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New York District honors employee excellence at Holiday Townhall celebration

Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
Published Dec. 12, 2013
New York District was recently awarded a prestigious Sustainability Good Neighbor Award for overseeing the New York and New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project.

New York District was recently awarded a prestigious Sustainability Good Neighbor Award for overseeing the New York and New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project.

On December 12, 2013 the New York District conducted its annual Holiday Town Hall Meeting hosted by Col. Paul Owen, the District Commander where he bestowed awards for excellent performance and addressed employee concerns. The District's theme was 'Going to the Movies' where several employees were recognized for a blockbuster year of outstanding performance and superb U.S. Government service.

Conducted at the District’s headquarters in downtown Manhattan, Owen spoke about the last 12 months and the remarkable year the District achieved, and the high standard set within the North Atlantic Division. Owen presented several awards to various employees who excelled in the hurricane Sandy Mission, and issued U.S. Government service awards for 35 to five year tenures.

He spoke about the credibility of the Corps and the many accolades the district received from its partners and specifically the City of New York Mayor and his deputy mayor.  He also spoke about the prospective New York City staff turnover in January 2014 and the importance of Army Corps coordination with the new mayoral staff.

"The District completed various important projects, studies and successful initiatives that were accomplished admirably despite sequestration and Government furlough," said Owen.  "I'm proud to serve as your commander," he added.

Owen addressed the audience about the subject of a furlough in 2014, and concerns about the District relocating to Church Street from its present digs in 2015 and responded to employee questions. Owen also elaborated on the importance of the District's commitment in accomplishing necessary repairs to the Marine Terminal at Caven Point, NJ.

He pointed out the dynamic but small District workforce involved in the east river project, the millions of dollars obligated and expended through contract actions, the potential of a missile site at Fort Drum, N.Y., and possible project; the work accomplished at the USMA West Point; Jamaica Bay Marsh Islands construction; and the imminent completion of the last Harbor Deepening Project contract and milestone at the end of 2014.

He ended the Town Hall by interacting with employees who spoke about their favorite movies and provided an update on the Combined Federal Campaign.