USACE overhaul could aid Petersburg after flooding

New Army Civil Works program aims to streamline dredging and infrastructure projects.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A major overhaul of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Civil Works program, called "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork," could provide critical assistance to the city of Petersburg, Virginia, following severe flooding in July 2025. The initiative aims to direct funding to priority water resources projects, increase dredging capacity, and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Why it matters

The city of Petersburg has faced ongoing flooding issues due to neglected sediment buildup in the Appomattox River, which had not been properly dredged in decades. The USACE overhaul could help address this problem and improve the city's flood resilience.

The details

The new USACE initiative will provide a greater focus on the agency's core Civil Works missions, minimize non-core programs, and direct funding to key water resources projects. This includes increasing dredging capacity through expanded seasonal windows and innovative environmental solutions. Officials say the changes will streamline project delivery and reduce costs.

  • On Feb. 23, 2026, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam R. Telle announced the "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative.
  • In July 2025, Petersburg experienced severe flooding due to neglected sediment buildup in the Appomattox River.

The players

Adam R. Telle

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who announced the new USACE initiative.

Samuel Parham

Mayor of Petersburg, Virginia, who warned that the city's flooding risk would remain high until the Appomattox River is properly dredged.

Col. Sonny Avichal

Norfolk District commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump has empowered his administration to work with lightspeed efficiency to make our government deliver more for all Americans.”

— Adam R. Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

“Now more than ever, the nation needs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver – for resilient infrastructure, and for the economic vitality that depends on reliable navigation, flood risk management and efficient permitting.”

— Col. Sonny Avichal, Norfolk District commander

What’s next

The USACE will work with Endangered Species Act resource agencies to expand the seasonal windows for dredging within ports, and focus on innovative solutions to improve environmental mitigation measures.

The takeaway

The USACE overhaul could be a critical step in addressing Petersburg's long-standing flooding issues by providing the resources and streamlined processes needed to properly dredge the Appomattox River and improve the city's flood resilience.