Rock Island District / Media / News Releases

  • Red Rock Hydroelectric Project developers choose construction firm

    SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Boards of Directors of Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) have approved moving forward with the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project and have chosen Ames Construction, Inc., as the general contractor. The hydroelectric plant will be built at the existing Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River near Pella, Iowa. With a nameplate capacity of 36.4 megawatts, it will be the second largest hydroelectric plant in the State of Iowa. It will be capable of meeting the electrical needs of about 18,000 homes. At certain times of the year, when water is plentiful, the plant will be capable of generating up to 55 megawatts of power. “Since we first announced our intentions to build the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project in 2011, we have been working our way through an intense, time-consuming regulatory process with state and federal agencies,” said MRES CEO Tom Heller.

  • Corps Accepting Picnic Shelter Reservations

    Dubuque, IA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces that it is taking picnic shelter reservations for the 2014 recreation season. Grant River and Blanding Landing Recreation Areas have picnic shelters for use.

  • Grant River Recreation Season Opens for 2014 Season

    Dubuque, IA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces the opening of Grant River Recreation Area on April 11, 2014. Grant River Recreation Area is located on the shores of the Mississippi River three miles south of Potosi, Wisconsin.

  • Earth Day/Park Clean Up Scheduled

    Dubuque, IA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces that a special Earth Day/Park Clean Up will take place Sunday April 27, 2014 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4 p.m at Grant River Recreation Area near Potosi, WI.

  • Free Boating Safety Class

    Rock Island, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces they will be offering a free boating safety education class. The class will be held on March 29th and will run from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • Beaver Island Habitat Rehabilitation - OPEN HOUSE

    The Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IA DNR) on a feasibility study identifying and investigating ecosystem restoration opportuinities within Pool 14. The proposed study is located between river mile 513.0-515.5 in the southern portion of Clinton County and includes Beaver Island, Beaver Slough, Grass Slough, and Lower Lake. An open house addressing the initiation of the Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study will be held March 26, 2014 between 6 and 8 pm at the Erickson Center, 1401 11th Ave N, Clinton, IA..

  • FREE Boating Safety Class - March 15

    Rock Island, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces they will be offering a free boating safety education class. The class will be held on March 15th and will run from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • FREE Boating Safety Classes

    Rock Island, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces they will be offering five different opportunities to attend a free boating safety education class. The classes will be held on the following dates: March 15th, March 29th, April 12th, April 26th, and May 17th 2014.

  • Last Weekend for Historic Clock Tower and Eagle Watch Tours

    Rock Island, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces that the Visitor Center at Locks and Dam #15 is inviting guests to participate in Historic Clock Tower and Eagle Watching Tours. Learn about the Historic Clock Tower building as you climb the stairs to the top. Waiting there is a spectacular view of the Mississippi River where you will have the opportunity to see Bald Eagles who visit our area during the cold winter months.

  • Corps Seeks Agricultural Lease Applications at Coralville Lake

    ROCK ISLAND, Ill.—The Rock Island District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking applications for leasing approximately 120.5 acres of land for agricultural purposes at Coralville Lake. The lease is for a five-year term. Applications will be evaluated based upon the highest annual rental proposed.