U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

The exercise is complete and the Visitor Center and Park are open again.

NEWS RELEASE: Army Civil Works announces invitations to apply for dam safety loans; $763 million in potential federal financing for Michigan

🏗👷‍♀️The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced the first set of proposals being invited to apply for loans under the new Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP). Two of the invited applicants are in Michigan.
The city of Ann Arbor has been invited to apply for $14 million in potential federal financing to complete the rehabilitation of the 100-year-old Barton Dam, a hydroelectric dam that plays an important role in the city’s portfolio of carbon footprint reduction. The impoundment of Barton Dam is the primary source of drinking water for the city.
Additionally, Consumer Energy Company, the hydropower provider, has been invited to apply for $749 million in potential federal financing to complete safety projects associated with six hydropower dams located throughout Michigan.

Full release: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Media/Media-Releases/Article/3905742/army-civil-works-announces-invitations-to-apply-for-dam-safety-loans-763-millio/

More about CWIFP at https://www.usace.army.mil/CWIFP

It's National Preparedness Month!

Let's combine the power of communication with community readiness. Reach out to your neighbors to check on their well-being and discuss emergency preparedness plans.

A simple phone call today can make a big difference tomorrow.

🚢 It was a busy day at the Soo Locks on September 8, 1939. From left to right we see the Harvard in the original Poe Lock, the L.E. Block in the Davis Lock, what appears to be the Joseph Wood entering the Sabin Lock behind a boat we could not initially identify.
❓Any boatnerds out there think they can provide any more information about these boats from this picture? We would love to know more!

🗣News Release: Chamber Lock Operational Option 3 awarded for New Lock at the Soo

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District’s New Lock at the Soo project in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, awards $222.7 million contract Option 3 (Chamber Lock Operational) to Kokosing Alberici Traylor, LLC (KAT) of Westerville, Ohio.

The Option 3 award will allow for construction to proceed as required to have a fully functional lock.

“Option 3 includes construction of the lock floor, installation of the mechanical and electrical systems, completion of the filling and emptying system, placing soil in between the New Lock and old Davis Lock, and commissioning of the lock chamber,” said Inland Navigation Design Center, New Lock at the Soo Technical Lead Darin White.

With the on-time award of Option 3, the project continues to be on track for completion in 2030.

Read the full story: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Media/Media-Releases/Article/3903488/chamber-lock-operational-option-3-awarded-for-new-lock-at-the-soo/

Chamber Lock Operational Option 3 awarded for New Lock at the Soo U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District’s New Lock at the Soo project in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, awards $222.7 million contract Option 3 (Chamber Lock Operational) to Kokosing Alberici

🛑 The Soo Locks Visitor Center and park will be closed for a training exercise all day today and until 4 p.m. 🛑

🚢 Alternate locations to watch ships are Brady Park and Rotary Park. Both are located in Sault Ste. Marie, are open to the public and require no entry fees.

🎓Calling all students! Fall career fair season has kicked off!

As we continue to solve the nation’s toughest challenges, we’re on a search for passionate and talented students to join our team. This fall, we’ll be visiting a wide range of universities throughout the region to connect with future engineers, scientists, planners, project managers, economists and more.


University of Michigan | University of Minnesota Duluth | University of Wisconsin Superior | Central Michigan University | Western Michigan University | The University of Toledo | Michigan Technological University | The Ohio State University | Ferris State University | Jackson State University | Wayne State University | Grand Valley State University | Purdue University | Central State University | Lake Superior State University

Su***de Prevention Hotline – Military Crisis Line The Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource for service members. Dial 988 then Press 1 to speak with our trained responders.

🌦 In August, rainfall across the Great Lakes was near average, except for near Lake Ontario where rainfall was well above average. This high rainfall likely brought about above average water supplies to Lake Ontario that was not experienced for the other Lakes.
🌊 As anticipated, all of the lakes began their seasonal declines in August and while water levels in August 2024 were below August levels in 2023, levels on all of the lakes except for Superior were above their long-term averages.
🌬 As we transition into La Niña conditions, what’s in store for Great Lakes water levels? Find out in the latest 6-month forecast found on our website at the following link: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Water-Information/Water-Management/Great-Lakes-and-Harbors/Water-Level-Forecasts/ -month-water-level-forecasts

US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division

The Detroit District bid farewell to outgoing Deputy Commander, Maj. Gregory Smith, yesterday during his retirement ceremony at the Headquarters in downtown Detroit. The event was the culmination of more than 20 years of service to the nation.

Maj. Smith. received the Meritorious Service Medal for his two-year leadership and "selfless sacrifice and dedication to mission that are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service."

Among the retirement gifts and best wishes was the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flag from the Tug Hammond Bay, which has served in the upper Great Lakes since the early 1960s.

"We extend a sincere thank you for your devotion, selfless service, and commitment to the Nation! Best wishes in retirement!" said Lt. Col. Wallace Bandeff, USACE Detroit District commander.

🛳It's from the Soo Locks!
📸The Kaye E. Barker heads downbound in the Poe Lock on Sep. 5, 2024.
🛳The M/V Kaye E. Barker was built by American Ship Building Company at Toledo, Ohio, as Edward B. Greene, flagship of the Cleveland-Cliffs Steamship Company fleet. She was lengthened with the addition of a 120-foot midbody section at Fraser Shipyards, Inc., Superior, Wisconsin, in 1976. In 1981, American Ship Building Company, Toledo, converted her to a self-unloader. In 1985, she joined the Rouge Steel Company fleet and was renamed Benson Ford. Upon joining the Interlake family in 1989, she became Kaye E. Barker, honoring the wife of Interlake’s Chairman of the Board and President. In 2012, the Kaye E Barker was repowered at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI. (Ship information from Interlake Steamship Company)

🚢 On this day in 1881, the Weitzel Lock officially opened. The Weitzel was in service from 1881-1918 and destroyed in 1942 to make way for the MacArthur Lock. During its 37 years of service, the Weitzel Lock completed 243,917 vessel passages and moved more than 132 million tons of cargo.

EXTENDED: Ready to join our Duluth park ranger team? Apply before 5 p.m, Sept. 6.

We're a temporary Park Ranger, GS-0025-05/06/07, for the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, Minnesota. This position is not to exceed 13 months, but does have the possiblity of an extension or the conversion to a permanent position. Apply before Aug. 30. Details in the listing.

🛑 The Soo Locks Visitor Center and park will be closed for a training exercise on:
-Sep. 12, all day
-Sep. 13, until 4 p.m.
👷 We apologize for the inconvenience.
🚢 Alternate locations to watch ships are Brady Park and Rotary Park. Both are located in Sault Ste. Marie, are open to the public and require no entry fees.

It's National Preparedness Month!
2024 Theme: “Start a Conversation”

Talking about disasters or emergencies isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe.

You may not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll reconnect if separated. Did you know ready.gov offers an easy fillable Family Emergency Communication Plan you can email as a PDF file once complete?

Find it here: https://www.ready.gov/plan-form
It's a great way to start your preparedness journey!

The Soo Locks Visitors Center Association is doing a “Big Boat Bingo” today at 2:30 p.m., go check it out!

Currently we have the James R. Barker in the Poe Lock. After she leaves we will not see a vessel for a while. During this time we will have a Big Boat Bingo! Come on down at 2:30pm to play!!

Celebrating !

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

More information and images from the U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

On September 4, join EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District at the Dearborn Baptist Church in City of Dearborn Government, MI to learn about design plans—20+ years in the making--to restore the ecosystem along the Rouge River! This -funded project is made possible with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.

Learn more: https://spgv.io/6180Zp

🛟 Kids learn how to boat safely from adults so do the right thing and wear your life jacket too! You don’t want them to have to watch you drown so set an example for life and Please Wear It!

🌊 They made a bit of a splash on August 17, 1898 at the Soo Locks when they "launched" this canal gate. All the gates today are made of steel, but in 1898 they were made of wood and could be floated into place.

The Summer 2024 edition of The Corps Environment is now available!

This edition highlights employing an open and transparent process, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #7. Content includes commentary from Mr. Tom Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Operations and Regulatory Division chief, discussing how USACE is operating toward a sustainable future. This edition also highlights projects and programs that are delivering enduring environmental benefits.

Content includes:

- USACE Sacramento District shares how communication and transparency are key elements in the remediation plan for a former nuclear missile site.
- U.S. Army Environmental Command highlights the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award winners.
- USACE Nashville District discusses how a recent Sustainable Rivers Program workshop aims to enhance ecological conditions in the Cumberland River Basin.
- USACE St. Paul District shares how they are teaming up with a university to study trees.
- USACE’s Institute for Water Resources highlights a report that offers new approaches for improved water resources planning.

Read these articles and more here: https://www.army.mil/article/279175/

We held our annual Detroit District BBQ last week and what a wonderful day it was! ☀️🍔🏈🕶👍
It allowed our team time to relax together, with our families, and have a great afternoon outdoors grilling and enjoying some delicious food.

Today is Women's Equality Day. 👷‍♀️ 👩‍🏭 👩‍🔬
In 1971, Congress passed legislation to officially recognize August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day. The day marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed on August 26, 1920, that gave women the right to vote.

https://www.army.mil/women/?from=hp_spotlight

We're a temporary Park Ranger, GS-0025-05/06/07, for the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, Minnesota. This position is not to exceed 13 months, but does have the possiblity of an extension or the conversion to a permanent position. Apply before Aug. 30. Details in the listing.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Emergency Management team trained leadership and staff how to coordinate in the event of a large-scale crisis in the Great Lakes region Wednesday during its 2024 Crisis Action Team/Crisis Management Team Training.
The event simulated crisis conditions by rapidly alerting all key leadership to the new, 24-hour capable Emergency Operations Center, where teams then operate in the remote headquarters while coordinating with local, state and federal agencies during an event such as a terrorist attack, marine traffic incident in a federal channel or natural disaster. The event culminates with tabletop scenarios to understand how each section would contribute to different emergencies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District is an Engineering Technician, GS 6/7/8, in the Operations Section to work in Detroit. Duties include processing field survey data, creating maps and engineering drawings to support navigation, planning and environmental projects. Apply before Aug. 19: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/803730000

🚢 The 635-foot American Courage prepares to pass below the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction site Wednesday, Aug. 21 on the Detroit River. The ship was bound for Cleveland as it passed the Detroit Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.

🛑 The Soo Locks Visitor Center and park will be closed for a training exercise on:
-Sep. 12, all day
-Sep. 13, until 4 p.m.
👷 We apologize for the inconvenience.
🚢 Alternate locations to watch ships are Brady Park and Rotary Park. Both are located in Sault Ste. Marie, are open to the public and require no entry fees.

🚢 Up until just before World War II and very briefly between WWII and the Korean conflict, visitors could wander through the Soo Locks facility and watch from the lock walls as you can see from this photo on August 25, 1937. Accidents and injuries to visitors were common during those years and both safety and security were factors in deciding to permanently install fences at the locks.