07.31.12

Delegation: Corps Awards Contract for Hoge Island Bank Stabilization Repairs

WASHINGTON –Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad and Congressman Rick Berg today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a nearly $1 million contract for bank stabilization repairs in the Hoge Island area. The work, which includes placing about 10,800 tons of stone along the Missouri River, will repair damages from flooding in 2011 and help to protect against future flooding.

“River bank stabilization is a key component in protecting against future flooding in Hoge Island and other Missouri River communities,” said the delegation. “We’re continuing to work to ensure the Corps addresses flood control issues across the state, including bank stabilization and sandbar management efforts in the Bismarck-Mandan area.”

Trade West Construction, Inc. will complete bank stabilization projects along 5-miles of the Missouri River, including the Eagle Park and Burnt Creek projects. Bank stabilization is one of the primary flood control measures the Corps provides along the Missouri River in North Dakota.

The delegation has been pressing Corps officials to address sandbars and other flow constrictions on the Missouri River ahead of winter to prevent ice jams and potential flooding. Last year’s record flood changed the river and left large deposits of sand south of Bismarck-Mandan.

In conference calls this month, Hoeven asked the Corps to work with the state to take steps such as dredging, lowering sandbars, developing an agreed upon flow plan to minimize the risk of ice jams and flooding. Additionally, he asked the Corps to expedite permitting and reduce red tape. At Hoeven’s request, the Omaha District’s Chief of Hydraulic Engineering John Remus came to Bismarck last winter to review both the bank stabilization damages and sandbars on the Missouri and to work on solutions with the state.

The delegation also worked to provide funding for management and flood mitigation efforts, including a special disaster appropriations bill passed by Congress last December that provides $700 million specifically for general operations, maintenance and flood controls along the Missouri River.