4 Sep 2025

Keeping the Harbors Strong: The Breakwater Assessment Team Protects Great Lakes Infrastructure

The Great Lakes are more than scenic, they are vital to the U.S. and Canadian economies. Together, the ports, harbors and channels that make up the Great Lakes Navigation System support nearly 238,000 jobs and generate more than $28 billion in business revenue each year. From raw materials fueling manufacturing plants to the flow of goods and tourism that sustain local communities, this system touches nearly every part of daily life in the region.

26 Aug 2025

From Nerves to Success: Jesse Pennington’s PE Exam Journey

For many civil engineers, the Professional Engineer (PE) exam is more than a test — it’s a milestone that can shape the trajectory of an entire career. For Buffalo District Civil Engineer, Jesse Pennington , passing the exam has opened the door to new opportunities and greater influence in her profession.

19 Aug 2025

USACE Buffalo District Engineer Achieves PE Milestone, Employee of the Year Recognition

In the demanding world of engineering, where precision, expertise, and perseverance define success, one professional’s recent accomplishments stand out as a testament to dedication and ambition. Having recently passed the notoriously challenging Professional Engineer (PE) Exam and earning the prestigious title of Distinguished Employee of the Year, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District Civil Engineer Josh Reddick offers insight into what it truly takes to excel in the field.

13 Aug 2025

USACE Buffalo District Embraces Building Information Modeling to Modernize Facilities Across Their Life Cycle

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has implemented Building Information Modeling across its design and construction projects, marking a significant shift in how infrastructure is delivered and maintained throughout its operational life. BIM is a process that integrates 3D modeling with digital data management to improve the efficiency, accuracy and sustainability of construction projects. Originally emerging in the architecture and construction industries in the early 1990s, BIM was developed to consolidate all graphical and non-graphical aspects of a building into a single, intelligent model.

28 Jul 2025

Stemming the Spread: Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Works to Control Hydrilla in the Great Lakes Basin

The shimmering waters of the Great Lakes and their connecting channels are iconic, providing recreation, commerce, and vital ecosystems. But beneath the surface, an aggressive invader threatens this beauty: Hydrilla. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, is leading a multi-faceted effort to control this invasive aquatic plant and protect the health of the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

3 Jul 2025

Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Uses Virtual Learning to Certify Record Number of Contractors for Quality Construction

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of contractors getting their construction quality management certification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has skyrocketed. A simple change expanded the way the certification course has been offered in the last five years, leading to hundreds more contractors being educated on USACE policies and procedures – a tool they use to successfully deliver high-quality projects alongside the agency’s team members.

3 Jun 2025

Buffalo District Engineer Recognized as Hard Hat of the Year for Great Lakes and Ohio River Division

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) June 3, 2025 – Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers honors excellence in engineering and construction through its prestigious Engineering and Construction Awards Program. Among the various categories recognizing leadership, performance, professional development and community support, the Hard Hat of the Year award celebrates outstanding achievement in construction contract administration management and oversight.

24 Mar 2025

Vermilion Harbor Pier Repairs with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

VERMILION, Ohio - Working as America's engineering agency the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to delivering repairs on schedule, safely, and with minimal disruption to the community. This dedication and commitment is shown throughout projects like the pier repairs and dredging that have been conducted at Vermilion Harbor in Vermilion, Ohio.

7 Mar 2025

Mount Morris Dam Continues History of Flood Risk Prevention

(MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y.) March 7, 2025 – The Mount Morris Dam, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, continues to serve as a critical safeguard against flooding in western New York, preventing an estimated $170 million in flood damages in 2024. Located on the Genesee River, at the northern end of Letchworth State Park and just south of Rochester, the dam plays a vital role in flood risk management for communities downstream, protecting over 160,000 residents in the Genesee River 100-Year Flood Plain and more than 200,000 in Rochester. By controlling water flow, the dam helps reduce the risk of severe flooding events that could cause extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

10 Feb 2025

Protecting Buffalo’s Harbor: The Vital Role of Breakwaters and Piers

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) Feb. 10, 2025 – Buffalo Harbor, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, is a key piece of commerce, transportation, and recreation in Western New York. At the heart of the harbor’s resilience are its vital infrastructure components, including breakwaters and piers built and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District. Over the last 10 years, more than $74 million has been invested into these structures to protect the harbor, ensuring navigable waterways for economic and community vitality.