Rock Island District / Media / News Releases

  • Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it will waive day use fees at more than 2,850 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19. The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at Lake Red Rock, Saylorville Lake, Coralville Lake and USACE-operated areas on the Mississippi River. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies or vendors that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

  • Roadway closure across Red Rock Dam extended to June 29

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the full closure of Highway T15 across Red Rock Dam will now extend until June 29. The extended road closure is to allow for proper concrete cure times to the newly repaired bridge deck.

  • Auxiliary Lock to open for season at Lock 14

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the auxiliary lock, located at Locks and Dam 14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, will open May 26 for recreational boating traffic.

  • Boaters advised to use caution at Saylorville Lake

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, reminds recreational users that floating debris can create hazardous boating and swimming conditions at Saylorville Lake. Seasonal removal of debris is ongoing however complete clearing is impossible and downstream movement is a natural part of reservoir management.

  • Illinois Waterway Visitor Center closed to public May 22-25

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily closing the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center May 22-25.

  • St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers makes positive effect on the Mississippi River

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 1,200 ft. x 110 ft. lock chamber adjacent to the existing 600 ft. x 110 ft. lock chamber in Winfield, Mo. today. The original Lock 25 opened May 18, 1939, as the third to the last lock built in the Mississippi River system and passes approximately 23 million tons of commercial commodities through annually. Eighty-four years later, the St. Louis District along with several dignitaries held the official kick off to welcome the new construction of the additional lock chamber that will allow for two-way traffic and the construction of a fish passage structure at Lock 22 in Saverton, Mo.

  • Three Illinois Waterway locks to close temporarily June 1

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily closing the Brandon Road, Dresden Island and Marseilles locks on the Illinois Waterway, June 1, to facilitate needed repairs and maintenance. The closures are scheduled to last through Sept. 30 and are being conducted simultaneously to limit impacts to navigation.

  • Public comments sought on plan for Yorkinut Slough Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St. Louis District and federal partner the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are constructing a habitat rehabilitation project for Yorkinut Slough in the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge near Brussels, Illinois, and are seeking comments on the project.

  • Corps to host public meeting on Robinson Lake restoration study

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking public comments on the Lower Pool 4 Robinson Lake habitat rehabilitation and enhancement study, and will host a public meeting May 17, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Wabasha-Kellogg High School. The school is located at 2113 Hiawatha Dr. E., Wabasha, Minnesota.

  • Portion of Neal Smith Trail to close for resurfacing at Saylorville Lake

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a portion of the Neal Smith Trail at Saylorville Lake will temporarily close for resurfacing starting April 17. The closure will extend from the Bob Shetler Ponding Area, north to NW 78th Ave, also referred to as the Saylorville Lake Dam Road. The closure is anticipated to last until May 15. All trail users should stay out of marked construction zones and observe posted signs and fencing. For more information, contact the Saylorville Lake Project Office at 515-276-4656.