06.13.12

Hoeven Pushes Corps to Move Forward Flood Protection Plan for Minot Region

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today met with Col. Michael Price, Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District, to push the agency to coordinate with state and local officials as rapidly as possible to finalize a comprehensive flood protection plan for the city of Minot and the surrounding region. The plan would consist of three elements: enhanced flood protection, including dikes and levees; adjustment of target flows from Canada; and increased storage capacity in Souris River reservoirs during potential flood events.

Col. Price said the Corps’ modeling indicated that a combination of the three elements could provide additional flood protection. By increasing capacity in dams and adjusting upstream flows, the Corps can help limit peak water levels through the basin during periods of heavy rainfall or heavy winter runoff. Strategically raising levees could provide further protection in key areas through the city and region.

“We asked Col. Price to report back to us on their progress in improving the way the river could be managed to provide enhanced flood protection for the Minot area,” Hoeven said. “They now need to coordinate efforts with the city and the state to make sure the elements are all working together.”

Corps officials will present these findings to the International Joint Board on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand International Inn in Minot.