06.10.11

Hoeven Helps Coordinate Minot Flood Fight Efforts as Corps Boosts Releases from Lake Darling Dam

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven met in Minot today to review flood defenses with state and local officials, as well as officials of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The meeting follows the Corps’ decision, prompted by heavy rains, to increase flows from Lake Darling to 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The move is designed to prevent the Lake Darling Dam from topping its release gates. 

Minot is now looking at flows of 8,300 cfs with a predicted crest of 1553.5 feet at the Broadway Bridge sometime Sunday.  The city’s current dike system is able to handle about 1556 feet.   

The Senator thanked local officials, responders and volunteers for their hard work and diligence throughout the flood fight, and told them he is working to make sure they have all the resources they need to fight ongoing flooding.

“I’m here to make sure federal agencies are doing everything possible to help,” Hoeven told them. 

Hoeven said residents should await federal approval of the state’s request for individual assistance before contacting FEMA, but he encouraged people to save receipts and keep good records.  

Senator Hoeven also briefed officials on his meeting this week with Maj. Gen. Merdith W.B. Temple, acting commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hoeven and other Missouri River senators met with Temple to make sure state and local officials are getting all the resources they need to mount a successful flood fight, and to ensure that the Corps undertakes a thorough review of the factors that led to higher releases from upstream reservoirs.  

After the meeting, Senator Hoeven, Congressman Rick Berg and N.D. Adjutant Guard Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk reviewed dikes and levees from the ground in Minot, followed by an aerial review by helicopter of the Garrison Dam and spillway. The Senator stressed the importance of diligently monitoring the safety of levees and dams throughout the flood fight.