The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the nation’s inland waterways, harbors, and navigation infrastructure. These systems support commerce, national security, and recreation, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country.

For over 200 years, USACE has developed a nationwide waterway network, including the Great Lakes Navigation System, the Ohio River System, and other major rivers. This work includes dredging channels, maintaining locks and dams, and managing coastal infrastructure to keep goods moving efficiently.

Great Lakes Navigation

The Great Lakes Navigation System moves 175 million tons of goods annually, linking the U.S. heartland to global markets. This 2,400-mile, deep-draft waterway stretches from Duluth, MN, to the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a crucial trade corridor. USACE ensures safe navigation through dredging, harbor maintenance, and coastal infrastructure projects.

Ohio River Navigation

The Ohio River and its tributaries form a 2,500-mile waterway system, transporting 270 million tons of bulk goods annually. The Corps maintains a 9-foot channel and operates a network of locks and dams to ensure year-round, 24/7 navigation. The river is vital for energy production, industry, and commerce, carrying 35% of the nation’s waterborne commerce.

Planning Center of Expertise for Inland Navigation (PCXIN)

The PCXIN provides technical leadership in inland navigation planning, supporting USACE and its partners in managing the nation’s waterways. It develops strategies, analyzes system performance, and ensures that navigation infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and economically sustainable for the future.