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Charting a Sustainable Future: How America’s Waterways Connect Communities, Economies, and Supply Chains
from America's Engineers: The People, Programs, and Projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers '24-'25
BY ANA ALLEN
INSTITUTE FOR WATER RESOURCES
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR) and its Navigation and Civil Works Decision Support Center (NDC) play a pivotal role in managing America’s waterways. Their mission is to ensure that these channels not only enhance the nation’s landscapes but also serve as crucial arteries for commerce, supply chains, and ecosystems. By leveraging data, the NDC supports the revitalization, management, and sustainability of these essential waterways, offering substantial benefits to the economy, environment, and public well-being.
HARNESSING DATA FOR A SMARTER FUTURE
The NDC’s core mission is to use data strategically to boost the resilience and efficiency of the nation’s waterborne commerce. Its motto, “We don’t move the commodities, but the data we manage helps to inform decisions that make them move better,” emphasizes its role in enhancing waterborne transportation systems. NDC’s director, Shawn Komlos, highlighted the critical role of accurate information in maintaining transportation infrastructure. “The investments being made to ensure the continued resilience of our transportation systems are too important for guesswork. Sound data form the foundation for informed decisions, and the data we manage are critical components of the data infrastructure on which those decisions are based,” stated Komlos. As the primary source of domestic waterborne commodity movement data, the NDC supports a wide range of data needs for USACE, other federal agencies, and industry stakeholders.
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SUPPORTING STAKEHOLDERS WITH ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS
1. Dredging Information System (DIS): Crucial for scheduling and reporting dredging activities, the DIS helps stakeholders such as ports and commercial operators plan and execute dredging tasks. Effective dredging maintains navigable channels, ensuring the smooth transport of goods by preventing silt buildup that could disrupt commerce.
2. Lock Performance Monitoring System (LPMS): This system collects data on vessel and commodity movements through locks and dams. It helps prioritize maintenance, identify bottlenecks, and plan modernization efforts, ensuring timely repairs and reducing disruptions in waterborne traffic.
3. Notices to Navigation Interests (NTNI): The NTNI system provides real-time updates on disruptions such as lock closures or dredging activities. These updates are vital for safe and efficient navigation, allowing commercial vessels and boaters to adjust their plans accordingly.
4. Transportation Operations and Waterborne Statistics (TOWS) System: TOWS tracks commercial traffic and supports funding decisions for infrastructure investments. It provides detailed data on cargo movements and helps justify investments in maintenance and modernization, thus ensuring resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
ADAPTING TO CHANGING CONDITIONS
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the NDC’s data becomes increasingly important for managing risks to navigation. For instance, low water levels in the Mississippi River in 2022 and 2023 necessitated emergency dredging. The NDC’s data-driven approach was crucial for making informed decisions to minimize such disruptions and manage environmental challenges effectively.
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
The NDC is advancing data accessibility and usability by transitioning to cloud-based systems and exploring artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations include:
1. Availability: Moving from outdated formats to cloud-based systems for more intuitive data access.
2. Visibility: Centralizing data access and using geographic formats to improve data visualization and decision-making.
4. Usability: Providing robust metadata to help users understand data contexts and limitations.
5. Artificial intelligence: Utilizing AI to enhance data processing capabilities, automate analysis, and generate insights for better traffic management and investment decisions.
CONNECTING AND PROTECTING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Through these efforts, the IWR and NDC are not only managing today’s waterways, but are also safeguarding these national assets for future generations. Their data-driven and innovative approaches ensure that America’s rivers and harbors support economic growth, protect communities, and sustain global connections. By preparing for future challenges, they are fostering a resilient and sustainable future for all.
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In conclusion, the IWR and NDC’s commitment to efficient, data-driven waterway management benefits the economy, environment, and public welfare. Their forward-thinking strategies are essential for maintaining and enhancing America’s vital waterways, ensuring they continue to support the nation’s supply chains and drive economic progress for generations to come. AE
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