The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District conducts semi-annual Stakeholder Partnering Forums with non-federal sponsors, customers and agency partners to collaborate on best practices regarding programs ranging from ecosystem restoration to flood risk management, maintaining and improving Texas coastal navigation systems, and regulatory oversight of U.S. waters at its Galveston headquarters. 

These events help  identify opportunities to better support  stakeholder commitments and emerging interests for Planning Studies, Preconstruction, Engineering and Design, Construction, Operations and Maintenance.

The forum serves as an  opportunity for non-federal sponsors, customers and agency partners from along the Texas coast to network and exchange ideas on ways the Galveston District is able to improve value delivery to the nation across civil works and regulatory business lines.

  U.S. Army Crops of Engineers Commonly Used Acronyms  and Abbreviations in the Planning Community Practice 

Aug 10 - 11, 2021
USACE, Galveston District (SWG)
Virtual Winter 2021 External Project Review Board (EPRB) Partnering Forum and Stakeholder Partnering Forum (SPF)
Moody Gardens, MOODY GARDENS, INC. (Ballroom II)
One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554
Phone: 409-744-4673 https://www.moodygardens.com/

Registration Now Open 

The Bi-Annual SPF will be held on 11 August 2021. There will be early bird special topic ethics seminars, followed by a series of plenary sessions. Participation is a fantastic way to keep abreast of progress and next steps for the portfolio of Civil Works at SWG across the Navigation, Flood Risk Management, and Ecosystem Restoration Business Lines.

COVID Guideline: All individuals attending in person are always encouraged to wear their masks or social distance. All non-vaccinated personnel should continue to follow applicable CDC mask guidance, including continuing to wear masks while indoors. Follow the guidance of the local communities but in general it is good practice to wear your mask if you are not fully vaccinated, which is in line with current CDC guidance. If you are not feeling well, you are encouraged not to travel or attend the in-person event.

REGISTRATION:  
Portfolio Review: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usace-galveston-district-swg-portfolio-review-tickets-160045443229

Stakeholder Forum: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usace-swg-stakeholder-partnering-forum-spf-tickets-160045852453

AGENDA:
Agenda to Download

Virtual Option: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/StrategicEngagements
Access code: 1996985964
Or, Join by phone
+1-844-800-2712 US Toll Free
+1-669-234-1177 US Toll
Access code: 199 698 5964

Event timeline is in Central Time (CST)

Day 1: TUE 10 AUG 2021
1-4 p.m.: USACE Galveston District (SWG) Portfolio Review

Day 2: WED 11 AUG 2021
09:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Early bird ethics seminar, Government ethics in the workplace: Contractor interactions, James Purcell, USACE, SWG.
10:00 - 10:05 a.m.: Call to order and event orientation.
10:05 - 10:10 a.m.: Welcome and Remarks, Introduce COL Vail, Byron Williams, Deputy District Engineer, Programs and Project Management, USACE Galveston District.
10:10 - 1020 a.m.: Stakeholder Welcome and Opening Remarks, Introduce BG Christopher Beck, COL Timothy Vail Commander, USACE Galveston District.
10:20 - 10:40 a.m.: Southwestern Division Civil Works Strategic Plan, BG Christopher G. Beck Commander & Division Engineer.
10:40 - 10:45 a.m.: Congresswoman Fletcher video address
10:45 - 10:55 a.m.: “Update of the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan.” Joshua Oyer Coastal Planner, Texas General Land Office.
10:55 - 11:15 a.m.: “Making the Texas Coast More Resilient” Amanda Fuller Director, Texas Coast and Water Program, National Wildlife Federation.
11:15 - 11:40 a.m.: Personal time and Open discussion with USACE Projects Managers.
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.: Breakout session: how we are making regional decisions to the Texas FRM problems. RPEC, H&H
11:45 - 12:00 p.m.: “TIFF and Treats: the Texas Integrated Flooding Framework and Other Inter-Agency Collaborations.”, Dr. Amin Kiaghadi, Texas Water Development Board.

12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.: “Geotechnical/Geophysical Technology, Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) and Mini Pumping Test (MPT).” Rai Mehdiratta, Ph.D., PE Fugro USA Land, Inc.
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.: Breakout session: “Sediment Management Partnerships and Source Investigations on the Texas coast.” Lead Coraggio Maglio USACE H&H Engineering, USACE Operations Division and Texas General Land Office.
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.: Keynote Speaker: Congressman Filemon Vela
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.: “How to build momentum toward a new start study” Reuben Trevino, Galveston District Project Manager
2:15 - 3:00 p.m.: “Coastal Study, where are we now” Galveston District Project Manager, Kelly Burks-Copes, Ph.D.
3:00 - 3:15 p.m.: “Sand Resources in the Drowned Trinity River Valley Offshore Galveston: A Systems Approach" Chris Lowery, Research Associate at the University o Texas Institute for Geophysics.
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.: “The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resiliency efforts in Texas: land protection, restoration, community-based initiatives and current policy needs.” Resilient Coast Program Director Lauren H. Williams, Ph.D., The Nature Conservancy, Texas Chapter.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Breakout session: “GIWW Coastal Resiliency Study” Patrick Kerr, Galveston District Coastal Section Chief, H&H Branch.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Panel
4:30 - 4:45 p.m.: COL Timothy Vail Delivers Closing Remarks.

COMMENT CARDS:
Download Comment Card Here.  In addition, we will be emailing a request for comments directly to participants this year.

SELF-ASSESSMENT RECORD OF PARTICIPATION - Professional Development Hours (PDHs):
Download Self-Assessment Record of Participation. 

Feb 10 - 11, 2021
USACE, Galveston District (SWG)
Virtual Winter 2021 External Project Review Board (EPRB) Partnering Forum and Stakeholder Partnering Forum (SPF)

Theme: “Building Stronger Relationships to Build a More Resilient Texas Coast"

REGISTRATION

REGISTER HERE - NOW CLOSED

AGENDA 

Event timeline is in Central Time (CST)
SPF - Print Agenda
EPRB - Print Agenda

Day 1: WED, FEB 10, 2021

8:30 a.m. - noon
Texas Emerging Ports Forum (Ports Only)

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
USACE Galveston District (SWG) EPRB
Galveston District Operations Projects

Day 2: THU,  FEB 11, 2021

10:00 - 10:05 a.m.
Call to order and event orientation. Ron Wooten, Outreach Specialist, USACE-SWG Executive Office

10:05 -10:10 a.m.
The USACE Mission Video                                           





10:10 - 1025 a.m.: Welcome and Remarks, Introduce COL Timothy Vail, Byron Williams, Acting Deputy District Engineer, Programs and Project Management, USACE-SWG

  
10:25 - 10:35 a.m.: Stakeholder Welcome and Opening Remarks - “The Galveston District Through Time; A Look a  the Past, Present, and Future,”   COL Timothy Vail, Commander, USACE-SWG


10:35 - 10:50 a.m.: “The City of Galveston and the Galveston District; A Seawall and Relationship, Standing the Test of Time,” Mayor Craig Brown, Mayor, City of Galveston

         
10:50 - 11:10 a.m.: “Galveston District Emergency Operations Center; An Overview of Emergency Operations and the Silver Jacket Program Opportunities,” Alicia Rea, Director of Emergency Management and Security; Ryan Schwartzengraber, Emergency Management Specialist, USACE-SWG Emergency Management Operations

    
11:10 - 11:30 a.m.: “How We Can Work Together to Build Resiliency,” Patricia Anslow, Chief of Planning and Policy, USACE-SWD
RPEC and the Evolution of Project Planning in SWG, from a Seawall to a Coastal Spine; Brian Harper, Chief Civil Planning, SWD-RPEC


11:30 - 11:50 a.m.: “Working Within the Federal Programs,” Sean Strawbridge, Chief
Executive Officer, Port of Corpus Christi Authority


11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.: “The SWG Regulatory Program,”  Joe McMahan, Division Chief,
USACE-SWG Regulatory Division

12:10 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch

    
1:00 - 1:20 p.m.: “SWG Real Estate Program - Smart Sheets and Real Estate
Applications in Projects,” Kelsey Ciarrocca, Cartographer; David Mairs, Realty Specialist, USACE-SWG Real Estate Division

1:20 - 1:40 p.m.: “The Importance of Co-operative Agreements in Successfully Working to Build Resiliency,”  Tony Williams, Senior Director of Planning-Coastal Resources, Texas General Land Office

1:40 - 2:00 p.m.: “Building Economic Resiliency Through Port Improvements,”   Phyllis Saathoff, President, Texas Ports Association/ Executive Director and CEO, Port Freeport

2:00 - 2:20 p.m.: “Small Business Contracts and the Galveston District: How to Do Business with SWG,”   Jeff Neill, Division Chief, USACE-SWG Contracting Division

2:20 - 2:30 p.m.: Break (SWG District Video)

2:30 - 2:50 p.m.: “USACE Collaboration with the Texas General Land Office; Community Development and Revitalization Program (GLO-CDR) and partnership with the Texas Water Development Board,” Coraggio Maglio, Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch Chief, USAE-SWG Engineering and Construction Division

2:50 - 3:10 p.m.: Keynote Speaker: "A Perspective on Coastal Resiliency" from the Texas House of Representatives, Representative Dennis Paul, District 129, House of Representatives, State of Texas

        
3:10 - 3:30 p.m.: “Houston Stronger- A Buffalo Bayou Committee Plan”, Mary Anne Piacentini, President and Chief Executive Officer, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Houston Stronger; Auggie Campbell, Chairman, Houston Stronger/Executive Director, Association of Water Board Directors-Texas; David Lowe, BGE Shareholder Lead, Houston Stronger

3:30 - 3:50 p.m.: “A Historical Look at the Galveston District Operations and Navigation Division; Partnering with Us to Build Coastal Resiliency,” Chris Frabotta, Division Chief, USACE-SWG Operations and Navigation Division

3:50 - 4:10 p.m.: Galveston Island Park Board, “Building Resiliency Through Partnerships: Case Studies-Babe’s Beach,” Kimberly Danesi, Chief Operations Officer, Galveston Island Parks Board of Trustees

4:10 - 4:30 p.m.: Galveston Bay Foundation, “Building Resiliency Through Partnerships: Case Studies -Pierce Wetland Restoration,” Bob Stokes, President, Galveston Bay Foundation

4:30 - 4:50 p.m.: Ducks Unlimited, “Building Resiliency Through Partnerships: Case Studies -A Look at Past, Present and Future Wetland Restoration Partnerships,” Todd Merendino, Manager of Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited

4:50 - 5:00 p.m.: COL Timothy Vail Delivers Closing Remarks

5:00 - 5:05 p.m.
SWG District Video

Comment Cards

We will be emailing a request for comments directly to participants this year.

Self-Assessed Record of Participation - Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

Self-Assessment Record of Participation 

About this Event

In the afternoon of 10 February 2021, we will hold our EPRB. This is a review of active District studies and projects, with an opportunity to receive information and interact on current status, issues, and management actions being advanced to deliver on commitments. Here, we acknowledge our valued Non-Federal Sponsors and invite them to comment on the progress of our partnered work.

The Bi-Annual SPF will be held on 11 February 2021. There will be early bird special topic seminars, followed by a series of plenary sessions. Participation is a great way to keep abreast of progress and next steps for the portfolio of Civil Works and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 studies/projects at SWG across the Navigation, Flood Risk Management, and Ecosystem Restoration Business Lines.

 AUG 19-20, 2020
USACE, Galveston District (SWG)

Virtual Summer 2020 External Project Review Board (EPRB) and Stakeholder Partnering Forum

Theme: “Championing partnered management of water resources development for National economic development.”
 

REGISTRATION

Registration CLOSED.

AGENDA 

  DAY 1 - WED 19 AUG 

PRB PRESENTATION SLIDES - External Project Review Board (EPRB) Presentation  available to print here

Day 1 - Agenda Available to print here

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
USACE Galveston District (SWG) EPRB

1:00 p.m.
Opening Remarks

1:15 p.m.
Execution / Milestones

1:40 p.m. 
Operations & Maintenance Overview 

1:50 p.m.
Emergency Management 

2:00 p.m.
Flood Risk Management

2:45 p.m.
Eco Restoration / Storm Damage Reduction 

3:15 p.m.
Navigation

3:50 p.m.
CAP & PAS

4:00 p.m.
Summary

DAY 2 - THU 20 AUG

Day 2 - Full Agenda Available to print here

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. 
Early Bird Ethics Seminar, Government Ethics in the Workplace.
Speaker:  James Purcell, USACE, SWG

10:00 - 1005 a.m.
Call to order and event orientation
Speaker: Edmund Russo, Deputy District Engineer, Programs and Management, USACE, SWG

10:05 - 10:20 a.m.
Stakeholders Welcome
Speaker: Col. Timothy Vail, Galveston District Commander

10:20 - 10:30 a.m.
Special presentations
   Video:  Partnering - Texas Governor Greg Abbott

  Video: Champions of the Texas Coast- Col. Timothy Vail

10:30 - 1040 a.m.  
Break

  10:40 - 10:50 a.m.

Video: Southwestern Division (SWD) regional priorities. 
Speaker:  Brig. Gen. Christopher G. Beck, Southwestern Division (SWD) Commander

  10:50 - 11:10 a.m.

Recent achievements, current status, and future outlook of the SWD Civil Works Program.
Speaker:  Becky Moyer, USACE, SWD for Pete Perez, Programs Director, USACE, SWD

  11:10 - 11:40 a.m.

Status of the Bipartisian Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18) Program
Speaker: Jon Loxley, USACE, SWD

  11:40 - 11:50 a.m. 

Overview of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project 
Speaker: Teresa King, Project Manager, (S2G) (CSRM)

  11:50 - 12:10 a.m. 

Acquisition strategy update for the Civil Works and BBA 18 Programs
Speaker:  Toni Addison, USACE, SWG

12:10 - 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK

  1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Overview of the Draft SWD-SWG Civil Works Strategic Plan
Introduction by Rob Newman, Director, Regional Planning and Environmental Center
Speakers: Soupy Dalyander, Colleen McHugh, The Water Institute of the Gulf (TWIG) 

2:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Stakeholder WebEx chat questions and feedback on the Draft SWD - SWG Civil Works Strategic Plan
Speakers: Soupy Dalyander, Colleen McHugh, The Water Institute of the Gulf (TWIG)  ILSI/Arcadis
Facilitation by Rob Newman, Director, Regional Planning and Environmental Center

2:15 - 2:30 p.m. 
Break

  2:30 - 2:40 p.m.

Texas Ports Association update - (No presentation slides)
Speaker: Roger Guenther, Executive Director, Port of Houston 

  2:40 - 3:00 p.m. 

Status and way ahead forward on the Public-Private Partnership for the Brazos Island Harbor channel improvement project. 
Speaker: Eddie Campirano, Director and CEO, Port of Brownsville

  3:00 - 3:10 p.m. 
SWD message on partnering and Honorable R.D. James introduction,
Speaker: Pete Perez, Programs Director, USACE, SWD.

  3:10 - 3:40 p.m. 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: 
Speaker: Honorable R. D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works 

  3:40 - 4:00 p.m. 

SPF Conclusion - 10 Year Revenue Projections Galveston District 
Speaker: Col. Timothy Vail, Galveston District Commander

Self-Assessed Record of Participation - Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

Available to download and print here.  

Comment Card 

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this evaluation. Your comments will enable us to better plan and execute future events and tailor them to meet your needs. 

Available to download and print comment card here. 

About this Event

In the afternoon of 19 August 2020, we will hold our EPRB. This is a review of active District studies and projects, with an opportunity to receive information and interact on current status, issues, and management actions being advanced to deliver on commitments. Here, we acknowledge our valued Non-Federal Sponsors and invite them to comment on the progress of our partnered work.

The Bi-Annual SPF will be held on 20 August 2020. There will be early bird special topic seminars, followed by a series of plenary sessions. Participation is a great way to keep abreast of progress and next steps for the portfolio of Civil Works and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 studies/projects at SWG across the Navigation, Flood Risk Management, and Ecosystem Restoration Business Lines.

Feb 12-13, 2020
Texas A&M Galveston Campus
Building  3035, Room 203
Galveston, TX 77554
 

Registration and Agenda

RESERVATIONS:  (Seating is limited with participation through registration only. Check back soon!)

Hotel Options: Visit www.galveston.com and click on the "Where to Stay" drop-down link.

Agenda: Winter 2020 SPF Agenda

Presentations:  

• Horizontal directional drilling under flood risk management levees

• Current portfolio and future opportunities of Flood Plain Management Services, Planning Assistance to States, and Continuing Authorities Program

• Transformation from "Custodial-to-Mega" water resources development District

• Status of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18) Program

• Recent achievements, current status, and future outlook of the SWG Civil Works Program

• Acquisition strategy update for the Civil Works and BBA 18 Programs

• Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay CSRM, Port Arthur construction project initiation

• Corpus Christi Channel Improvement Project

• Houston Ship Channel Expansion and Improvement Study

• Port Freeport

Contact the public affairs office at swgpao@usace.army.mil or 409-766-3005 for question or look at the Summer 2019 below for some examples of the presentations. 

Aug. 13-14, 2019
Texas A&M Galveston Campus
Galveston, TX 77554
 

Registration:  Seating is limited with participation through registration only. Click on the registration link for more information.

Hotel Options: Visit www.galveston.com and click on the "Where to Stay" drop-down link.

Agenda Presentations:

• Project Review Board Agenda (Aug. 13, 2019)
• Project Review Board Presentation (Aug. 13, 2019)
• Ethics Brief, Clark Bartee (Aug 14, 2019 - 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.)
• Ethics Brief, Wayne Kreisel (Aug 14, 2019 - 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.)
   
• Setting the Stage, (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Col Timothy Vail (Aug 14, 2019 -10:05-10:20 a.m.)
   
• Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 Program,  (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Jon Loxley  (Aug 14, 2019 -10:20-10:40a.m.)
   
• Acquisition Strategy Update for the Civil Works and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 Programs, (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Teresa King (Aug 14, 2019 - 10:40-11:00 a.m.)
   
• Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration, (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Dr. Kelly Burks-Copes and Tony Williams (Aug 14, 2019 - 11:00-11:20 a.m.)
   
• Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Update,  (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Eddie Irigoyen - (Aug 14, 2019 - 11:20 - 11:40 a.m.) 
   
• Texas Ports Association Update,  (VIDEO PRESENTATION) 
  Roger Guenter  (Aug 14, 2019 - 11:40 a.m. - noon)
   
• Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project, (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Marshall Marik and Mathew Kaufmann (Aug 14, 2019 - 1:30 - 1:50 p.m.)
   
• Houston Ship Channel Expansion and Improvement Study, 
  (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Andrea Catanzaro and Eddie Campirano (Aug 14, 2019 - 1:50 - 2:10 p.m.)
   
• Construction Improvements to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel,  (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Nick Laskowski and Dan Koesema (Aug 14, 2019 - 2:10 - 2:50 p.m.) 
   
• Innovative procedural and financial approaches for constructing Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvements,
  (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Andrea Catanzaro and Eddie Campirano (Aug 14, 2019 - 2:30 - 2:50 p.m.)
   
• KEYNOTE: "Industry views on USACE projects and Partnering," (VIDEO PRESENTATION)
  Chad Burke (Aug 14, 2019 - 2:50 - 3:20 p.m.)

*  Participants are eligible for professional development hours (PDH).

Contact the public affairs office at swgpao@usace.army.mil or 409-766-3005.