U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District: Market Research Report

Background

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Louis District is a pivotal component of the Mississippi Valley Division, responsible for managing a significant portion of the nation's waterways. Established to oversee the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries, the district's mission encompasses navigation, flood risk management, environmental restoration, and recreational development. Strategically located at the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, the district plays a critical role in maintaining the nation's inland waterway infrastructure.

Key Strategic Focus

The St. Louis District's strategic initiatives are centered around:

Navigation: Maintaining a nine-foot deep and 300-foot wide navigation channel on 300 miles of the Mississippi River, facilitating the annual transfer of over 100 million tons of commodities.

Flood Risk Management: Overseeing 92 levee systems spanning 750 miles, and managing five multi-purpose reservoirs to mitigate flood risks.

Environmental Restoration: Restoring over 21,000 acres of habitat, with an additional 10,000 acres in design and feasibility stages, and 6,700 acres under construction.

Recreation: Operating five lakes and associated recreational areas, attracting approximately 15 million visitors annually.

Financials and Funding

As a federal entity, the St. Louis District's funding is allocated through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' budget, which is subject to annual appropriations by Congress. In fiscal year 2023, the district awarded approximately $40.2 million in federal contracting dollars, with a significant portion directed toward small businesses.

Pipeline Development

The district's ongoing projects include:

Lock and Dam No. 25 Replacement: Initiating a new 1,200-foot lock to enhance navigation efficiency on the Upper Mississippi River.

Environmental Pool Management: Implementing nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems and improve water quality in the Mississippi River.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The St. Louis District employs several innovative technologies:

Engineering With Nature (EWN): Integrating natural processes into engineering solutions to enhance environmental sustainability.

Hydrologic Data Collection: Utilizing an extensive network of hydrologic gauging stations for real-time data collection and analysis.

Leadership Team

Colonel Kevin R. Golinghorst: Assumed command as the 53rd Commander of the St. Louis District in July 2020. Prior to this, he served as the Army Capability Manager – Geospatial at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Competitor Profile

As a federal agency, the St. Louis District does not have direct competitors in the traditional sense. However, it collaborates with various federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private contractors, to fulfill its mission.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The district engages in numerous partnerships, including:

Mississippi River Commission: Collaborating on annual Low Water Inspection Trips to assess and address river conditions.

Engineering With Nature Proving Ground: Partnering with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to implement nature-based solutions for river management.

Operational Insights

The St. Louis District's strategic location at the crossroads of three major river systems provides a unique advantage in managing a substantial portion of the nation's inland waterways. Its comprehensive approach to navigation, flood risk management, environmental restoration, and recreation underscores its integral role in regional and national infrastructure.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the district aims to:

Enhance Infrastructure: Complete the Lock and Dam No. 25 replacement to improve navigation efficiency.

Advance Environmental Initiatives: Expand the implementation of nature-based solutions to further restore and protect river ecosystems.

Strengthen Partnerships: Continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private sector partners, to leverage resources and expertise.