Groundbreaking Collaboration Between USACE Programs
For the first time in the history of the Rock Island District, the Operations Division Channel Maintenance Program joined forces with the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program to repurpose dredged material for the Steamboat Island Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project (HREP). This groundbreaking collaboration marked a significant milestone for both initiatives.
Benefits of the Partnership
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Rock Island District, this partnership resulted in substantial cost and time savings. By reducing the distance required to transport dredged material, both programs optimized their resources while also strengthening interdepartmental relationships.
Inter-Agency Cooperation Opportunities
The initiative also provided UMRR sponsors from other agencies a unique opportunity to engage with a different USACE program, fostering greater inter-agency cooperation.
The Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: A Legacy of Preservation
Establishment and Mission
The Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, established under the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, stands as a pioneering environmental restoration and monitoring effort on a major river system in the United States.
Recognized Importance of the UMRR
Since its inception, the program has earned recognition as the most significant initiative dedicated to preserving the ecological health and biodiversity of the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). Its efforts build on a legacy that dates back to the establishment of National Wildlife Refuges in the 1920s, ensuring the continued vitality of the region’s rich fish and wildlife resources.