US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Last week, staff from the USACE Omaha and Kansas City Districts proudly helped lead the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) 2026 Missouri River JETS conference right here in Omaha, Nebraska!

Collaboration between our districts and industry partners is vital to executing our mission and delivering engineering excellence. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, shared their expertise, and worked to strengthen our engineering community. We are truly better together!

Did you know the reservoirs many families enjoy for boating, fishing and camping each summer also play a critical role in reducing flood risk across the Missouri River Basin?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District manages 35 tributary reservoirs with federally authorized flood control storage that help protect downstream communities by capturing and storing floodwaters during heavy rain and snowmelt events.

While no dam can eliminate all flooding, these reservoirs work together to reduce flood impacts and help protect lives while saving millions of dollars in potential damages each year.

Read the full story here: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4505155/tributary-dams-help-provide-flood-risk-reduction-saving-millions-in-damages/

In case you missed it! On May 19, USACE Omaha District Commander Col. Robert Newbauer, local leaders, and contractor partners officially cut the ribbon on the Pipestem Dam Spillway Modification Project in Jamestown, North Dakota, marking the successful completion of a massive three-year effort. This critical engineering upgrade secures the long-term safety of the James River Basin and protects downstream communities from extreme flood risks. Discover how our dedicated project team overcame incredible challenges to deliver this vital safety project. Read more here: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4502149/district-completes-pipestem-dam-spillway-modification-project/

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District recently hosted Chris Allieri, executive director of the NYC Plover Project, as part of his ongoing research for a forthcoming nonfiction book focused on the threatened piping plover and the efforts being done to help protect the species across the United States.

During his visit, Allieri connected with USACE subject matter experts and observed habitat management and conservation efforts tied to the Missouri River system and piping plover nesting areas. His research highlights the important role natural resource professionals, biologists, advocates and agencies play in protecting critical nesting habitat and improving reproductive success for this threatened shorebird.

Founded in 2021, the NYC Plover Project works to protect piping plovers nesting on New York City’s busiest beaches through education, community outreach and volunteer engagement programs.

We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the dedicated work our natural resource teams perform to support conservation and stewardship efforts across the region for the piping plover.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has signed the Record of Decision for the Dakota Access Pipeline Final Environmental Impact Statement. Read the full story: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4498134/record-of-decision-signed-for-dakota-access-pipeline-final-environmental-impact/

This week, USACE Omaha District Commander Col. Robert Newbauer, Mayor Dwaine Heinrich, and contractor representatives officially cut the ribbon on the Pipestem Dam Spillway Modification Project, marking the completion of a three-year construction effort. Lt. Governor Strinden and members of the also joined the celebration to recognize this milestone for the city of Jamestown. This upgrade ensures the long-term reliability of a dam that has already prevented more than $100 million in flood damage, securing the safety of the James River Basin for decades to come.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our geologists, engineers, and contractor partners. When faced with unexpected challenges, including a landslide during the 2024 construction season, the team adapted quickly, collaborating to resolve the issue without falling behind schedule. By upgrading the dam with a specialized, space-saving design and concrete steps that safely dissipate high-velocity flow, they eliminated significant erosion risks. We are proud of their work delivering this vital life-safety project to the community.

After 43 years of service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Protective Design Center of Expertise, Don Dittus is retiring.

From advancing air barrier technology that improves energy efficiency and saves taxpayer dollars, to supporting global security missions and disaster response efforts, Don’s work has helped safeguard buildings and the people inside them around the world.

Whether helping families remain in their homes after a devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico or contributing to national security initiatives overseas, Don’s career reflects dedication, expertise and a commitment to serving others.

Thank you, Don, for more than four decades of service and impact. Wishing you the very best in retirement!

To learn more about his career, visit: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4483241/district-employee-set-to-retire-after-43-year-career-of-safeguarding-buildings/

This past Saturday, volunteers from the USACE Omaha District spent their morning giving back at the H.O.P.E. (Helping Omaha People Eat) Garden.

Our team worked alongside local community members to w**d, plant, and lay paths to ensure the garden is ready for a productive season.

The H.O.P.E. Garden is an incredible all-volunteer initiative that provides more than 11,000 pounds of fresh food annually to families in need across Omaha. We were honored to support this mission and picked up some great tips from the on-site Master Gardeners along the way!

Thank you to everyone from the district who dedicated their Saturday morning to help nourish our community.

116 pairs of jeans, one powerful message!

The USACE Omaha District came together to collect 116 pairs of new and gently used jeans for the Women's Center for Advancement and the Open Door Mission in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and National Denim Day.

Denim Day began in 1999 to bring awareness to sexual assault victims, a movement that reminds us all to stand with survivors and promote respect, safety and support in our communities.

We’re incredibly proud of our team for showing up, giving back, and helping make a difference — one pair of jeans at a time.