A first-of-its-kind dredging project at Tuttle Creek Reservoir completed just before the federal government shutdown took effect, but it could be some time before federal and state engineers know just how effective the process was at removing decades of sediment buildup.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kansas Water Office completed the 10-day demonstration of water injection dredging for the fall period on Sept. 27, avoiding being impacted by the federal government shutdown which began Oct. 1. A second and third round of dredging periods are scheduled for spring and summer of 2026. Michels Construction of Brownsville, Wisconsin was awarded the $7.8 million contract for the project in December 2024.
With the federal government shutdown entering its third week, some non-essential work at the corps of engineers is inactive. According to its website, the USACE closed its regulatory offices and halted permit processing, though essential activities like national security and protection of life and property continue under specific conditions. It expected to furlough 1,119 of its 36,610 employees.
