1 Jun 2026

Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

Many people will visit popular lakes across the Midwest this summer for recreation without ever knowing the reservoirs provide several other benefits. These benefits include irrigation, water supply for domestic use, and habitats for fish and wildlife. One of their primary purposes, however, is to provide critical flood risk reduction. Each year, the reservoir systems help save downstream communities from the potential loss of life and millions of dollars in flood damage. The reservoirs work together to collect and store water during high-water events and then release it once downstream flood risks have subsided. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, currently manages 35 tributary reservoirs with federally authorized flood control storage across several Upper Midwest and western states, including projects owned by USACE, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and local authorities.

30 Apr 2026

District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

Innovation often starts with a simple idea, like an observation from someone doing the work every day who sees a better way to accomplish the mission. A program known as Brainstorm the Castle is giving employees across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District a platform to turn those ideas into real improvements that strengthen operations, streamline processes and support the district’s mission.

22 Apr 2026

Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

Federal leaders toured the Missouri River corridor April 9 to assess power generation and flood protection infrastructure and discuss future risk reduction efforts in Nebraska. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle joined Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts and Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, during the visit, which included project briefings, a river tour and meetings with regional stakeholders hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.

21 Apr 2026

Williston flood preparedness put to the test as agencies, stakeholders rehearse levee emergency response

A tabletop exercise simulating a catastrophic levee failure and flooding emergency affecting the Williston, North Dakota area was held April 7, 2026, at the Williams County Emergency Operations Center. The exercise, planned and hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District's Dam and Levee Safety Branch, brought together local, state and federal emergency managers along with law enforcement, public works officials, and stakeholders from the Williston area, to meet critical goals in emergency preparedness and flood response.

8 Dec 2025

District employee charts final course toward master boat pilot license

Larry Morgan Jr. has worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District since 2000. He has served at the Missouri River Project Office and on the Missouri River most of his career as a deckhand, equipment operator and maintenance supervisor. One title that has eluded him is master towboat pilot. Inspired by an early mentor, and with the help of an accomplished towboat pilot, that will soon change, as he nears completion of an unrestricted master of towing vessel license.