Panama Canal
France began work on the canal in 1881, but stopped due to engineering problems and a high worker mortality rate. The United States took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal on August 15, 1914. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduced the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America via the Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan.
Michael Blumenfeld
Mr. Blumenfeld was appointed Deputy Undersecretary of the Army in April, 1977, and shortly thereafter as Acting Assistant Secretary (Civil Works). President Carter nominated him as Assistant Secretary (ASA/CW) in January, 1979 and he received Senate confirmation later that year. As ASA(CW), he provided leadership to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Panama Canal Company, and the administration of the Arlington National Cemetery. In late 1979 he also became the first Chairman of the bi-national Panama Canal Commission, which was established by the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977, to administer the Canal until the turnover to Panama December 31, 1999.