Army Corps confident dams/levees will hold

BALTIMORE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District is monitoring water levels at their 14 dams and lakes throughout Western Maryland, Central Pennsylvania and Southern New York, have activated their emergency operations center in downtown Baltimore.

Officials with the Army Corps say they are in constant coordination with local and state officials to offer assistance.

"Public safety is our number one priority, and we are committed to supporting our local partners and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as needed," said Col. J. Richard Jordan, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District. 'We are fully equipped and standing by to provide support during and after Hurricane Sandy impacts the area."

In anticipation of flooding, the Army Corps has set in motion a series of actions aimed at preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Army Corps engineers say inspections have been conducted of levees and dams.

"We are confident the projects will perform as designed," Jordan said.