U.S. Army Corps of Engineers $1.8M flood control study could mean dam on Big Sioux River
Watertown needs better flood mitigation, and the city council has taken another step toward addressing the issue by approving an updated flood control feasibility study to be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The action, which could lead to a dam on the Big Sioux River, was taken at Monday night's council meeting.
Watertown has been dealing with floodwaters for decades, a sometimes heated topic for the city and surrounding area. But without an updated flood control study, there remains the threat of more serious flooding in the future.
“I think this is long overdue,” said Councilmember Colin Paulsen. “Having been with the engineering department when we went through the flood of 2018, it was a trying time.”
The Corps of Engineers estimates that the study will cost $1.8 million. There is a 50/50 match between non-federal and federal funds. For non-federal money, the state will pay $250,000 and the city $650,000.
“We’ve got the perfect scenario where the federal funding is in place,” said City Engineer Heath VonEye. “The Corps of Engineers has been given the go-ahead to move forward with an update to that feasibility study. The state has earmarked their dollars to help match our dollars toward this study.”
The first phase of the study will cost $25,000 and will be used to begin collaborating with the affected agencies, communities and landowners. There will also be at least one meeting dedicated to addressing concerns from the public.
With three decades of movement toward flood mitigation, there has been a great deal of data already collected by the Corps. Although it is not a guarantee, the hope is that building a dam on the Big Sioux River will prevent flooding in Watertown and downstream.
“Hopefully, we can come to a solution, but we also have to be careful,” said Councilman Randy Tupper. “We have to remember that they are our neighbors. They may not live in the city of Watertown, but they are our neighbors. We have to remember to keep consideration for everyone involved, not just the city of Watertown.”
The study is expected to take three years, but could be completed sooner. Once the study is finished, steps toward building the dam will first need to be authorized by Congress.
“Once (the dam) is authorized, it’s eligible for construction funding through the Corps. The Corps typical cost share is 65% federal and 35% non-federal,” said Greg Johnson, chief of plan formulation and project management with the Corps.
Construction wouldn't begin before 2027.
The council voted unanimously approved moving forward with the study.
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Dam on Big Sioux River could result from Watertown flood study
