7 Critical Ways The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Seattle District Is Reshaping The Pacific Northwest In 2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District is arguably the most vital, yet often unseen, engineering force shaping the infrastructure and environment of the Pacific Northwest. As of December 20, 2025, the District is actively managing a diverse portfolio of critical civil works, military construction, and environmental restoration projects that directly impact the region’s economy, flood resilience, and ecosystem health. From massive dredging campaigns in major commercial harbors to multi-year dam safety upgrades, the scope of their work is immense, stretching across Washington, Idaho, Montana, and even into parts of Oregon.
The District's operations in 2025 are characterized by a renewed focus on modernizing aging infrastructure and fulfilling complex environmental stewardship commitments, particularly with tribal partners. Key initiatives this year include major navigation improvements, aggressive dam safety reviews, and critical emergency response actions under Public Law 84-99. This in-depth look explores the leadership, major projects, and core missions that define the USACE Seattle District's impact on the Northwestern Division (NWD).
Leadership Profile: The Command Team Driving USACE Seattle District
The Seattle District’s diverse and complex mission is guided by a dedicated command team, providing both military and civilian expertise to manage thousands of square miles of water resources and infrastructure.
- Commander: Colonel Kathryn P. Sanborn
Colonel Sanborn assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, as the 53rd commander on August 1, 2023. Her leadership oversees all aspects of the District's operations, including civil works, military construction, and regulatory functions across the vast area of responsibility. - Deputy Commander: Major Joseph O'Donnell
Maj. O'Donnell supports the Commander in the execution of the District's mission, ensuring operational readiness and coordination across various program areas. - Deputy District Engineer: Ginny Dierich
As the senior civilian leader, the Deputy District Engineer provides continuity and technical expertise for the District's long-term engineering and water resource stewardship projects.
The 7 Major Projects and Initiatives Shaping the Region in 2025 and Beyond
The USACE Seattle District is responsible for an extensive array of projects, but several key initiatives in 2025 highlight their commitment to navigation, flood control, and environmental health.
1. Critical Dredging and Navigation Improvements
Maintaining navigable waterways is a foundational mission for the District, directly supporting the Pacific Northwest's maritime economy. Several major dredging operations are scheduled or underway in 2025.
- Grays Harbor Maintenance Dredging: Routine maintenance dredging in Grays Harbor, Inner Harbor, Washington, is scheduled to begin on July 16, 2025, ensuring the channel remains deep enough for commercial shipping.
- Quillayute & Everett Dredging: The District partnered with Duwamish Services in 2025 to hydraulically dredge critical areas in Quillayute and Everett.
- Willapa Harbor and Seattle Harbor: A Virtual Industry Day was hosted on August 27, 2025, for the Willapa Harbor Maintenance Dredging project, signaling upcoming contract opportunities. Furthermore, the Seattle Harbor Navigation Improvement Project remains a key civil works priority, eligible for congressional appropriation of design and construction funds.
2. Dam Safety and Water Resource Management Updates
Ensuring the safety and reliability of its network of dams is a critical responsibility for the Seattle District, affecting flood control and power generation across the region.
- Howard A. Hanson Dam: Updates from December 16, 2025, confirmed that USACE will resume normal flood water outflows from the Howard A. Hanson Dam, a key component of the Green River flood control system.
- Mud Mountain Dam Bridge Repair: An Industry Day was scheduled for September 10, 2025, to discuss the repair of the bridge at Mud Mountain Dam, a major infrastructure maintenance effort.
- Lake Pend Oreille: The District announced elevation targets for the fall 2025 drawdown and hosted a public meeting on October 7, 2025, to provide the latest updates on water management and spillway operations.
- Chief Joseph Dam: The 2025 Spring Release at Chief Joseph Dam was a major point of discussion at the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) 2025 event, highlighting ongoing water management strategies.
3. Major Environmental Restoration and Seawall Construction
The Seattle District is actively engaged in ecosystem restoration, striving to restore natural processes and manage resources sustainably.
- Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP): PSNERP is a significant, large-scale habitat restoration initiative that offers a unique opportunity to tackle complex environmental challenges in the Puget Sound area.
- Bainbridge Island Seawall Replacement: A $63 million seawall replacement project on Bainbridge Island began in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. This long-term project is vital for expanding public access and protecting critical habitat in conjunction with the EPA's mission.
4. Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness
The District plays a critical role in disaster response, providing immediate assistance to local and county partners. In recent months, USACE Seattle District has been working to deliver critical flood-fighting materials and on-the-ground expertise.
Under the authority of Public Law 84-99, the Army Corps has been instrumental in emergency situations, such as reducing water levels and assisting with levee breaches, including a recent event involving the Green River levee.
The USACE Seattle District's Core Mission and Regulatory Authority
The overarching mission of the Seattle District is to provide engineering expertise and water resource stewardship, fulfilling commitments to tribal partners while supporting military construction and civil public works.
Civil Works and Water Resource Stewardship
Traditionally centered on navigation and flood control, the Civil Works Program has expanded since the Water Resources Act of 1986 to include a greater focus on ecosystem restoration and comprehensive water resource management. This includes operating and maintaining federal projects like dams, reservoirs, and navigation channels, and providing technical assistance to local communities.
Military Construction Support
Beyond its civil works, the Seattle District is a key provider of military construction services, delivering facilities and infrastructure for various Department of Defense installations within its region, ensuring military readiness and support.
Regulatory Functions and Permits
The District holds significant regulatory authority over development and construction in and around the nation's waters. It regulates work in navigable waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and controls the deposit of dredge and fill material in waters and wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Topical Authority: The Vast Area of Responsibility
The Seattle District's area of responsibility is massive, spanning the entire state of Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, and parts of the Columbia River Basin in Oregon. This vast geographic area encompasses diverse ecosystems and critical infrastructure, making the District's role in the Northwestern Division (NWD) essential for regional stability and economic vitality. The complexity of managing these resources—from the high mountains of Montana to the coastal regions of the Pacific Ocean—requires a multi-disciplinary approach to engineering, environmental science, and public policy.
The Future: Modernization and Resilience
As the Pacific Northwest continues to grow and face increasing challenges from climate change and aging infrastructure, the USACE Seattle District’s role becomes even more critical. The ongoing projects of 2025, from the multi-year Bainbridge Island seawall replacement to the careful management of the Kootenai River Basin, underscore a shift toward long-term resilience and ecological health. The District’s commitment to its mission—providing engineering solutions to complex water-related land resource problems—will ensure the region's infrastructure remains safe and its natural resources are protected for future generations.
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