9 Sep 2025

USACE and Stockbridge-Munsee Community Collaborate to Improve Fish Passage in Wisconsin Watershed

Fish Biologist Alex Catalano and Biologist Andrew Miller, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District, recently joined forces with the Stockbridge-Munsee Community (SMC) Ecology Department to evaluate the impact of road culverts on Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) in the West Branch of the Red River near Bowler, Wisconsin. The collaborative effort, combining local ecological knowledge and federal technical expertise, aims to determine whether two culverts are restricting fish movement — and if so, prioritize solutions that improve connectivity across the watershed.

8 Sep 2025

Sailing to Victory: USACE's Mike Rohde Takes First in the Mackinac Race

Mike Rohde, Chief of Real Estate for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo Districts, sailed to victory last month, taking first place in his group during the prestigious Mackinac Race.

5 Aug 2025

USACE, Village of Matteson Break Ground on Water Main Improvement Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), and the Village of Matteson broke ground Tuesday on the Matteson Water Main Improvement Project.

4 Aug 2025

USACE and Village of Glenwood Celebrate Stormwater Project Completion

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Village of Glenwood, and federal, state, and local officials gathered today to cut the ribbon on the newly completed South Regional Detention Area and Drainage Improvements Project.

30 Jul 2025

USACE, Chicago District employees recognized for contributions to Army Engineering in de Fleury Medal ceremonies

As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District Engineer Day and annual awards ceremony, District Commander Colonel Kenneth Rockwell recognized the following distinguished employees this month with the Steel Order of the de Fleury Medal: Garth Stout, Maintenance Mechanic at J.E. Roush Lake; David Peterson, Chief Engineer of the Tug Kenosha; Brandon Strickland, Lockport Lockmaster; and Maria Brambila, Administrative Support Assistant for the Operations and Regulatory Division. Medals for Stout and Peterson were distributed at separate awards ceremonies. These employees were honored for their significant contributions to Army Engineering.

21 Jul 2025

USACE Chicago District’s Ericka Hillard Honored with Patriotic Public Service Award for Volunteer Work with VFW

Ericka Hillard, a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), received the Patriotic Public Service Lapel Pin Award for her volunteer service with her local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post. The award ceremony was held at the district’s Engineer Day award ceremony and picnic on July 16, 2025.

30 May 2025

Behind the Dams: How the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Protects Lives and Infrastructure

Dams are among the most vital components of our nation's infrastructure—quietly working behind the scenes to manage water flow, support inland navigation, and reduce devastating floods. When functioning properly, they protect millions of people and billions in property. But as climate extremes intensify and infrastructure ages, the risks of failure grow—making dam safety more critical than ever. For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), ensuring these structures remain safe is not just an engineering task—it’s a mission to protect lives. Dan Ferris, Dam Safety Program Manager (DSPM) for the USACE Chicago District, is responsible for ensuring these essential structures continue to operate as designed.

1 May 2025

USACE Chicago District Hosts Successful Industry Open House

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District welcomed more than 130 industry professionals, contractors, and vendors to its annual Industry Open House, held at the district headquarters in downtown Chicago. The event serves as a vital opportunity for private-sector partners to engage directly with district leadership, learn about upcoming contract opportunities, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the district’s mission and priorities.

7 Apr 2025

Lockport Lock Reopens After Temporary Repairs: Permanent Fix Scheduled for Fall

Lockport Lock reopened Friday, April 4th, after undergoing a temporary closure for construction and repairs. The lock had been closed since January 28th for maintenance repairs and upper gate lift replacement. It was expected to reopen at the end of March, but severe cracking was found on the lower miter gates. Temporary repairs were made while parts are being manufactured for the permanent replacement.

9 Oct 2024

Building Resilience: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hosts Flood Resilience Workshops for Chicago Communities Affected by 2023 Disasters

Community Planners from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, recently facilitated two Flood Resilience Workshops for both south and west side Chicago communities affected by severe flooding disasters in July and September 2023. Approximately 120 people attended the events held at both Foster Park and Intentional Sports, in Chicago.