Army Corps Seeks Contractors for Helena Floodwall Replacement Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District solicited information from qualified contractors in February 2025 regarding a planned Helena floodwall replacement project in Phillips County. The notice described the replacement of approximately 1,600 linear feet of existing floodwall, which is part of an overall system of about 3,700 feet, and outlined demolition of existing concrete elements, installation of sheet piling, dewatering and excavation, fabrication and installation of a steel swing gate, construction of a reinforced inverted T concrete floodwall, slope paving, and related site work.

The Corps estimated the contract magnitude between ten million and twenty five million dollars and requested responses from firms that could perform the specialized civil and marine construction tasks. A sources sought and market survey notice signals federal market research and helps shape procurement strategy, potentially affecting the timing and procurement method for the full project contract.

For Helena and Phillips County the project carries several immediate implications. Replacing a substantial segment of the floodwall could strengthen riverfront resilience, influence local flood risk management plans, and change maintenance responsibilities and costs in future years. Construction activity of this scale also has local economic effects, including opportunities for regional contractors, subcontractors and skilled trade workers. At the same time residents and businesses should expect coordination needs with county and city agencies for traffic management, site access, and emergency services during construction periods.

Institutionally the notice highlights the federal role in local infrastructure and the importance of transparency in contracting. The Corps market outreach is an early step that local officials and potential bidders can monitor to ensure local capacity and labor considerations are reflected in procurement. Infrastructure projects of this size also influence civic engagement because they intersect with planning priorities and budget decisions that shape municipal and county elections and governance debates.

Residents seeking more information should follow public notices from the Army Corps Memphis District and engage with city and county planning and emergency management offices to track timelines and community impacts as the project advances from market research to formal contracting and construction.