16 Apr 2026

USACE Chicago District water management activities at Lake Winnebago

Effective April 16, due to recent above-average rainfall and upstream flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District has coordinated with Neenah Paper to open the last two needle gates at Neenah Dam on the Fox River. All gates at Menasha Dam and Neenah Dam are open allowing maximum outflow from Lake Winnebago. This action was necessary to manage the lake's water level according to established procedures in the water control manual. USACE’s nine dams along the lower Fox River are operating as designed, and this action is a planned and controlled operational adjustment. USACE is continually monitoring the dams to ensure they continue to function as intended.

10 Apr 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Opens Upgraded Chicago Harbor Lock for 2026 Season

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District will re-open the Chicago Harbor Lock on April 15 after completing off-season repairs. This event kicks off the summer boating season at one of the most active locks in the nation.

1 Apr 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District Connects with Industry Professionals at Annual Business Opportunity Open House

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, hosted its highly anticipated Business Opportunity Open House today, welcoming 127 representatives from 95 contracting, architectural, and engineering firms across the region. The event provided a vital forum for industry professionals to connect with District leadership and learn about dozens of upcoming projects detailed in the District’s 2026 acquisition forecast.

30 Mar 2026

Lockport Lock Scheduled Closure for Critical Repair

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will conduct critical repairs to Lockport Lock and Dam requiring a scheduled closure of the lock chamber from March 31 through May 19, 2026.

19 Mar 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comments on potential future changes to the nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on March 16 that it is seeking input from all interested parties on ways to increase the efficiency of the nationwide permit program. Nationwide permits authorize activities that are similar in nature and cause no more than minimal adverse environmental impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. Activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities.

12 Feb 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Rescheduled Public Meeting for Morgan Shoal Revetment Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, will host a public meeting to discuss the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for the proposed Morgan Shoal Revetment Reconstruction project.

8 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces publication of 2026 nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the publication of the 2026 nationwide permits in the Federal Register. The 56 reissued and one new nationwide permit in the final action are necessary for work in streams, wetlands and other waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

7 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces finalization of nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will reissue 56 existing nationwide permits and issue one new permit for work in wetlands and other waters that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. One existing permit will not be reissued.

19 Dec 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District to host Regulatory Transformation Workshop

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District will host a Regulatory Transformation Workshop, an engaging public outreach event, on Wednesday, Jan 22 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (CST) at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville, IL 60563.

16 Dec 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District Deputy Commander Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District celebrated the promotion of Major Henry G. Harpen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony held Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at district headquarters.