Kansas City District News Releases

Public health update concerning harmful algae at Kansas City District Pomme de Terre Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:50:18 GMT

Effective immediately, Nemo Beach and Wheatland Beach are closed to the public until further notice. The beaches will remain closed until water conditions improve. USACE staff are actively inspecting the beaches and monitoring water conditions.

Stockton Lake boat ramp and fishing dock reopened after major repairs

Press Operations — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:09:34 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, announces the reopening of the Crabtree Cove Boat Ramp and Fishing Dock at Stockton Lake. The closure began on March 16, 2026, to allow for significant repairs to the boat ramp maneuver area.

USACE-KC District is hosting the Spring Open House at the Mead former Nebraska Ordnance Plant

Press Operations — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:16:54 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, will host an Outdoor Open House from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and a Site bus tour will occur from 5:15 p.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Main Groundwater Treatment Plant in Ashland, Nebraska located at the junction of County Road 6 and County Road F.

Kanopolis Dam Project Extended to Enhance Downstream Protection; Lake Levels Rise as Gates Close

Press Operations — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:45:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, has announced an extension to the major outlet channel repair project at Kanopolis Dam. The project will now include the placement of additional riprap downstream to increase erosion protection, with an expected completion date in July. This significant repair project, which addresses issues identified in a 2020 inspection, has been underway to fix erosion and other damages in the outlet channel. The initial work involved replacing existing riprap and addressing the underlying geology that contributed to erosion since the dam's completion in 1948. Although the channel work is complete, this new phase adds another layer of riprap downstream from the outlet channel to provide enhanced stability.

Tuttle Creek Update for Spring Session

Press Operations — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:06:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, announce the completion of the spring period for the Tuttle Creek Reservoir Water Injection Dredging Demonstration on April 10th 2026. The project experienced an initial delay because of a fuel tank incident, and the demonstration was later extended from a planned 10 days to 15 days due to persistent high winds and lightning.

Second pilot project for innovative Water Injection Dredging set to begin at Tuttle Creek Lake after delay

Press Operations — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:18:00 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Kansas Water Office, is pleased to announce the start of the second demonstration period for the innovative Water Injection Dredging project at Tuttle Creek Lake following last week’s delay. The second demonstration period will take place from March 26 – April 4, 2026, providing a real-world assessment of Water Injection Dredging's effectiveness in sedimentation management within inland reservoirs. This pioneering project aims to evaluate Water Injection Dredging (WID) as a potential alternative to traditional mechanical dredging. WID technology uses a pressurized and controlled injection of water to loosen sediment from the lakebed, allowing it to be carried downstream by the natural current.

Tuttle Creek Lake Fuel Tank Incident Update

Press Operations — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:59:51 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announce that following the successful recovery of a submerged fuel tank at Tuttle Creek Lake, the comprehensive water quality sampling and monitoring plan continues to guide response decisions. The health and safety of the public and the protection of the environment remain the top priority and the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved remain focused on mitigating any potential impacts from last week’s diesel fuel spill at Tuttle Creek Lake.

Agencies Recover Fuel Tank, Cleanup Continues at Tuttle Creek Lake

Press Operations — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:17:26 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announce that the submerged fuel tank at Tuttle Creek Lake was successfully recovered Wednesday, March 18. With the fuel release successfully contained within the cove, cleanup efforts are now the primary focus. Following the recovery of the tank, an inspection confirmed its contents were released into this contained area, where response crews continue to work on mitigation. The first round of testing from KDHE showed no fuel-related contaminants in the samples taken from the cove where the spill occurred. More extensive tests are being conducted downstream of the stilling basin to ensure conditions remain safe.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comments on potential future changes to the nationwide permits

Press Operations — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:37:21 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on March 16 that it is seeking input from all interested parties on ways to increase the efficiency of the nationwide permit program. Nationwide permits authorize activities that are similar in nature and cause no more than minimal adverse environmental impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. Activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities.

Agencies Continue Coordinated Response to Fuel Tank Incident at Tuttle Creek Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:34:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment continue to coordinate response efforts for a submerged fuel tank incident at Tuttle Creek Lake. The work is being conducted by the Water Injection Dredging project contractor, Michels, and their subcontracted hazardous materials (hazmat) team. On Tuesday, March 17, response crews were on-site to deploy containment measures. The submerged fuel tank was fully enclosed with containment boom by noon. Throughout the day, additional absorbent booms and pads were strategically placed to contain and collect observed surface sheen and collect recoverable diesel in the cove.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responding to an incident involving a fuel tank on a commercial barge at Tuttle Creek Lake.

Press Operations — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:45:54 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responding to an incident involving a fuel tank on a commercial barge at Tuttle Creek Lake. The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 15, 2026, at approximately 1:45 p.m. when a fuel cell holding approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel became submerged in 20 feet of water. High winds and wave action from the lake are suspected to be the cause of the incident. No foul play is suspected. The safety of the public and the protection of the environment are our top priorities. We have activated our emergency response plan and are working closely with the contractor who owns the barge, the National Response Center and the state of Kansas to assess and contain the situation. Response crews and equipment, including a dive team, are deploying to the site to mitigate any potential environmental impact.

Second pilot project for innovative Water Injection Dredging set to begin at Tuttle Creek Lake

Press Operations — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:34:00 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Kansas Water Office, is pleased to announce the start of the second demonstration period for the innovative Water Injection Dredging project at Tuttle Creek Lake. The second demonstration period will take place from March 17-27, 2026, providing a real-world assessment of Water Injection Dredging's effectiveness in sedimentation management within inland reservoirs. This pioneering project aims to evaluate Water Injection Dredging (WID) as a potential alternative to traditional mechanical dredging. WID uses a controlled injection of water, under pressure, to loosen sediment from the riverbed, allowing it to be carried downstream by the natural current.

Stockton Lake boat ramp and fishing dock to temporarily close for major repairs

Press Operations — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:24:24 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, announces the temporary closure of the Crabtree Cove Boat Ramp and Fishing Dock at Stockton Lake. The closure is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2026, to allow for significant repairs to the boat ramp maneuver area. During the construction period, no public use of the ramp or dock will be permitted. The project is necessary to address substantial damage caused by years of flood inundation and wave action, which has led to cracking and damage of the existing asphalt surface. The repair project will involve milling the current asphalt and replacing it with a more durable concrete surface to ensure long-term stability and safety for all users.

UPDATE: Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works announces ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ initiative for the Army’s Civil Works program

Press Operations — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:45:00 GMT

USACE Kansas City District highlights potential for improved support for flood risk management mission Today, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam R. Telle announced a major initiative, “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork,” for the Army’s Civil Works program. “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” will provide greater focus on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ core Civil Works missions, while minimizing non-core programs, direct funding to priority water resources projects that will provide the greatest benefits to the nation, shorten permitting timelines, and reduce or eliminate extraneous regulations and paperwork that slow USACE’s delivery of Civil Works projects and programs.

Once-in-a-generation Missouri River study seeks public input

Press Operations — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:10:25 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District and Omaha District, announced today it will host a series of public meetings to provide updates and gather public input on the Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study. The study is a comprehensive effort to analyze and recommend improvements for flood risk management and other water resource-related issues along the 498 miles of the Lower Missouri River. This initiative was prompted by the historic and devastating flooding of 2019. That event resulted in record runoff and billions of dollars in damage across the region.

Public encouraged to submit comments on Lower Missouri River flood risk study

Press Operations — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:09:31 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District and Kansas City District (USACE) have jointly prepared a feasibility report with integrated programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) that analyzes and discloses effects associated with the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency System Plan Comprehensive Study. The System Plan has been developed to identify actions to address flood risk and resiliency along the entire Lower Missouri River basin. The System Plan identifies projects that can achieve flood risk benefits while also providing ecological, recreational, economic or social benefits.

Open house to be held for the Former Nebraska Ordnance Plant

Press Operations — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:46:21 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will host an Open House for the Former Nebraska Ordnance Plant on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Country Club in Yutan, Nebraska located south of Highway 92 at 1581 Yutan Road. Project personnel will be available to provide and interpret groundwater sampling results and other site data. To learn more about the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant, please plan on attending this Open House. There will be brief informational presentations on the 2024 Containment Evaluation at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

UDPATE: Tuttle Creek and Milford lakes Water Control Manual public meeting rescheduled

Press Operations — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:44:00 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has rescheduled the Tuttle Creek and Milford lakes Water Control Manual joint public meeting scheduled for December 1, 2025, due to inclement weather. The meetings for Clinton and Perry lakes and Waverly are still scheduled, and the public is invited to attend. These meetings will provide an opportunity to learn about the array of alternatives developed to date and offer valuable feedback on the update process.

Public meetings to be held on Water Control Manual updates for Clinton, Milford, Perry and Tuttle Creek lakes

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:24:30 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites the public to attend a series of meetings to discuss updates to the Water Control Manuals for Clinton, Milford, Perry and Tuttle Creek lakes. These meetings will provide an opportunity to learn about the array of alternatives developed to date and offer valuable feedback on the update process. USACE is committed to transparency and collaboration throughout this process. These meetings are designed to explain the current status of the analysis and gather input from the public to ensure the updated manuals reflect the needs and concerns of the communities surrounding these important water resources.

Public meeting for Smoky Hill River ecosystem restoration feasibility study cancelled

Press Operations — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:18:46 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cancelled a public meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025, for the Smoky Hill River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study and Integrated Environmental Assessment. USACE is still seeking public comments on the study’s draft documents during a 30-day review period that will close October 22, 2025. The public is invited to review the documents and provide feedback to help inform the final assessment.