the upstream approach wall, which is now 68% finished. The transport involves careful coordination using hydraulic systems and rotating barges over several weeks, with beam installation underway. Once complete, the new lock will significantly increase efficiency for commercial navigation, processing nine jumbo barges per lockage compared to just one currently.

4 Jun 2025

Allen Malcomb earns USACE national Quality Professional of the Year award

Allen Malcomb, chief of Quality Assurance for the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project, was honored as the USACE Quality Professional of the Year (Construction) for his leadership in ensuring high construction standards. He leads a team that reviews thousands of documents and inspections, ensuring safety, precision, and compliance in this critical infrastructure project. His efforts have significantly improved contractor accountability and fostered a strong quality control culture. Malcomb is also recognized for mentoring young engineers and emphasizing teamwork and continuous improvement.

23 May 2025

Nashville District highlights contracting opportunities at small business event

On May 20, 2025, small businesses gathered at Tennessee State University for BIZGOV Connect, a networking event focused on entering government contracting. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District led a breakout session offering direct access to contracting officers and updates on upcoming federal opportunities. Over 20 organizations, including the SBA, Turner Construction, and Metro Nashville Procurement, shared insights and resources. Attendees learned how to navigate SAM.gov and leverage programs for women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses. Organizers emphasized continued support for small businesses and encouraged follow-up through local APEX and SBA offices.