Nashville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

09/11/2026

For many service members, military duty means extended periods away from home, deploying to distant countries, and executing high-stakes missions. But for U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Lane, his latest assignment offered a rare and rewarding opportunity, the chance to put on the uniform and build a legacy in his own hometown.

Click the link to learn more about Lane's journey to working on our very own Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project! 👇

https://www.army.mil/article/295274

09/11/2026

As our nation marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District pauses to honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the brave responders who answered the call in our country’s darkest hour.

"You could smell the fuel, the dust... To see the faces on the families that were there—that was horrible."
— James Sowell, USACE Nashville District (Ret.)

Within hours of the attacks in 2001, five dedicated Nashville District team members mobilized to Ground Zero. Operating from Pier 90 in Manhattan, Sowell drove and maintained an Emergency Command and Control Vehicle (ECCV), establishing a critical communications lifeline for firefighters, police, and emergency personnel when standard networks were completely severed.

Working around the clock, the Nashville team restored vital satellite links and radio interoperability while emergency management personnel helped lead the 24-hour Emergency Operations Center for the North Atlantic Division.

We remain steadfast in our promise to never forget the sacrifices made that day or the quiet dedication of those who helped rebuild and recover.

🏛️ Learn More: Explore the broader engineering mission at the newest exhibit, "Steel and Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11," now free and open to the public.

09/08/2026

After a 22,000-ton commercial tow struck the floating guard wall on Sept. 1, navigation was restricted. Now, a rapid joint solution between USACE and industry partners has unlocked two-way traffic once again.

Find out what changed and what to expect next 👇

GRAND RIVERS, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2026) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announced today that an assist boat is helping commercial tows s...

09/03/2026

Make the most of your Labor Day weekend, and water safety a priority. Whetjer you're boating, swimming, fishing, or relaxing by the water:

✅ Wear your life jacket
✅ Stay alert
✅ Watch children closely
✅ Swim only in designated areas

Enjoy the long weekend. Stay safe. Make it home.

08/27/2026

Remembering Dolly and Her Gift to Us

As the world mourns the passing of our beloved country icon, Dolly Parton, we find comfort in looking back on the moments of pure grace she shared with us.

At our 50th Anniversary celebration of the Cordell Hull Dam on Oct. 7, 2023, we gathered in a tent on the shoreline to share a special, sweet congratulatory message Dolly had recorded just for us. It was a beautiful full-circle moment: exactly 50 years after performing at the dam's original dedication, she was still just as generous and thoughtful, taking the time to recognize our milestone.

Dolly brought light, music, and an unmatched warmth to everything she touched. We will always cherish her beautiful spirit, her love for our community, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Rest in peace, Dolly.

08/26/2026

Last week, emergency leaders from across Kentucky, Tennessee, and federal agencies converged at Wolf Creek Dam for a high-stakes, multi-agency tabletop exercise. Hosted every five years by our USACE Nashville District team, this rigorous drill tested our Emergency Action Plan against both massive flood scenarios and simulated security threats.

From reviewing critical inundation maps to building the face-to-face relationships that matter most when every second counts,
exercises like this ensure our communities stay safe and prepared.

👉 See how we’re collaborating across state and federal lines to protect the Cumberland River Basin:

JAMESTOWN, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2026) – What would happen if Wolf Creek Dam faced a massive flood or a critical security breach? Last week, federal, state, and...

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton performs at the Cordell Hull Dam dedication in 1973. The USACE Nashville District joins the world in mourning her passing. We are honored to have shared in her history, and her legacy will never be forgotten.

08/24/2026

⚡ Hydro Works: Powering Our Region, Rain or Shine!

Did you know that right here in the Cumberland River Basin, 9 hydropower plants are working around the clock to keep the lights on for 4 million customers?

On National Hydropower Day, we’re highlighting the incredible grit, innovation, and heavy-lifting done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District maintenance teams. From stepping up during extreme winter storms to modernizing infrastructure for the next century, our local operators and engineers are delivering reliable, clean energy when we need it most.
• 💧 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity generated annually.
• 💡 910 megawatts of capacity fueling eight states.
• 🛠️ Targeted modernizations through the Section 212 Program to keep our 65+ year-old assets running strong for generations to come.

Read the full story to see how human dedication and smart public partnerships are building the powerhouse of tomorrow.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 24, 2026) – Today isNational Hydropower Day, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is celebrating the dedicated...

08/18/2026

How did Civil War-era engineering tools evolve into a massive network of modern hydroelectric dams powering the region? ⚡Today, the Nashville District turns 138 years old. Take a quick trip through time with us to see how we tamed the Cumberland River.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 18, 2026) – With ceremonial refreshments and a tribute to over a century of regional impact, theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nash...

08/06/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District will temporarily close the boat ramp and parking lot at the Rockland Recreation Day Use Area on Old Hickory Lake for repaving. This work is a continuation of our recovery efforts following the December 2023 tornado.

Please note the following closure dates and times:

8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21

8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24

During these times, the ramp and parking area will be completely closed to all traffic. We encourage boaters to use nearby alternative ramps, including Walton Ferry, Mallard Point, Sanders Ferry Park, Saundersville, and Stark K**b Access Areas.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve these facilities. For questions, please contact the Old Hickory Lake Resource Manager’s Office at 615-822-4846.

The Rockland boat ramp and parking at Old Hickory Lake will close Aug. 16-21 and Aug. 23-24 for repaving. Boaters are advised to use nearby ramps.