St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Start paddling smart by taking an online safe paddling course. From securing your boat to your vehicle to waterway hazard identification and what to do during challenging weather, this online course covers everything you need to know to ensure your paddling experience is safe and enjoyable.

Get started here: https://americancanoe.org/education/resource-library/paddlesports-online-course/

A life jacket can’t save your life if it’s floating on top of the water and you’re sinking to the bottom. Having a life jacket on your boat, even if it’s “readily accessible,” is not good enough. so you can enjoy boating another day.

The St. Louis District recently honored Lt. Col. Andrew James, deputy commander, during a farewell ceremony recognizing his two years of dedicated service, leadership and commitment.

As part of the ceremony, Lt. Col. James was presented the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze de Fleury Medal and a commemorative plaque featuring coins from across the district in recognition of his many contributions and lasting impact on the St. Louis District team.

Thank you, Lt. Col. James, for your many contributions to the St. Louis District. We appreciate all you have done for the district and wish you continued success in your next assignment.

Mississippi Valley Division (US Army Corps of Engineers)

Join Our Team! The St. Louis District is hiring a Chemist (NH 3) to serve as an expert for chemistry matters related to feasibility studies and remedial investigations, designs and actions for the Superfund, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), Ordnance & Explosives, and other Hazardous Toxic, and Radioactive Waste programs.

Application deadline: June 14, 2026

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/871205600

As we wrap up this "Love Your Levee" campaign, here are some things to think about.

-When you live near rivers, flooding WILL happen.
-While levees can greatly benefit a community by reducing the intensity and frequency of flooding from nearby rivers and coastlines, no levee is risk free.
-When it comes to risk of any kind, you should remain informed. The time to learn and understand your risk is before a flood emergency.
-Levee experts work hard to inspect, repair, and improve the flood risk reduction systems in your community. The number one goal is always life safety.

For more info visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Levee-Safety-Program/

In recent years, the Kaskaskia Island Drainage and Levee District has completed several important levee improvements.

These efforts include buying land to support maintenance and the extension of seepage mitigation berms, inspecting gravity drains that pass beneath the levee, and repairing slope damage after heavy rain and flood events.

The levee district also completed an updated Emergency Action Plan in 2023 to support its most important goal: reducing flood risk to their community.

No matter how well they are built, there is always the chance that a flood or other disaster will come along that exceeds local levees.

Know your community's flood emergency preparedness and evacuation plans and be prepared to evacuate during a flood.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program hosted a public meeting May 21 to update community members on remediation progress in north St. Louis County.

FUSRAP representatives shared project updates, answered questions and discussed ongoing efforts to safely address contamination from the nation’s early atomic energy program.

If you’d like to watch the presentation or read the transcript, or to learn more about the St. Louis District FUSRAP mission, you can visit https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/FUSRAP/

On August 1, 1993, the Mississippi River at Chester crested at 49.59 feet, the highest stage ever recorded. The size and impact of the Great Flood of 1993 was unprecedented and has been considered one of the most costly and devastating floods to ravage the U.S. in modern history.

KSDK News in St. Louis, Mo. covered the events of the flood, with a focus on Kaskaskia Island. In 2018, 25 years after the Great Flood, Channel 5 News revisited Kaskaskia Island to remind us of the events.

"Flood of '93": Kaskaskia under water One of the most historic towns in Illinois took one of the biggest blows from the Flood of 1993