Corps of Engineers recognizes Houston, Minn., resident

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, selected Bryan Peterson, a Houston, Minnesota, resident, and navigation business line manager for the district as one of its three Civil Servants of the Year for 2020.

The St. Paul District presents this award annually to the top three or four employees of its nearly 700-person

staff. Peterson, with nearly 39 years of service with the federal government, was nominated for the “Leadership” award for his expert management of a team of 250 employees that ensured continuous commercial navigation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The St. Paul District navigation mission supports a multibillion-dollar industry that depends on continuous operation of 12 Mississippi River locks and dams, and maintenance of 240 miles of river channel through surveying and dredging. With his team, Peterson ensured continuity of operations throughout the entire 2020 navigation season, with detailed safety measures to protect crews during the pandemic. He relied upon strong industry and agency partnerships, as well as a high level of trust and credibility, to overcome significant challenges and maintain a vital public service to the region and to the nation.

“Bryan’s incredible commitment and dedication to the people and the mission has made all the difference in overcoming significant challenges this past year,” said Tamara Cameron, St. Paul District operations division chief and Peterson’s supervisor.

Peterson said he was humbled by the recognition. “It’s the efforts of the entire navigation team and their accomplishments that even made it possible for me to be considered for this award,” he said. “Most of our lock and dam employees, dredgers, maintenance workers, hydrographic surveyors and dredge inspectors were required to be physically at their job site each day throughout the pandemic this last year to assure the navigation mission was sustained. They all successfully executed COVID-19 risk mitigation measures within their work areas to assure their safety and the safety of the general public. These people are truly the civil servants of the year, and I am honored to represent them.”

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