LOS ANGELES DISTRICT

Col. Kim Colloton, USACE South Pacific Division commander, went on a whirlwind tour of several Los Angeles District projects during a visit to the area Sept. 4-7. Colloton, who took command of the division in July, formerly commanded the LA District from July 2013 to July 2015. She also commanded the Albuquerque District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers from July 2008 to July 2010. Check out her perspective on the talented team at the LA District and the importance of communicating with our partners in order to deliver the program!

As part of our Mission Assignment, FEMA directed USACE to have the central responsibility for purchase and distribution of all bill of materials for the grid restoration mission. Six National Guard Soldiers support Task Force Power Restoration's BOM Squad. The Soldiers represent Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia National Guard.

Overflight video of Guajataca Dam April 24. Due to heavy rainfall during Hurricane Maria, Guajataca Lake surged full and overwhelmed the spillway, requiring a joint effort to conduct emergency repairs. The emergency stabilization work at the dam was a unified effort performed by municipal, government and non-governmental organizations.

Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, USACE Commanding General and 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers did a flyover of transmission and distribution lines in Puerto Rico April 12. USACE continues to leverage its resources to urgently and efficiently restore power to the people of Puerto Rico despite challenging terrain and limited accessibility.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James held a press event at the Antilles Area Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico to discuss the Civil Works Program April 11. James toured several proposed project sites including an environmental restoration project already in the engineering and design phase and Rio De La Plata, a flood control project. The Corps Civil Works Program includes water resource development activities including flood risk management, navigation, recreation, and infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James tours the Rio De La Plata flood control project April 11. Once completed, it would provide flood mitigation to at least three municipalities: Dorado, Toa Baja, and Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. Other Army Civil Works projects on the island include, Caño Martín Peña, environmental restoration project currently under preliminary engineering and design phase; Rio Puerto Nuevo, flood risk management project currently under construction and San Juan Harbor Improvements study, a navigation project currently finishing feasibility in fiscal year 2018 among many others. El Subsecretario del Ejército de los Estados Unidos para Obras Civiles, R.D. James, visita el proyecto Rio de La Plata, el 11 de abril. Una vez terminado este proyecto se usara para prevenir inundaciones a las comunidades de Toa Alta, Dorado y Toa Alta. Otros proyectos de obras públicas del Ejército en la isla incluyen: Caño Martín Peña, proyecto de restauración ambiental actualmente en fase preliminar de estudios técnicos y diseño; Rio Puerto Nuevo, proyecto de control de inundaciones, actualmente en construcción y el Estudio de Mejoras del Puerto de San Juan, proyecto de navegación que cuyo estudio de viabilidad debe estar completado para finales de este año fiscal (2018).

As part of the Tucson Drainage Area Project, Arroyo Chico Increment 3, consists of proposed channel features which will significantly reduce bottleneck constrictions in the upstream wash segment of the project, and would improve conveyance, reducing potential breakout flooding during 100-year storm flood events. The modifications of the channel segment include adding bank protection and replacing three side street dip crossings with reinforced concrete box culverts for flood water conveyance and to improve public safety. The channel bottom will be widened to thirty feet but will remain an earthen surface.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Arizona-Nevada Area Office in Phoenix host a Business Opportunities Open House March 9. The event featured morning and afternoon sessions with a contractor training opportunity; successful bid proposal.

David Vogt, a construction control representative with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District's Tucson Resident Office, talks about ongoing projects with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing on March 7.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program administers and enforces Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended; and Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, a Corps permit is required for work or structures in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States.

1st Lt. Jesse W. Laurie, a project manager in the Formerly Used Defense Sites program for the Los Angeles District, spoke to the Arizona Conference on Roads and Streets March 24. Congress created the FUDS Program in the mid-1980s. The Corps of Engineers executes the program pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liabilities Act.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Arizona/Nevada Area Office hosted its first Business Opportunities Open House at its downtown office March 17.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program administers and enforces Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended; and Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, a Corps permit is required for work or structures in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District awarded a $1.3 million contract to JF Engineering of Pomona, California, Jan. 9 to install roughly 3 miles of temporary protective barriers to increase bank height along the most vulnerable reaches of the LA River that will restore channel capacity and reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses. The Corps conducted a review of existing conditions of the flood risk management systems it oversees. In total, 11 dams, one debris basin and more than 50 miles of channel within the Southern California region were evaluated for this storm season. The review resulted in interim risk reduction measures to establish a consistent flow rate, or conveyance capacity, along Corps operated and maintained reaches of the Los Angeles River. The Corps has identified measures for channelized areas along the Los Angeles River from approximately Griffith Park to Elysian Valley, including the Glendale Narrows area, which pose the greatest risk of flooding to adjacent communities during large storm events. A combination of factors, including design capacity and the presence of vegetation growth and sediment accumulation, contributes to reduced water flow in these areas. The Los Angeles District commander, Col. Kirk Gibbs, declared an emergency Jan. 6 to obtain emergency funding to initiate interim risk reduction measures on the LA River. Under the Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act, the Corps provides disaster preparedness and response services and advanced planning measures designed to reduce the potential for damage caused by an impending disaster. "The flood fighting has just begun for this winter," said Gibbs. "In addition to the work we are currently undertaking, the protective barriers will reduce flood risk with minimal impacts to the public and our river partners." Work is anticipated to begin the week of Jan. 11 and be completed within a month. Implementation of additional measures rely on funds available to conduct the work, but severe weather conditions throughout the country have damaged other Corps structures and facilities, requiring Corps operations and maintenance funds to be used elsewhere for repair efforts. The Corps is evaluating potential funding sources. In addition to the interim risk reduction measures, the Corps has implemented monitoring and notification systems that will be in place throughout the storm season and is prepared to undertake flood fighting activities should the need arise. For more information on Corps activities related to El Nino, please visit http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/EmergencyManagement/ElNino.aspx.

LOS ANGELES–The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District awarded a $1.3 million contract to JF Engineering of Pomona, California, Jan. 9 to install roughly 3 miles of temporary protective barriers to increase bank height along the most vulnerable reaches of the LA River that will restore channel capacity and reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Commander Col. Kirk Gibbs joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis Jan. 8 to announce that the Corps will begin interim risk reduction measures to improve flood protection on the Los Angeles River during El Niño. The District received emergency funding to begin work next week on an area of the river that spans from Griffith Park to Elysian Valley. The District determined this area needed increased capacity to keep the river in its banks. Gibbs declared an emergency for the District Jan. 6, prompting the Corps to provide $3.1 million in emergency funding and nearly 3 miles of temporary protective barriers. These barriers effectively raise the sides of the river channel in strategic locations, temporarily increasing its capacity for the winter storm rains. "Our river is unique–most of the year it runs nearly dry, and then during the rainy season it runs in powerful torrents, as we've seen this week," said Garcetti. "My top priority during El Niño is to ensure the safety of everyone in our city, and I thank the Army Corps of Engineers for taking action now to enhance the river's flood management functions." Additionally, the District received approximately $500,000 in operations and maintenance funding to begin strategic in-channel vegetation removal from the highest-risk area, in the vicinity of Riverside Drive and Victory Boulevard Bridge. Vegetation there impedes water flow. "The flood fighting has just begun for this winter," said Gibbs. "In addition to the work we are currently undertaking, the protective barriers will reduce flood risk with minimal impacts to the public and our river partners. Residents will start seeing an increase in activity in and around the channels starting the week of Jan. 11." The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sent a letter Jan. 5 to Congress and USACE requesting the additional funds. "Not only will the work by the Army Corps of Engineers allow the Los Angeles River to better manage the larger volumes of storm flows expected from future El Niño rains this season, it will also provide residents from the cities of Los Angeles and Glendale the protection they deserve from flooding," said LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis. "The unpredictable rainy season in the Los Angeles area requires us to take special preventive measures for those who live in neighborhoods along the LA River," said LA City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who chairs the city’s Arts, Parks, and LA River Committee. "I want to thank the USACE, the county, and our own city departments for their work to improve public safety during this El Niño weather event." Construction teams will place the barriers along the edges of the river which may require closing some sections of the LA River bike and pedestrian path. The work is anticipated to take several weeks, with the barriers expected to remain in place through the spring. "Given the potential danger that the current El Niño storms pose to the City, it’s essential that we increase safeguard measures that protect our neighborhoods, especially those along flood zone areas," said LA City Councilmember David Ryu. Accelerated maintenance activities, such as additional non-native vegetation removal and structural repairs, are anticipated to continue throughout the storm season to improve conditions in the LA River.

Second installment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District's USACE Climate Change Resilience media campaign 2015. The Corps is building a $100 million water treatment plant that will treat more water with less waste.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, the USDA Forest Service, the State of Nevada and other local agencies work together with the Corps to construct diversion channel. The temporary structure, approximately 2,200 feet long, is built on Forest Service land. The structure is designed to divert flows from rain events into a natural wash and away from the neighborhood. It is designed for a “25-year” rain event, an event which has a 4% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The design reflects the District’s expectation that flows from rain events in the burned areas will bring a large volume of debris along with the water.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District is managing the construction of the 216,000 square foot facility that will providenew tertiary care, emergency medicine and clinical support activities to the National Training Center and Fort Irwin. 1st.LT. Evan Nelson talks about the project and it's current progress.

Closure order in effect for Mount Charleston berm and diversion channel.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles is currently constructing a $100 million Water Treatment Plant on Fort Irwin, California. Here is an update on the status of the project detailed in this interview of Capt. Jason King, the project engineer.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, is building the Fort Irwin Replacement Hospital in San Bernardino, Calif. The new $160 million hospital, designed by Ellerbe Becket and RLF, and constructed by Turner Construction will replace the Weed Army Community Hospital. A 216,000-sf facility, which will provide tertiary care, emergency medicine, and clinical support, will be built and the Mary Walker clinic will receive a 9,000-sf renovation. A helipad, ambulance shelter, central utilities plant, and photovoltaic farm, which will provide sustainable energy to the hospital and ancillary buildings, will also be added. This is the first in a series that highlights the construction project.

Contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work to construct a bridge across the Chula Vista Wash in Nogales, Ariz., June 18. The work is to replace a bridge removed during a previous construction project to reduce the risk of flooding in this southern Arizona community. Also available in high definition.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is constructing a $100 million water treatment plant for Fort Irwin and National Training Center. The facility is a design-build effort by CDM Smith Construction to provide six million gallons of water per day to the inhabitants of the NTC. 50,000 soldiers train at the NTC annually and 85 percent of the post's permanently assigned community live on the post, which adds up to a very significant amount of water consumed and utilized for day-to-day operations. The new plant will use a three-stage, electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) water treatment plant that treats all contaminants found in Fort Irwin's ground water in accordance with federal and state requirements. The plant will include: an electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) primary treatment, lime softening clarifiers, lime solids thickeners, lime sludge lagoons, reverse osmosis (RO) filters, brine treatment facility, concentrate equalization basins and a mechanical evaporator tower and feed tank, and three evaporation ponds to achieve the post’s 99 percent water recovery rate. The project also includes water system improvement and supporting utilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's VAFB Resident Office and the 30th Space Wing officially cut the ribbon of of a brand new 38,384 square-foot education center that will help Airmen stationed at this central California coast base achieve their personal and professional education goals.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District participated in a dedication ceremony for the Master Sgt. George A. Bannar Vertical Wind Tunnel facility held on Yuma Proving Ground Jan. 24. The facility is named for Bannar, a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013. Bannar's wife, Michelle, and his mother, Sheila Long, were the guests of honor at the dedication ceremony. Other dignitaries at the ceremony included state and federal legislators, community leaders and senior Army officers from around the country. Also available in high definition

“A strong storm and flash flood that struck Fort Irwin and The National Training Center caused an approximate $50 million in damages to the fort on Aug. 25. There was no loss of life or injuries reported. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles district sent a response team of engineering professionals to Fort Irwin to assess damage soon after a monsoon storm hit.” Also available in high definition

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the critical role that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education plays in enabling the United States to remain an economic and technological leader. The Corps Los Angeles District, the U.S. Army eCYBERMISSION and local community organizations recently joined forces to expand STEM opportunities at Compton High School’s first “All things Science Day.” Also available in high definition

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building green, but did you know that it has one of the largest environmental restoration and sustainability roles in the federal government? The Corps manages waterways for navigation and recreation, and is the steward of nearly 12 million acres of land and water in 43 states. The Corps works collaboratively to find a balance between human, economic and natural systems. This next report shows how USACE is working to sustain our Nation's economic and vital water resources in the arid Southwest. Also available in high definition