(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) – Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Chief’s Report for the Puerto Rico Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, recommending the study’s findings for authorization by Congress. After almost six years of relentless dedication, perseverance, and hard work, you have achieved a monumental milestone by getting the Chief’s Report signed,” said Col. Brandon L. Bowman, Jacksonville District commander. This accomplishment is a testament to your unwavering commitment and exceptional teamwork. The study evaluated damages from hurricanes and coastal storms to determine the Federal interest in a plan to reduce damages to structures, property and critical infrastructure, recreational and beach areas as a result of erosion, wave attack, and flooding. The study addresses critical infrastructure, evacuation route protection, and structure damage reduction in response to coastal storm risks and considering sea level change. The CSRM study analyzes and assess the economic, environmental, and social effects and formulate plans to address a local or regional issue with a goal to select, refine and present an optimal alternative that will be authorized and implemented on a cost shared basis with the non-federal sponsor. There are many vulnerable structures located within the study area, including commercial businesses, hotels, condominiums, single family homes, in addition to roads, public parklands, and public beach access points. The recommendations contained in the Chief’s Report identify long-term solutions to impacts from coastal storms and sea level rise in Ocean Park and Rincon. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is Federal interest in a plan to reduce damages to property and infrastructure as a result of erosion, wave attack, and flooding from coastal storms and hurricanes along the Ocean Park, Isla Verde and Rincon coastlines. Following the study schedule extension, the study team will produce a revised draft report, which will be available for public review. The report will consider an array of storm damage reduction alternatives and their effects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The authority for this project is Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, Public Law 91-611 (33 U.S.C. 549a), which authorizes the Secretary of the Army , acting through the Chief of Engineers, to review the operation of projects for which construction has been completed and which were constructed in the interest of navigation, flood control, water supply, and related purposes, when found advisable due to significantly changed physical or economic conditions, and to recommend to Congress on the advisability of modifying the structures or their operation, and for improving the quality of the environment in the overall public interest. This report is an interim response to the study authority. The recommended plan will afford homeowners with structures most at risk to erosion the time and incentive to relocate in a coordinated effort before structural failure of homes occurs in a piecemeal fashion. In concert with the establishment and enforcement of a coastal regulatory program, the newly established shoreline will function as a buffer affording government entities the opportunity to manage the shoreline and increase coastal resiliency into the future. This plan also supports social, recreational, environmental, and regional economic/tourism-based benefits into the future. USACE’s Jacksonville District, in collaboration with the Caribbean District, completed the study. The Chief’s Report will undergo further review by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and Office of Management and Budget before formal submittal to Congress. After congressional authorization, the project would be eligible for construction appropriations. “I have heard that this report has had its challenges, but the team’s resilience and collaborative spirit have led you to this well-deserved success. Everyone on the PDT has played a crucial role in making this happen, and I couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve achieved together,” said Bowman The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong. To learn more about the project, visit https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/PuertoRicoCSRMFeasibilityStudy/

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District’s Jason Pritt, retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant's Major. He continues to serve his country as a lock and dam operations specialist at the W.P. Franklin Lock in Alva, Fl. Our field personnel are the backbone of the Corps and our unseen heroes. They are America’s Engineers! The U.S. Corps of Engineers owns and operates more than 600 dams located throughout the United States. Lock and Dam operators are responsible for the operation of navigation lock and dam equipment and machinery to allow river traffic to pass through the locks. The work of lock and dam operators is essential in allowing water to pass between different levels of elevation between bodies of water, and in order to maintain pool levels. (U.S. Army video: Brigida I. Sanchez) https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/NowHiring/

Col. James Booth, outgoing commander, Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), gives his final address during the change of command ceremony where Booth relinquished command to Col. Brandon Bowman at the Performing Arts Jacoby Symphony Hall in Jacksonville, Fl., July 26, 2025.

Brig. Gen. Daniel H. Hibner, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Atlantic Division, speaks during a Change of Command ceremony at the Performing Arts Jacoby Symphony Hall in Jacksonville Fl., July 26, 2025.

Col. Brandon L. Bowman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District commander, speaks at the change of command ceremony at the Jacksonville Center for The Performing Arts Jacoby Symphony Hall in Jacksonville Fl., July 26, 2025. Bowman takes command of established in 1884, is the second largest civil works district in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with an area of responsibility that encompasses the state of Florida. The district leads the Corps’ single largest ecosystem restoration project – the restoration of America’s Everglades. Annually, it processes an average of 10,000 regulatory actions, more than any other USACE district. It has constructed, operates, and maintains more than 30 percent of the nation’s total shore protection projects and more than 125 miles of renourished beaches.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District’s South Florida Operations Office launches the Okeechobee Waterway Junior Ranger program at the W.P. Franklin South Visitor Center. The program is geared toward children between the ages of five and 12 and provides children the opportunity to learn about USACE, water and bicycle safety, the natural environment and many other interesting and exciting topics. In order to earn the title of an Okeechobee Waterway Junior Ranger, each child must complete seven or more activities within the junior ranger packet and demonstrate how to properly put on and wear a life jacket. Once completed, the child will read the Junior Ranger Oath and will be issued a certificate and their Okeechobee Waterway Junior Ranger Badge. If you have, or know of, a child that would be interested in becoming an Okeechobee Waterway Junior Ranger, please stop by the W.P. Franklin South Visitor Center to speak with a Ranger or USACE volunteer for more information and to pick up a packet. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida Sanchez)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highlighting our children's curiosity with a video series called "Ask USACE". In this video we asked the Kids the questions and took some time to learn just a little bit more about “What it is the difference between a Dam and a Dike?” USACE Jacksonville Districts, Chief Risk Management Branch, John Kendall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed addressing the nation's STEM challenge our employees participate in mentorship programs, science fairs, robotics competitions and other educational opportunities. (U.S. Army Video Brigida Sanchez)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highlighting our children's curiosity with a video series called "Ask USACE". In this video we asked the Kids the questions and took some time to learn just a little bit more about what it takes to create the ideal conditions for a resilient ecosystem in the Everglades? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed addressing the nation's STEM challenge our employees participate in mentorship programs, science fairs, robotics competitions and other educational opportunities. (U.S. Army Video Brigida Sanchez)

CEPP Project Overview Central Everglades Meeting

The goal of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is to deliver a finalized plan, known as a Project Implementation Report (PIR), for a suite of restoration projects in the central Everglades to prepare for congressional authorization, as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Central Everglades Planning Project will identify and plan for projects on land already in public ownership to allow more water to be directed south to the central Everglades, Everglades National Park, and Florida Bay. Public participation is a major component of this planning effort. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force’s Working Group sponsored a number of public workshops to receive input from the public, and keep them informed and engaged as active participants.

The goal of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is to deliver a finalized plan, known as a Project Implementation Report (PIR), for a suite of restoration projects in the central Everglades to prepare for congressional authorization, as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Central Everglades Planning Project will identify and plan for projects on land already in public ownership to allow more water to be directed south to the central Everglades, Everglades National Park, and Florida Bay. Public participation is a major component of this planning effort. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force’s Working Group sponsored a number of public workshops to receive input from the public, and keep them informed and engaged as active participants.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed addressing the nation's STEM challenge our employees participate in mentorship programs, science fairs, robotics competitions and other educational opportunities. We are highlighting our children's curiosity with a video series called "Ask USACE". In this video we asked the Kids the questions and took some time to learn just a little bit more about what happen with Dredge Material.(U.S. Army Video Brigida Sanchez)

The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is so broad that it's impossible to summarize. The district encompasses the state of Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The district offers services in engineering, construction, design, navigation, water management, regulatory, real estate, environmental, recreation and much more. The Jacksonville District serves the region in solving engineering solutions, helping serve water resource problems of all sizes. This video highlights just some of the core competencies of the Jacksonville District mission. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District video by Mark Rankin)

"Ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!" participant Claire wants to know: "Why are balloons bad for the environment?" To answer that question, Ms. Roberta, the STEMBot, contacted Megan Parsons, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Park Ranger. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to encourage our youth to connect with the outdoors, which can affect their health, enhance their knowledge of our environment, and strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship. This video is part of a series of Jacksonville Districts' videos. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to empower our kids to be curious and hope to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM. If your child has a question for Roberta, contact us at publicmail.cesaj-cc@usace.army.mil Place: 'Ask the USACE" in the subject line.

A spring animation with the USACE Castle. (Animation by Brigida Sanchez)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander, Col. James Booth talks with local media during a weekly Lake Okeechobee Media call Feb. 16, 2024. Booth discusses and provides insight of water releases expected this weekend. Media Questions and Answers.

Lake Okeechobee Media Call. Col. James Booth, commander Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers talks with local media about water flows and releases.

USACE Public Affairs Specialist Jennifer Garcia-Torres provides and brief project overview for most recent Jacksonville District projects in Puerto Rico. The Río Puerto Nuevo, The Rio De La Plata and El Cano Martin Pena projects highlight just a few of the projects currently in Puerto Rico.(USACE video by Mark Rankin)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will celebrate Pollinator Week by inviting the public to participate in a day of service at the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area by planting Native plants and grasses as a part of our Engineering with Nature Program. This animation celebrates pollinators. About 75% of all flowering plant species need animal pollinators for reproduction. As a result, pollinators contribute to ecosystem health and a sustainable food supply. Celebrate them this #pollinatorweek! Music courtesy of MEGATRAX

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will celebrate Pollinator Week by inviting the public to participate in a day of service at the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area by planting Native plants and grasses as a part of our Engineering with Nature Program. This animation celebrates pollinators like bees, butterflies and bats that provide one out of three bites of the food that nourishes us. Music courtesy of MEGATRAX

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will celebrate Pollinator Week. This animation celebrates pollinators like bees, butterflies and bats that provide one out of three bites of the food that nourishes us. Music courtesy of MEGATRAX

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District's Antilles office is constructing this project for Puerto Rico Army National Guard, Camp Santiago. The Joint Training Center, to provide barracks, a dining facility, and three battalion headquarters in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

"Ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!" participants Sophia and her mother, Raven, want to know: " What are invasive species, and how can we help eliminate them?" To answer that question, Ms. Roberta, the STEMBot, contacted Col. James Booth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to encourage our youth to be citizen scientists by reporting nonnative species on the "IveGot1" app, IveGot1.org webpage, or by calling 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681). This video is part of a series of Jacksonville Districts' videos. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to empower our kids to be curious and hope to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM. If your child has a question for Roberta, contact us at publicmail.cesaj-cc@usace.army.mil Place 'Ask the USACE" in the subject line.

"Ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!" participant Emma wants to know If she can buy asparagus fern at the store, then why is it so bad for the environment? To answer that question, Ms. Roberta, the STEMBot, contacted Bev Lawrence, a retired USACE biologist. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to encourage our youth to participate in STEM! This video is part of a series of Jacksonville Districts' videos. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to empower our kids to be curious and hope to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM. If your child has a question for Roberta, contact us at publicmail.cesaj-cc@usace.army.mil Place 'Ask the USACE" in the subject line.

South Bay, Fla. – Feb. 22, 2023 -- Groundbreaking ceremonies have been used for centuries to celebrate the start of a new venture and give thanks to those who blazed a trail and made it possible. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, and the South Florida Water Management District teamed with federal, state, and local officials along with stakeholders to break ground for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a major component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan that reconnects Lake Okeechobee water to the central Everglades.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a key component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan that will reconnect Lake Okeechobee to the central Everglades. The project ceremony was co-hosted with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). It was the start of the Corps’ work on the EAA Reservoir and showed the status of work on the EAA A-2 Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) being built by SFWMD. highlighted two EAA design of the A-2 Reservoir Inflow/Outflow and Seepage Canals were completed in 2021 and construction began in 2022. Design for another portion of the A-2 Reservoir and Pumping Station was also completed in 2022 with construction beginning now. The remaining reservoir components will potentially be awarded in the near future for construction potentially from 2024 through 2029. Video contribution by The Jacksonville District and the South Florida Water Management District media team

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Herbert Hoover Dike 15 OCT 2019, video of a Hydromill, used to create the cut off wall on the Herbert Hoover Dike. Run Time: 00:04:53:06

South Atlantic Division Commander Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner talks about the ongoing efforts USACE is doing in support of FEMA and the state of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. (U.S. Army video by Bri Sanchez) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency #HurricaneIan #HurricaneResponse U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez

Carey Galantino, Kacie and Noel Manley are just a few of the Sanibel Island residents finding a path back to normalcy after Hurricane Ians, Category 4 winds swept through Southwest Fla. Hurricane Ian was the deadliest storm to strike the state of Florida since 1935. Lives were lost, many homes were pummeled, flooded and roofs destroyed. The Galantinos and Manleys sustained extensive damage to their homes and roofs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts its emergency response activities under two basic authorities- Public Law 84-99 and when mission assigned by FEMA under the Stafford Disaster and Emergency Assistance Act. Drone Video Courtesy of the UAS Jacksonville District Drone Team and Leah Reidenbach of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Conservancy of Southwest Florida Rescue Video Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard and Lee County EOC Many Thanks to Noel and Kacie Manley, Carey Galantino, Barbara Lindstrom, Erica Skolte, Michael A. Ornella, The City of Sanibel and @BirdPeepWx