Fact Sheet 01: St. Paul District Highlights

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District
Published March 11, 2025
Updated: March 11, 2025

A man in a military uniform stands in front of two flags

 Col. Matthew B. Chase

  • Assumed command as the 68th District Engineer July 18, 2025.
  • Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Penn State University
  • Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy
  • Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War College, Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. He also earned the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger and Sapper tabs

The St. Paul District

  • Encompasses four river basins:
    • Upper Mississippi River
    • Red River of the North
    • Souris River
    • Rainy River
  • Covers 139,000 square miles and portions of five states:
    • Most of Minnesota
    • Western Wisconsin
    • Eastern North Dakota
    • Northeastern corner of South Dakota
    • Northeastern corner of Iowa
  • Coordinates with five congressional delegations:
    • 10 U.S. Senators
    • 20 U.S. Representatives

 

Major Missions

  • Serve as the nation’s engineers and support other federal agencies to include the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security
  • Support to commercial navigation
    • Maintain 280 miles of 9-foot navigation channel
    • Operate and maintain 13 locks and dams
  • Flood risk management
  • Emergency operations/disaster response
  • Regulatory permit program for Minnesota and Wisconsin
  • Environmental management and engineering
  • Water supply
  • Recreation
    • 49 Recreation sites
    • Estimated 2.4 million visitors annually