Pittsburgh District, US Army Corps of Engineers

#WhatsTheBigDeal: There was an estimate of 5.6-million visitors to the district’s project in 2020. That’s probably because our staff of park rangers, maintenance teams, and volunteers all contribute to the upkeep of our properties. Click each photo to learn more about the upgrades.

#EngineeringSolutions: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) story began more than 200 years ago when Congress established the Continental Army with a provision for a chief engineer on June 16, 1775. The Army established the Corps of Engineers as a separate, permanent branch on March 16, 1802, and gave the engineers responsibility for founding and operating the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Since then, USACE has responded to changing defense requirements and played an integral part in developing the country. We are proud to play a role in engineering solutions for our Nation’s toughest challenges.

#SundayFunday: Giveaway Alert! Enter for a chance to win a float coat, a comfortable life jacket to help keep you or a friend safe on the water. All qualified entrants will receive a free long-sleeve Life Jackets WornNobody Mourns campaign t-shirt (while supplies last). Get the full details here: https://app.viralsweep.com/contest/full/85e5ea-79801?framed=

#SafetySaturday: Eat safe food after a power outage. Unopened, full freezers will keep food safe for 48 hours during a power outage; 24 hours if half-full. Learn more: go.usa.gov/xfXaS

Do you recognize this dam? Gov. William Scranton formally dedicated the dam on Sept. 16, 1966. This is a multipurpose project as the dam and reservoir provide flood control, low flow and water quality augmentation, and recreational benefits.

Happy Veterans Day to all past and present service members who protect our country. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

#WhatsTheBigDeal: Did you know that Pittsburgh District has its own internal dive team? Diving is considered a collateral duty in addition to a person’s regular full-time job. To become a diver, one must complete a rigorous 18-month training program and pass the required physicals and certifications. Divers support the USACE mission and daily operations by performing both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and inspections throughout the district.

#ProjectUpdate: The corps’ repair fleet is finishing the upgrades at Emsworth Locks and Dams on the Ohio River. The team is expected to complete the project and return the primary lock chamber back to normal operations, Nov. 13. The repair team tested the new bulkhead closure system and completed the downstream lock-gate anchorages maintenance. However, the team was not able to complete all of the second lower-end gate repairs and will return to finish the work during two weeks in January 2021.