27 May 2026

USACE Chicago Crews Conduct Electrofishing Survey on Lake Calumet During 2026 Seasonal Intensive Monitoring; No Invasive Carp Found

As part of the 2026 Spring Seasonal Intensive Monitoring (SIM) effort, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) crews conducted specialized electrofishing operations on Lake Calumet during the week of May 11th. Following intensive sampling at 10 locations chosen to maximize detection within high-probability habitats across the lake, crews reported that no bighead or silver carp were captured or observed during the mission.

26 May 2026

Behind the Response: Inside USACE Chicago District Emergency Management

A crucial part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) mission involves responding to emergencies. USACE Emergency Management teams respond during times of need not only within their immediate areas, but also by supporting other districts—sometimes on a global scale. They provide engineering, construction, and water resources expertise to mitigate property damage and loss of life during disasters. Authorized to fulfill direct requests for assistance from states, USACE provides technical support for public facilities, infrastructure, and residential and commercial developments when disaster needs exceed local and state capabilities.

20 May 2026

USACE Chicago District reopens Lockport Lock on schedule following critical construction and maintenance

Effective May 19, 2026, Lockport Lock has fully reopened to navigation traffic after a temporary closure that began March 31 to complete essential infrastructure repairs and maintenance activities.

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.

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.

21 Oct 2024

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rep. Frank Mrvan, and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton Celebrate Completion of Calumet Region Gary Sanitary District Force Main Replacement Phase II Project

On Monday, October 21, 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-01), and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Calumet Region Gary Sanitary District Force Main Replacement Phase II Project. The event took place at the southeast corner of 25th Avenue and Chase Street in Gary, Indiana, with community leaders and residents in attendance.