25 Jun 2026

Built by disaster, sustained by partnerships: Conducting periodic inspections of the Soldier Creek levee system

Designed and erected after historic 1951 floods and tested by modern ones, the Soldier Creek Diversion project quietly reduces flood risk to communities in and around Topeka, Kansas. Every five years, a multidisciplinary team from the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, walks the project searching for small problems before they become big ones. This is part of an ongoing partnership with local officials that helps ensure the nearly 70-year-old infrastructure continues safeguarding lives and property for generations to come.

10 Feb 2026

From data to dialogue: Sharpening public communications for federal dams

A dedicated team of engineers, emergency management professionals and others participated in a multi-day workshop to fine-tune risk communications for Kanopolis and Wilson reservoirs.

27 Feb 2018

Silver Jackets working to communicate risks

“We’re connecting the dots. I love being part of a team which brings people together and contributes little parts to make a whole project,” said Brian Rast, Kansas City District Lead Silver Jackets Coordinator for Kansas and Missouri. Through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources, program funding is provided to Corps of Engineers districts enabling them to partner with agencies in reducing risks from natural hazards. This program is called Silver Jackets.

5 Dec 2016

Serving to make a difference

There are some people we look up to, strive to be like and aspire to set goals that would impress them. Over the past fourteen years, one individual has stood out to the staff at several Kansas lake projects within the Kansas City District. This quiet, thoughtful, intellectual individual has spent numerous hours dedicating his service for the greater good and has made a lasting impression on our team.