Alaska District News

Seattle-based emergency management specialist provides valuable leadership on USACE flood mitigation efforts in Mendenhall Valley

Cameron McLeod — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:43:21 GMT

Recurring glacial outburst floods in southeast Alaska’s Mendenhall Valley present a challenging and complicated issue for homeowners and businesses in Juneau. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively working with the City and Borough of Juneau and other stakeholders to construct effective flood risk mitigation solutions, assembling materials and experienced professionals from across the country to work toward an effective solution for Juneau.

Sec. Telle outlines Corps’ flood mitigation efforts for Mendenhall Glacier

Nahaku McFadden — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:40:00 GMT

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Adam Telle, visited Juneau last week to observe the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ongoing solutions to address flooding ahead of the annual Mendenhall Glacier Outburst Flooding Events, also known as GLOFs.

Barrier wall project at Moose Creek Dam reaches completion

Cameron McLeod — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:00:11 GMT

Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, district commander, attended the ribbon cutting for the Moose Creek Dam Safety Modification Project near North Pole on Sep. 11. He joined representatives of the Fairbanks – North Star Borough and contractor as well as the USACE team in celebrating the significant milestone.

14-year multipurpose disaster shelter program reaches completion in Bangladesh

Cameron McLeod — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:14:44 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District recently completed a robust construction effort aimed at reducing the threat of coastal storms to communities in eastern Bangladesh. Multipurpose Disaster Shelters, or MPDSs, are tailor-made for the volatile conditions of cyclone season. During periods of normal weather, these structures serve functions such as schools and clinics. When the annual storms bring severe flooding, the shelters are built to stand above the flooding and provide secure, elevated spaces for the community.

Innovation leads to productive season for safety upgrade at Moose Creek Dam

John Budnik — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:05:00 GMT

With the onset of winter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District capped off a successful summer by doubling its progress from last year to build a cement barrier wall in the center of the dam. The safety improvement project is now about halfway complete as the team works to reinforce 4.7 miles of the 8-mile-long earthen structure.

USACE monitors flood risk from breakup conditions in Chena River basin after record snowpack

John Budnik — Thu, 19 May 2022 19:00:00 GMT

When days become longer and temperatures get warmer in the interior region of the state near Fairbanks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District uses snow survey data to forecast potential flood conditions on the Chena River during the spring breakup season.

Army’s deputy for civil works tours newly funded projects, emphasizes tribal partnerships in Alaska

Mr. John Budnik — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Members of the traveling party with Jaime Pinkham, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, witnessed this polar bear encounter near the community of Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, while touring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District’s Barrow Coastal Erosion Project. During the week of Feb. 21, the dignitary visited several civil works projects in the state that were recently funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In total, this congressionally authorized funding will provide nearly $1 billion for civil works construction in Alaska.

Two years after quake, military repair projects continue as USACE reflects on response efforts

Mr. John Budnik — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:00:00 GMT

With the epicenter about 10 miles north of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet Earthquake registered a 7.1 magnitude and rocked most of Alaska’s population during the morning of November 30, 2018. First responders sprang into action, but once the dust settled the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District emerged as a reliable military partner inspecting and repairing infrastructure on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

General’s visit punctuates engineering efforts converting arena to alternate care site

Mr. John Budnik — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Brig. Gen. Thomas Tickner, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Pacific Ocean Division, toured the Alaska Airlines Center on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus on Tuesday. A portion of the arena was converted into an alternate care site capable of treating coronavirus patients.