March 2, 2010

Contact: Sean Neary or Chris Gaddie
202) 224-2043

Conrad, Corps Discuss Plans for Possible Flood Fight

Senator Continues to Monitor Preparations for Central and Western North Dakota

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad met today with leaders from the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss flood preparation efforts for central and western North Dakota. 

“We narrowly avoided disaster last spring in community after community across the state. Time and again we held back flood waters threatening our homes and businesses because of the preparation and dedication of the people in those communities,” Senator Conrad said.  “If the forecasts we see are correct, that same dogged determination will be needed again this spring.”

Senator Conrad was briefed by Col. Robert Ruch, Commander and District Engineer of the Omaha District, Erik Blechinger, Deputy District Engineer; and Kayla Eckert-Uptmor, Chief of Planning, at a meeting in the Senator’s Capitol Hill office.

Col. Ruch updated the Senator on the flood protection preparation for the James River and other rivers in the Missouri River Basin such as the Knife River, Apple Creek, and Beaver Creek.  The National Weather Service is projecting flooding on these waterways. 

Senator Conrad asked Corps leaders if they have everything they need for a possible flood fight. Col. Ruch assured the Senator that the Corps has everything it needs and is well prepared. The Senator also encouraged the Corps to work with state and local officials on coordinating water releases from the Garrison Dam should ice jams develop on the Missouri River like they did last year.

“I was encouraged to hear the Corps’ plans to minimize any potential flooding this spring. They are monitoring the situation very closely and assured me they will be prepared for the flood fight,” Senator Conrad said. 

Col. Ruch will be in Jamestown on Monday, March 8, to meet with local officials and view both the Jamestown and Pipestem reservoirs.