July 2021
Vol. 6
THE THE
OFFICIAL
EMPLOYEE
VOICE NEWSLETTER
OF
JACKSONVILLE
DISTRICT
IN THIS ISSUE:
A day in the life of a lock operator- 2
Antilles cuts ribbon on new facility - 4
Employee Spotlight: Cindy Thomas - 5
Join us for a JaxStrong Family Reunion - 7
THE VOICE
W.P. Franklin lock operator grants all-access tour Story and photos by Maya Jordan
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Fast forward to the present, Huston’s day begins on the sunny-side as his shift starts at 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m, with the last lockage at 4:30 p.m. in Alva, Fla., on the Caloosahatchee River. Hutson’s office is a control room with expansive windows overlooking the river. Inside is digital technology, a restroom, refrigerator, and
Aye, aye, captain.
microwave.
You don’t have to be a pirate to know that safety
“In the morning, you do your morning report where
lock and dam operators have the pleasure of
you [state] how many lockages you had if there’s
monitoring the nation’s most precious treasure;
any algae, how much rain you had on the
delicate blue waterways.
[spillway],” said Hutson.
The communications team got an inside look into
Furthermore, he discussed the opening and
the day-to-day operations from W.P. Franklin lock
closing of gates through a traffic signal in which a
operator Glenn Hutson. Originally from Canada,
green light signals boaters to enter after the water
Hutson has been with the U.S. Army Corps of
goes down.
Engineers for 13 years. “As far as the job goes, I’ve always enjoyed it,” he said.
When a boater is seeking access entry, they usually call the lock operator.
Jacksonville District defines a lock operator as someone who has sole authority of dam gates,
Then the operator usually requests for the captain
control valves, and other equipment required for
to wait for the green signal to come in along with
private and commercial traffic to lock through
the mandatory wearing of properly sized life
navigable waterways.
jackets.
The USACE navigation mission is to provide safe, reliable, efficient, effective, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for the movement of commerce, national security needs, and recreation. Hutson’s fascination with the great outdoors began as a young boy who received animal books on subjects such as diamondback rattlesnakes from his grandmother. Before working at W.P. Franklin, Hutson started locking at Ortona, Julian Keen, and a couple of months at Port Mayaca. Notably, the district operates two other locks, St. Lucie and Canaveral Locks, for a total of six locks.
Pictured Right: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District lock operator Glenn Huston opens and closes gates for the lock chamber at W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam.
THE VOICE
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Additionally, the operator grabs rope for the head
At the fingertips of the operator are a ton of tools
and tail of the boat to stay in a halted position
and equipment. After the rain, water levels rise,
with the boat engine turned off. Approximately 20
making the river higher, and in that event, gates
to 30 minutes later, boaters are on their way. Lock
must be opened. W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam has
operators are superior multi-taskers.
eight gates.
Responsibilities of a lock operator include
“We try to set those gates so that no one will have
monitoring the spillway, ensuring the safety of
to come here in the middle of the night. Now, if
patrons using the recreation area on land and
that happens, there is a computer system known
water, and providing quality customer service to
as the SUTRON that has the capability of phoning
impolite boaters.
somebody if the river gets to 265 and 355,” said Hutson.
When asked how lock operators keep their eyes on everything, Huston said, “It comes with
The SUTRON is a computer that reads the lake
experience. You have to keep your eye on the
levels at the head and tail and determines sea
river level, the boaters out at each end. Of course,
level rise and fall.
we are not letting a lot of water out, but if you are not paying attention behind that gate, you would
The Manatee Positioning System helps determine
not see them.”
the sea level and pressure for the gates that move the sector gates on each side.
He reemphasized paying attention to those boaters at each side and making sure you don’t
Although, mission-essential lock operators work
have any accidents. He recalls specifically when
tirelessly all year, including holidays and
22 boaters were in the chamber all at once.
inclement weather such as catastrophic hurricanes.
For example, a tugboat with two barges could barely fit into the estimated 400-feet long
When disaster strikes, operators work 12 hour
chamber.
days in a full-team approach. Additionally, lock operators also issue a safety policy, including all
More than 100 boats have come in and out of the
passengers on boats must wear a lifejacket.
lake in east and west directions on a daily average. Generally, three operators are stationed at each lock who work independent shifts manning and operating the lock. However, there are times when operators at other locks provide an all-hands approach, like for pulse releases. “When we are doing a pulse release, I have to have my gate set so that a certain amount of water goes through. If I run out of water or if I get too much water, I’ll call Jennifer [at Ortona Lock], and she will either open more gates or slow down the water; it's them that keep us at the right level,” he said.
Pictured: A computer system, known as the SUTRON, helps lock and dam operators measure the height of water at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam.
THE VOICE
A trifold brochure is handed to all boaters to ensure they are aware of lockage protocol, something so simple as calling the lock operator is not always done. William Keeney, USACE lock supervisor, said there are five operators on the waterways standing there alone making decisions.
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Antilles office celebrates new boat facility Story and photos by Luis Deya
“They are liable for everything on here,” said
United States Army Corps of Engineers Antilles
Keeney.
office hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for building SJ-16 on June 11 at the former United
Hutson, who celebrated his birthday in March, will
States Army Corps of Engineers Antilles facility at
retire this July.
Puerto Nuevo, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For more information on locking and safety tips
Antilles Deputy District Engineer Maj. Jesus Soto
as a boater, visit
and lead vessel operator Jonathan Shelhamer cut
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-
the ribbon symbolizing the building was open for
Works/Navigation/Notices-to-
operation.
Navigation/Notice-to-Navigation-2019-001Guidance-about-Canaveral-and-Okeechobee-
Building SJ-16 will store a USACE hydrographic
Waterway-Lock-procedures/.
surveying vessel, surveying equipment, and a truck while securing and protecting our equipment from harsh weather. Others in attendance included Jacksonville District Project Manager Jessica Spencer, Bonnie Sigwalt, a prime contractor under the Defense Logistics Agency for building SJ-16, and USACE Antilles office personnel.
Pictured: Jacksonville District lock operator Glenn Hutson, opens the lock chambers northbound and southbound from the control gate access room. Pictured (left) William Keeney, supervisory lock operator, (right) and Glenn Huston. Pictured: Jacksonville District personnel cut the ceremonial ribbon of the new boat storage facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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PAGE 5
Thomas is the Native American Program Manager synonymously known as the Tribal Liaison for the Jacksonville District based in the Palm Beach Gardens field office. Although she has been in this role since January 2020, she has been a member of the USACE family since 2010.
Pictured: Project Manager Jessica Spencer delivers remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Thomas, a native of small-town Snipesville, Georgia, began her career as an archaeologist, a title she wore for more than 15 years. She is a graduate of Mercer University, where she majored in History and Anthropology. “I started my career in the private sector here in Florida, then joined the Jacksonville District, and from there, I relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where I was the district’s archaeologist and tribal liaison,” said Thomas. But it wasn’t until she landed a role in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she would harness her skills and engage with tribal communities more than in her previous positions.
Pictured: Antilles office team members and partners gather at new hydrographic boat shed to celebrate the official opening.
Employee Spotlight: Archaeologist follows her heart
Thomas wants to ensure that people know the difference between anthropology and archaeology studies to clear the record. “Anthropology is the study of living cultures; archaeology is the study of understanding the human past,” Thomas said. Communicating and building relationships with tribes is a job that everyone can do to some level, and as a federal employee, it is everyone’s
Story by Maya Jordan How did an archaeologist make a career shift into building mutually beneficial relationships with partners like the Native American tribes? Interestingly, the Corporate Communications team interviewed Cynthia (Cindy) Thomas, someone who tells us how. “I followed my heart,” says Thomas.
responsibility. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of working with the tribes, she said, “When I see small improvements [amongst] the relationship between the Army Corps and the tribes.”
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Three federally recognized Native American
“We have to seek their permission if we are going
tribes have reservation/trust lands within the
to impact natural resources such as the soil, trees,
district’s area of responsibility (AOR), the
grass, etc., on their sovereign land,” said Thomas.
Seminole Tribe of Florida, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, and Poarch Band of Creeks.
She admits this job is not a one-size-fits-all and says it makes it easier when you have a
However, currently, there are five tribes that we
personality that will mesh well with the culture
consult with, two of which have an ancestral
and characters of the tribes that you are working
connection to our AOR. Thomas says it’s
with.
everyone’s responsibility to engage with the tribes.
Thomas believes the rapport with the tribes is easy to build, unlike with other non-tribal
“For instance, in my short time here, I have
partners. When coordinating with the tribes,
reached out to or worked directly with
there’s no harm in admitting what you do not
Regulatory, Planning, Project Management,
know, as long as you get the answer for them in a
Engineering, Contracting, the Executive Office,
timely manner.
Emergency Management, Construction, and Operations - so it’s not just consultation on
“The lack of knowledge could help to build the
Planning projects,” Thomas said.
relationship – it breaks away from the bureaucracy and shows a more human side to
In her day-to-day, she could receive a call from
your personality,” said Thomas.
tribal members about maintenance issues to a gate utilized by the tribe.
When speaking to tribes, we achieve success by promoting transparency, honesty, and respect.
“I have coordinated multiple times with our
There is a simple key to the success of tribal
amazing team at the Clewiston Office for
relations.
assistance in resolving those issues,” Thomas said.
“It’s so simple, do what you say and say what you do,” says Thomas. “If you can’t answer a question
Next, a tribe may reach out during a storm event
because the information can’t be disclosed at that
requesting assistance. As the point-of-contact for
time, simply tell [the tribes] that and let them
the tribe, Thomas is available 24/7.
know that you will provide them with an answer as soon as you are able.”
During Hurricane Eta, Emergency Management graciously assisted one tribe by providing needed pumps to aid in their flood fight efforts. Often, our projects are near or on tribal land. For example, the Herbert Hoover Dike project is one project that required a right of way permit from the Seminole Tribe before work on a specific structure could proceed. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, like all federally recognized tribes, is a dependent sovereign nation; therefore, their reservation or trust land is considered a nation within a nation.
Pictured: Jacksonville District Tribal Liaison Cynthina (Cindy) Thomas.
THE VOICE
Corps Day 2021: It's a family reunion!
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For more information about Corps Day or to volunteer for one of the many activities, please see your division's Corps Day Committee member or activity coordinator. Committee Members: Construction – Eric Ardnt / Jason Summerbell Contracting – Katie Marrette Engineering – Rosemarie Pinto G&A Offices – Tanasha Walker Office of Council – David Hart Logistics – Christian Erb Operations – Candida Bronson / Sabrina Lee Planning – Kevin Wittmann / Evan Jonson PPMD – Jan Detwiler Real Estate – Martrice Hunter Regulatory – Muriel Blaisdell Resource Management – BJ Fagan Safety – Eduardo Garcia Activity Coordinators: Adult and Kid Games – Kevin Wittmann and Evan Jonson Silent Auction – Jennifer Tyler and Matt Filer Photo Booth – Martrice Hunter
We are coming together with anticipation after a
Car Show – Kevin Wittmann
year of pandemic - Corps Day is back! Join us as
Bake Sale – Muriel Blaisdell
we gather for a JaxStrong family reunion at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Friday, August 6. Employees should arrive by 8:30 a.m., and the celebration kicks off a 9 a.m. with an awards ceremony. Video live streaming of the ceremony is available for those who are not planning to attend Corps Day in person. Stay tuned for streaming information. A number of activities are underway for the reunion, including adult and kids games, a silent auction, car show, bake sale, and more! No ticket required for lunch - which will be on your own. A wide variety of food trucks will be onsite to serve lunch and are sure to please even the pickiest palates. Vegan options available. After all, what is a family reunion without a lot of food?
THE VOICE
A history lesson on fiscal-year-end close-out Story by BJ Fagan Fiscal year-end is like the 4th of July. It comes faithfully every year, not in July of course, but on September 30. And, like the 4th there is a lot of preparation and hard work from everyone in the district to pull off a spectacular closing. However, as a little history lesson, fiscal year-end wasn’t always on September 30. The first fiscal year (FY) for the U.S. Government was based on the calendar year and started January 1, 1789. Congress changed the beginning of the fiscal year from January 1 to July 1 in 1842 and finally to October 1 in 1977 where it remains today. SAJ’s workload has continued to increase over the past several years. Increased workload creates an increased number of financial transactions (commitments/obligation documents, travel orders/vouchers, funding documents, etc.), creating a financial data footprint within the Corps of Engineers Financial Management System (CEFMS). CEFMS goes through a series of transaction reviews during the close-out process, and based on the quality of the data, the review process can take several hours to complete. Any glitch in data quality will stop the review, and close-out can’t begin until the error is corrected. There are multi-overlapping actions and tasks taking place in the 4th Quarter, all of which are critical to the success of year-end: (a) Obligation of Funds. From July thru September, the focus is on awarding contracts and obligating funds.
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Contract awards establish the workload for current and future program execution. Program Management, Contracting, and other key players have been meeting weekly to ensure that scheduled awards remain on track. Traditionally, the final push is in September to complete all actions, and in FY20, 34% of the $721.1M in total obligations took place in the last 30 days of the FY. To date, $338.8M has been obligated across all funding sources. (b) Program Execution. The FY21 disbursement projection is $1.1 billion. USACE considers disbursements our “Sources of Workload and Inhouse Revenue” because they represent the payroll cost for our people and payments to our contractors for goods received and services rendered. Our workload and in-house revenue is projected five years out, and the program managers are currently putting together the numbers for FYs 22-26. (c) Development of FY22 Operating Budget. At the same time the district is closing out the current FY, efforts are underway to establish next year’s operating budget. The operating budget is approximately $53M and consists of indirect labor, training, awards, building rent, national costs, and other costs not directly related to a project. Office budget discussions are taking place now to finalize the FY22 operating costs in preparation for the July 12 Program Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC) brief to the Commander and Corporate Board. The budget process does not end until Regional discussions take place and the MSC Commander blesses the budgets. Operating budgets are required to be CEFMS approved before the close-out process begins.
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In years past, the Resource Management Office was a flurry of activity on September 30. Employees stayed in the office sometimes long after midnight, ordering in pizza while waiting for higher headquarters approval to go home. When the books were finally closed, and we grant permission to leave, everyone would high-five, congratulate each other on another successful year-end, and head home tired but with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. We know now that close-out can occur virtually because we’ve done it, and the feeling is not the same anymore! There are no pizza parties, no high-fives, and no rush of adrenalin when you get the proverbial blue star that lets you know close-out is complete. Technology has changed our processes, and one day a human won’t be needed to push the “magic start button”. The system will automatically know when it’s time and when the blue star appears on the screen, there won’t be anyone watching to acknowledge and say, “job well done”. I wish there could be fireworks; I wish we still had pizza parties, and most of all I wish I could feel that esprit de corps and enthusiasm again with my team all in the same room. William Arthur Ward says that “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” So, I have to embrace technology and adjust to my sails, and just maybe on September 30, I will have my lone pizza party in front of the TV at home.
CEFMS News: Modules deployed during Q3 by Money Talks Bulletin
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Tips for returning to work after COVID-19
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