StL Engineer District Begins Celebration Of 150th Anniversary
The St. Louis Engineer District commenced celebrating its 150th anniversary at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Ill., February 22. Lt. Col. Jason Sears, deputy commander of the district, and Michael R. Morrow, mayor of Grafton, Ill., signed a proclamation in appreciation of the district’s history, partnerships and contributions to the region.
On February 19, 1872, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established a new district in Saint Louis, the Gateway to the West, and few could have foreseen this occasion of their 150th anniversary would usher in a successful long-lasting partnership between the states of Missouri, Illinois and the Corps in Saint Louis.
“We will celebrate a history of innovation with our partners, without which we could not deliver the vital engineering solutions that contribute to the growth and prosperity of the regions we are so proud to service and, most importantly, the people living in these regions,” said Col. Kevin Golinghorst, commander, St. Louis District.
The Saint Louis District manages navigation on 300 miles of the Mississippi and supports local sponsors in their operations and management of 230 miles of levees within Missouri and 495 within Illinois, which reduces flood risks for more than 208,000 people and nearly 604,000 acres of economic and agricultural interests in the region, amounting to $23.4 billion in property value between the states and the people the district services.
In solidarity with the district, and to commemorate this significant milestone in its history, local and state partners issued proclamations honoring the Corps contributions to their areas and constituents. Gov Mike Parson of Missouri, Mayor Tishaura Jones of St. Louis and mayors participating in the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative all signed proclamations or certificates of recognition of the St. Louis District’s history of service.
