$1.8M Corps flood-control study for Watertown will uncover more options than a dam
Another flood control feasibility study is to be completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after the Watertown City Council approved a $175,000 financial commitment during Monday's meeting.
The total cost of the flood control study is $1.8 million.
The last flood control study was completed roughly 30 years ago, and a dry dam on the Big Sioux River was suggested at that time. The dam became a heated topic among landowners to the north of the city.
"I have chosen to keep (this discussion) a public hearing for several different reasons," said Mayor Ried Holien. "Number one, I believe that the public has the right to know. But number two is that this deals with a very sensitive issue that has been in the community for 30 years. It is my desire to handle this in a different way than how it's been done before."
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Much changes in a decade, so a new flood control feasibility study is required if Watertown wants to find ways to protect itself from future flooding.
"This is a new blank slate with the Corps," said City Engineer Heath VonEye. "They've got a lot of new factors that they have to consider now that they didn't and weren't required to consider a couple of decades ago."
The past study still contains helpful information that will prove useful to the Corps as it conducts a new survey. That information helps control the cost of the new study.
One requirement of the new study will be to increase involvement with landowners to ensure that the suggested flood mitigation project is the best option for the entire community.
"That includes the people up north being part of that community," said VonEye.
As science has progressed in flood control, the new study will also provide many mitigation options, not just the dry dam, which was suggested in the prior survey.
"The fruits of this feasibility study could produce different options than the dry dam. It could be a hybrid of options," VonEye said.
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The council members' primary concern is being mindful of the landowners on the north end of the city.
"I think it is very important that we're respectful of the landowners," said Councilman Bruce Buhler. "As we move through this process and these options come up, it is going to be key to keep those landowners involved and get an idea about how they feel about some of these ideas."
How much will it cost the city of Watertown?
The money to pay for the study comes from many different sources. The federal government is contributing $900,000 toward the cost, leaving the remaining $900,000 as a local expense.
The city received a State Water Resources Management System grant for $250,000, lowering the city's obligation to $650,000. An additional $200,000 was requested from State Water Resources Management System. If Watertown is granted the additional funds, the total the city would be responsible for would be $450,000.
The city council authorized $25,000 toward the study at the Aug. 2 council meeting. That sum might be fully reimbursed through the state, along with the $175,000 approved Monday night, VonEye said.
"That means that the $200,000 the city is responsible for would be $100,000, and the state will pick up the other $100,000," he said.
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Study will involve landowners, provide new options for flood control
