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  • July

    The new Category 5-rated, hurricane-hardened lock control building at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam stands ready to support operations and safely house lock operators during severe weather events. (USACE photo by Peggy Bebb)

    USACE Strengthens Storm Readiness with New Cat 5-Rated Lock Control Building at W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam

    ALVA, Fla. (July 29, 2026) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, marked a significant milestone with the ribbon cutting of a new hurricane-hardened lock control building at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam in Lee County, Florida. The Category 5-rated facility strengthens USACE’s ability to maintain critical navigation and water management operations during extreme weather events.

  • March

    Larbi Kandil, chief of Asset Management for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, leads the district’s Asset Management program, overseeing the sustainment, modernization and operational readiness of facilities and infrastructure that support mission execution across the region. In his role, Kandil coordinates planning, resource prioritization and long-term facility strategy to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and aligned with Corps standards. Recognized for his steady leadership, technical expertise and commitment to developing his workforce, Kandil has built a reputation for advocating for his team and fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens both people and mission performance. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Visual Information Specialist Ty Erickson)

    Steady Hands Behind Critical Infrastructure: Larbi Kandil Leads Asset Management for Jacksonville District

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (Mar. 3, 2026) Behind every functioning lock, dam, facility, and survey vessel in the Jacksonville District is a complex system of maintenance, planning, and stewardship. Helping ensure those assets remain safe, reliable, and mission-ready is Larbi Kandil, District Asset Manager and Chief of the Asset Management Section within the Multi-Projects Branch, Operations Division.

  • January

    An estimated 5,000 protesters march near the St. Lucie Lock August 3 to demonstrate opposition to water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Jacksonville District’s Operations Division released water from the lake throughout the summer in response to heavy precipitation that fell from April to July in the Lake Okeechobee watershed.

    Operations Division overcomes challenges

    “2013 was a year full of challenges,” said Jim Jeffords, Operations Division chief. “Our biggest challenge was the historical rain event that occurred from April to July. The event tested all aspects of the district – our water managers, inspections of the dike, emergency operations, dam safety and corporate communications.”