Portland District News Releases

Summer recreational lock schedule now in effect on Columbia River

Press Operations — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:44:21 GMT

Recreational boaters navigating the three lower Columbia River dams—Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day—now have expanded access to pass through the navigation locks for the summer season.

New 20-year plan finalized to manage Columbia River dredged material

Press Operations — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:09:44 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, has finalized a 20-year plan to maintain the lower Columbia River’s deep-draft navigation channel, a critical artery for the nation’s economy.

A historical overview of the Coos Bay North Jetty

Press Operations — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:52:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announces the availability of a new, comprehensive historical manuscript detailing the cultural, maritime, and engineering history of the Coos Bay North Jetty on the Oregon coast.

Willamette Valley reservoirs face drought, Army Corps to discuss at public meetings

Press Operations — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:11:00 GMT

Army water managers will hold two virtual information sessions on Tuesday, May 19, to discuss severe drought conditions and the summer forecast for the Willamette Valley’s 13 reservoirs. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it is the sixth driest in terms of water year precipitation to-date since 1980 in the Willamette Valley. Low rainfall and snowpack have created widespread drought conditions across the region, impacting the efforts to refill the reservoirs and keep them full.

Water managers to hold meeting as Rogue River Basin faces historically dry year

Press Operations — Wed, 06 May 2026 18:41:00 GMT

Water managers will hold two public information sessions May 18 to discuss historically low water levels in the Rogue River Basin. The experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) said the basin is currently on track for one of its worst years on record for water scarcity. Low rainfall and snowpack have created drought conditions for Lost Creek and Applegate lakes, creating challenges for refilling the basin’s two reservoirs ahead of the summer recreation season.

USACE begins $3.02 million repair of Rogue River South Jetty

Press Operations — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:42:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, has begun a $3,021,620 repair of the Rogue River South Jetty in Gold Beach, Oregon. The contractor, Suulutaqq Inc., will place approximately 5,000 tons of stone to ensure the long-term reliability of the navigation channel.

John Day Dam recreation sites transition to cashless fee system

Press Operations — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, announced it will transition to a fully cashless fee collection system at several recreation sites near the John Day Lock and Dam, effective April 15.

Experts to explain earthquake risk, lower Hills Creek Reservoir levels at public meeting

Press Operations — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:26:24 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, will host two virtual public information sessions on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to discuss proactive safety measures being implemented at Hills Creek Dam.

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

Press Operations — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – 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.

Public invited to weigh in on proposed renewable fuel facility on Columbia River

Press Operations — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:53:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed renewable diesel facility at Port Westward in Columbia County, Oregon.

USACE TO HOST FREE EDUCATIONAL HYDROPOWER EVENT MARCH 21

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:29:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (USACE) will host the Great Electrifying Event March 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Washington Shore Visitor Center at Bonneville Lock and Dam.

Columbia River locks shut down for annual maintenance

Press Operations — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:10:00 GMT

The Columbia-Snake River System, a critical trade corridor supporting $24 billion in commerce annually, will pause operations for two weeks beginning March 1, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, conducts its annual navigation lock maintenance.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works announces "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative for Army's civil works program

Press Operations — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:42:00 GMT

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.

Lower reservoir levels planned at Hills Creek Dam

Press Operations — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:03:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District will lower Hills Creek reservoir levels to reduce seismic risk.

Federal review clears navigation improvements near Longview and Kalama

Press Operations — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:19:00 GMT

A federal environmental review has cleared the way for navigation improvements on the lower Columbia River aimed at reducing ship delays and improving safety near the ports of Longview and Kalama, Washington.

USACE developing long-term plans for Fern Ridge Lake, requests public input

Press Operations — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:23:28 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invites the public to participate, virtual or in-person, to help update the nearly 40-year old Fern Ridge Master Plan during two upcoming public meeting about the Willamette Valley lake.

Public asked to help shape land use near four Willamette Valley lakes

Press Operations — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:45:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding public meetings and asking for input on a plan for land use around the Willamette Valley’s Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, and Hills Creek lakes.

Contract awarded to clean up former pistol range, landfill at Bradford Island

Press Operations — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:39:00 GMT

The Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is taking action to clean up contaminated areas at Bradford Island, part of Bonneville Dam, including a former pistol range and landfill.

Public comment period opens for Cascade Renewable Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement

Press Operations — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:07:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, is accepting public comments through Feb. 4, 2026, for the proposed Cascade Renewable Transmission Project.

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center hosts 16th annual Eagle Watch

Press Operations — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:48:00 GMT

Join Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) park rangers at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to catch a glimpse of bald eagles that congregate near the dam every winter in search of food.