24 Sep 2019

Project Alteration Reviews: Section 408

Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to grant permission for alterations to existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects under certain circumstances. Authority to approve alterations has been delegated to the District Commander in most cases, although certain alterations require approval from the Director of Civil Works at the Corps’ headquarters. Section 408 provisions apply to works that were built by the Corps and are locally maintained, such as local flood control projects. They also apply to works that are operated and maintained by the Corps, such as locks and dams. Proposals submitted for Section 408 review and approval undergo a rigorous engineering, policy and environmental review by the Corps and, if required, independent external peer review.

16 Mar 2017

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6, Guidewall End Cell

The purpose of this project is to extend the longevity of the lower guidewall at Lock and Dam 6 and to reduce operability issues and required maintenance. The end cell will provide adequate protection of the end monolith along the lower guidewall, while the existing crib grouting component will add stability. Lock and Dam 6 is located in Trempealeau, Wisconsin roughly 20 miles north of La Crosse Wisconsin.

14 Mar 2016

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Tow Rail System

The tow rail system is integral to the operation of each of the Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2 through 10. It is attached to the top of the lock guidewall and helps guide tows through the lock chamber. Each system is comprised of an operating unit, rail and traveling kevel or “mule.” The Locks and Dams 2 through 10 tow rail systems have been deteriorating over the past several years, requiring rehabilitation of these systems.

2 Oct 2015

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Guidewall Crib Repairs

Guidewalls are integral to each of the Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2 through 10. Guidewalls are long extensions of the lock walls, in either the upstream or downstream direction, that are parallel to the lock wall. These walls serve primarily to guide the long tows into the lock and to provide mooring facilities for tows too long to be accommodated in a single lockage. The guidewalls are constructed of multiple 35 to 40 feet length concrete monoliths with rock filled timber cribs beneath and behind them.

27 Feb 2015

Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project Locks and Dams, Minnesota/Wisconsin/Iowa

The St. Paul District is responsible for maintaining 244 miles of the Upper Mississippi River 9-foot channel navigation system from the head of navigation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Guttenberg, Iowa. The project is located in or contiguous to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The navigation project within the St. Paul District includes 13 sets of locks and dams that are operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to the locks and dams the project includes channel maintenance, recreation and natural resource activities.