ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Oct. 17) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has returned to full operations today following the passing of the continuing resolution by Congress.
Effective today, Rock Island District-operated campgrounds, day-use parks, visitor centers and boat ramps are reopening to the public. Nineteen campgrounds have closed for the winter season; however, camping reservations at seven campgrounds will continue until the end of the camping season. Reservations can be made by calling the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).
The following campgrounds are open until the end of their camping season.
| Campground |
Location |
End of Camping Season |
| Prairie Flower |
Saylorville Lake, Johnston, Iowa |
Oct. 20 |
| Grant River |
Mississippi River, Potosi, Wis. |
Oct. 27 |
| Blanding Landing |
Mississippi River, Hanover, Ill. |
Oct. 27 |
| Thomson Causeway |
Mississippi River, Thomson, Ill. |
Oct. 27 |
| Fisherman’s Corner |
Mississippi River, Hampton, Ill. |
Oct. 27 |
| Shady Creek |
Mississippi River, Muscatine, Iowa |
Oct. 27 |
| Howell Station |
Lake Red Rock, Knoxville, Iowa |
Oct. 28 |
All other District services reduced or curtailed during the federal government shutdown, including individual permit applications, pre-construction notifications for nationwide permit or regional general permit authorizations, and requests for jurisdictional determinations, are now available. During the shutdown, locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers; reservoir operations of water control features at Saylorville, Red Rock and Coralville, Iowa; emergency response efforts; work directly funded by prior year appropriations; and other work deemed mission essential continued to operate under a normal schedule.
The Rock Island District administers federal water resource development programs in large portions of Iowa and Illinois and smaller portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Missouri. The District’s missions include navigation, flood risk management, regulatory, environmental protection and restoration, recreation, emergency management, water supply, hydropower, support for others and military programs.
The Rock Island District currently employs nearly 815 employees. During the shutdown, approximately 170 employees of the 815 District employees were furloughed.