OF THE ARMY, MISSOURI RIVER DIVISION CORPS OF ENGINEERS OMAHA, NEBRASKA 1 "TWO CENTURIES OF RIVER TRANSPORTATION" July 21,1804 "At 7 pm., after covering 14 miles (on the Missouri) in the rain the parti; reached the great river Platte. The highlands which they had seen on the south for the last 8 or 10 miles stopped abruptly. Captains Lewis and Clark ascended the Platte for about 1 mile, reported the current very rapid and divided into a number of channels, none of which were deeper than 5 or 6 feet." From the Lewis & Clark Journals Since its discovery in 1673 by Pere Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, and by Louis Joliet, a fur trader, the Missouri River has played a vital role in the development of the great basin. No one knows when the white man first explored the length of the river, but in 1764 when St. Louis was founded, it is known that French trappers had already ventured far upstream. For many years prior to the advent of the steamboat, the river was used by canoes, keelboats, pirogues, rafts, bullboats, and other small craft engaged mainly in the transportation of furs and hides. The territory now a part of the Missouri River basin was acquired by the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. That same year, President Thomas Jefferson com­ missioned Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to head an expedition for the exploration of the Missouri River. Leaving St. Louis in May 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled the river to its source, explored vast areas of land westward to the Pacific Ocean, and returned to St. Louis in September 1806. The largest of the three crafts used for the expedition was a 55-foot keelboat drawing 3 feet of water. It carried one large square sail and 22 oars. Larger keelboats of the early settlers soon appeared on the river. These were followed by the Govern­ ment's steamboats "Thomas Jefferson," "Independ­ ence," and "Western Engineer," which were used by the Longs Yellowstone Expedition in 1819 to demonstrate the practicability of steamboat transpor­ tation on the Misouri. The "Western Engineer" made the greatest distance, more than 600 river miles, reaching a point near the present city of Omaha, Nebraska. In 1856 the first boat docked at Sioux City, Iowa and was later followed by the "Spread Eagle" which, in the same year, went to Ft. Benton, Montana more than 2,200 miles upstream from the river's mouth. Steamboat transportation reached its peak in 1880 when wharfmaster's records at St. Louis showed 332 departures and arrivals to and from the Missouri River, with 46 arrivals at Ft. Benton. Missouri River traffic was heavy during that period, and steamboat disasters were numerous and costly in the loss of life and property. Shoals, snags, and sunken craft marked each mile of the river, and boat pilots had to feel their way along the treacherous channel which, in its meanderings, often changed overnight. With the uncertainties and dangers of river travel, it became easy for passengers and traders to abandon the river in favor of the faster and safer rail transportation then making its appearance in the basin. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, river navigation declined rapidly, and little evidence of its revival was noted until 1935 when, following the extensive program of channel improvement carried out by the Corps of Engineers, the Federal Barge Lines began operating towboats between St. Louis and Kansas City. Today the once wild, unpredictable Missouri is stabilized from its mouth to Sioux City, Iowa, a distance of more than 700 miles. Modern towboats with diesel engines, developing from 1,800 to 3,200 horsepower, push cargo-laden barges measuring 195 feet in length, or almost four times the length of the Lewis and Clark keelboat. T£ 43- Z >/nr BUILDING / vi TOMORROW MecP TODAY ec

TO OUR READERS: Throughout history, water has played a dominant role in shaping the destinies of nations and entire civilizations. The early settlement and development of our country occurred along our coasts and water courses. The management of our land and water resources was the catalyst which enabled us to progress from a basically rural and agrarian economy to the urban and industrialized nation we are today. Since the General Survey Act of 1824, the US Army Corps of Engineers has played a vital role in the development and management of our national water resources. At the direction of Presidents and with Congressional authorization and funding, the Corps of Engineers has planned and executed major national programs for navigation, flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, recreation and water conservation which have been responsive to the changing needs and demands of the American people for 152 years. These programs have contributed significantly to the economic growth of our country and to the well-being of the American people. Today, the activities of the Corps of Engineers in water resources management, under the direction of the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal government, continue to support national goals and objectives. These include conservation of our water resources, protection of our wetlands, non-structural solutions to flood-damage control problems, total water manage­ ment in metropolitan areas, flood plain management, and the preservation and enhancement of the quality of our environment for future generations. This booklet describes the past, current, and proposed activities of the Corps of Engineers in your state. I trust that you will find it informative, interesting, and useful. S~\

J. W. MORRIS Lieutenant General, USA Chief of Engineers

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, MISSOURI RIVER DIVISION CORPS OF ENGINEERS OMAHA, NEBRASKA The address of each Corps of Engineers office involved in the State is given below, and the area of responsibility of each is indicated on the map in the back of this pamphlet. Inquiries regarding the work of the Corps should be addressed to the appropriate office. DIVISION ENGINEER DEPARTMENTOFTHE ARMY, MISSOURI RIVER DIVISION Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 103, Downtown Station Omaha, Nebraska 68101 DISTRICT ENGINEER DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Omaha District, Corps df Engineers 6014 U.S. Post Office and Court House 215 North 17th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 DIVISION ENGINEER DEPARTMENT OFTHE ARMY, NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION Corps of Engineers 536 South Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60605

DISTRICT ENGINEER DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY St. Paul District, Corps of Engineers 1217 U.S. Post Office and Custom House St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 INTRODUCTION 5 MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES 15 COMPLETED MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS 19 Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea 19 Bowman-Haley Lake, North Dakota 21 COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS 22 Marmarth Local Flood Protection 22 Mandan Local Flood Protection 23 Lower Heart River Flood Control 23 ASSOCIATED PROJECTS OF OTHER AGENCIES 22 MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS UNDER WAY 24 Comprehensive Plan, Missouri River Basin 24 Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe 25 Pipestem Lake, North Dakota 27 FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS UNDER WAY 26 Missouri River between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe 26 STREAMBANK EROSION CONTROL 27 OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS 27 Mott, Cannonball River 27 WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES 28 Small Flood Control Projects 28 Flood Fighting and Emergency Repairs 29 Flood Plain Information Reports 31 SURVEYS UNDER WAY 32 SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER BASIN 35 COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS 39 Lake Traverse-Bois de Sioux River 39 Lake Ashtabula and Baldhill Dam 40 Homme Dam and Lake 40 Red River of the North 41 FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS UNDER WAY 42 Channel Improvements, Souris River at Minot 42 Red River of The North at Pembina 43, 45 OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS 42 Kindred Lake, Sheyenne River 42 Burlington Dam, Souris River, North Dakota 43 Grafton, North Dakota 45 URBAN STUDIES 44 Souris-Red-Rainy Region 44 WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES 44 Velva, North Dakota 44 Lower Branch Rush River 44 Red River of the North at Pemibina, North Dakota 43, 45 SURVEYS UNDER WAY 46 INDEX 47 STATE MAP Cover Illustrations: T. J. Hudson 4 When adverse conditions or problems arise in con­ nection with flooding or related conservation matters, local interests, if unable to cope with the situation, may petition their representatives in Congress for assistance. The representatives, after consideration of such petitions, may request the appropriate Con­ gressional Committee to direct the Corps of Engineers to investigate the feasibility and economics of reme­ dial measures. When the directive covers an entire river basin, the basin is studied as a unit, and every effort is made to develop a comprehensive plan. Flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation, irri­ gation, water supply, water quality control, recrea­ tion, and such other water uses as can be economi­ cally integrated into the plan are considered. Throughout the investigation and planning stages of a basin development, close coordination is maintained with local interests, the State, and other Federal agencies. As a result, the desires of local interests and the plans of other agencies receive full con­ sideration, and the project as finally recommended for construction by the Corps of Engineers becomes a properly designed unit in the ultimate comprehensive development of the stream basin. The entire program, from preliminary planning through construction and operation, is under the direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of the Chief of Engi­ neers, U.S. Army. The decentralized organization of the Corps of En­ gineers, with its 11 major divisions based primarily on drainage boundaries, is particularly suited to the conduct of comprehensive studies leading to the most effective utilization of our water resources. Most of INTRODUCTION the major river basins are entirely within the boun­ daries of single divisions, and district boundaries are This booklet provides timely, concise information con­ usually established to include one or more principal cerning the water resources development program of tributary basins. Thus, the studies of water resources the Corps of Engineers in North Dakota. Although it is needs and development for an entire river system, a regularly constituted branch of the United States such as the Missouri River, can be coordinated in a Army, with extensive military engineering and con­ single office where the varied and sometimes struction responsibilities, the Corps is actively en­ conflicting water uses can be most readily resolved gaged also in planning and building projects for flood and duplications of effort avoided. The programs and control, navigation, and water conservation as activities of the Corps, as presented herein, are primary civil functions under Federal law. arranged by major subbasins which lie wholly or partially within the state. The guiding principle — the greatest good for the greatest number of persons — is and must be followed if our water and land resources are to fulfill our needs in the years to come. Inasmuch as both Divisions and Districts of the Corps of Engineers for Civil Works are defined geographi­ cally to embrace complete river basins, subbasins, or appropriate river reaches, the organizational pattern in North Dakota involves two Divisions and two Districts. In North Dakota, overall coordination among all plished by means of reservoirs, local protection Federal and state agencies working to develop land works, or combinations of both. Local protection is and water resources is accomplished through the accomplished by channel enlargement and improve­ Columbia Basin Inter-Agency committee and the ment, realignment, removal of obstructions, con­ Missouri River Basin Commission. struction of levees and floodwalls, bank protection, and appurtenant works. The Souris-Red-Rainy River Basins Commission serves as the principal agency for coordination of Reservoirs constructed for flood control often include Federal, State, interstate, local, and nongovern­ additional storage capactiy for multipurpose uses, mental plans for developing water and related land re­ such as for the conservation of water for municipal sources in the region. In Fiscal Year 1968, the Com­ and industrial uses and water quality control, navi­ mission initiated a comprehensive framework study gation, irrigation, development of hydroelectric with participation by the States of North Dakota, power, conservation and enhancement of fish and Minnesota, and South Dakota and eight Federal wildlife values, and recreation. Where there are agencies. The study was completed in June 1972. several reservoirs in a basin, their operation as a Activities and functions of the Missouri River Basin coordinated system increases the benefits in down­ Commission are discussed elsewhere in this Introduc­ stream areas. tion in connection with the Missouri River Basin Com­ Water resources projects completed by the Corps in prehensive Framework Study. the State of North Dakota include the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne FLOOD CONTROL River, Homme Dam on the Park River, Bowman-Haley Federal concern in flood control dates back to the Dam on the North Fork of the Grand River, and local early part of the 19th Century when the interrela­ flood protection projects at Mandan, Marmarth, and tionship of flood control and navigation became Scranton, and at several locations in the basin of the apparent in the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River. Red River of the North. Garrison Dam has provided Congress, in the Flood Control Act of 1936, extended flood control protection since 1953, electrical power that interest to the entire country due to the impact of since 1956, and its reservoir, officially named Lake disastrous floods affecting wide areas, as well as Sakakawea, is a popular recreation area. transportation systems. In addition, the Corps is supervising the development The purpose of flood control work is to regulate of the public use areas of Lake Oahe, Lake Ashtabula, floodflows and thus to prevent flood damage. The and the Bowman-Haley Lake. Bank protection work is term "flood control" also includes alleviation of major being done at selected sites along the Garrison-Oahe drainage problems. These objectives are accom­ reach of the Missouri River.

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NAVIGATION In addition, the Corps of Engineers is responsible for Navigation improvements as provided by the Federal administering the Federal laws for the preservation Government stem from the commerce clause of the and protection of the navigable waters of the United Constitution, and from subsequent decisions of the States. Among other things, these laws pertain to Supreme Court, to the effect that the Federal obliga­ granting of permits for structures over or in navigable tions to regulate navigation and commerce also in­ waters and for operations in navigable waters; cluded the right to make necessary improvements. alteration or removal of obstructive bridges; removal of sunken vessels or other obstructions endangering Navigation improvement has two aspects which must navigation; establishment of anchorage grounds, be considered. It is a part of the overall problem of the special anchorage areas, danger zones, dumping development of water resources and at the same time grounds, restricted areas, fishing areas, and harbor is an element of the national transportation problem. lines. The Corps of Engineers also compiles annual The Federal Government is concerned with both statistics on commercial cargoes. These data are aspects. highly important in determining the need for and The primary objective of river and harbor improve­ justification of the improvement and maintenance of ments is to assist in the development, conduct, and rivers and harbors for commerce and navigation. safety of water-borne commerce. This is accomp­ They are also of value to commercial and shipping lished by deepening and widening waterways so that concerns, various Federal and local agencies, and commercial and other watercraft can be accom­ others interested in transportation. modated safely and expeditiously to provide an economical means of transportation for various types HYDROELECTRIC POWER of cargoes. Other objectives include provision of Hydroelectric power long has been an important part facilities to promote recreational boating. of the Nation's economic system and has become an Navigation works also provide important intangible integral part of the water resources development pro­ benefits. These include the expansion of existing, and gram. Power is included in any Corps of Engineers the development of new, agricultural and industrial project only at the direction of Congress, which acts production, and the removal of broad sectional handi­ upon recommendations of the Federal Power caps due to inaccessibility. National benefits include Commission. Such recommendations are generally transportation values to the national defense, particu­ based upon the current and potential market, and, of larly in case of emergencies. The Corps of Engineers course, upon the economic feasibility. The Corps is responsible for construction, maintenance, and becomes only the constructing agent in this matter, operation of Federal river and harbor projects, and and generated power in turn is distributed by the the cost is largely Federal. appropriate marketing agencies. WATER SUPPLY Through the enactment of the National Environmental Water supply is of increasing vital interest to the na­ Policy Act of 1969, the Environmental Quality Im­ tional economy and security, and full attention is provement Act of 1970, and other legislation, the given to this subject in the planning of river basin Executive Branch and the Congress have placed upon works. Under Section 6 of the Flood Control Act of the Corps of Engineers and other Federal agencies 1944, the Secretary of the Army is authorized to make engaged in the development of natural resources, the contracts with States, municipalities, private con­ responsibility of seeking such a balance. The Corps, cerns, or individuals for domestic and industrial uses in its comprehensive studies and project investiga­ of surplus water that may be available at Corps of tions, considers environmental values and needs Engineers projects. The Water Supply Act of 1958 equally with economic, technical, and social factors. makes further provisions for water supply storage in Public participation is actively sought and encouraged Federal navigation, flood control, irrigation, or multi­ to work in partnership with the Corps to define ple-purpose projects. Under the terms of the Water environmental objectives. At the State level, Citizens Supply Act, reimbursement to the Federal Govern­ Environmental Councils, composed of individuals ment by local interests for the costs involved may be representing a broad spectrum of public interest and extended over a period of 50 years. This Act was environmental and socio-economic disciplines, are amended in 1961 to increase the Federal interest in sponsored by Division and District Engineers to assist water quality control. in the formulation and review of the Corps' broad planning process. Similarly, local interests are ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS encouraged to form Citizens Advisory Groups to assist Traditionally, Americans have sought economic in the review of specific project study and planning. expansion and development to support a growing Environmental considerations are essential compo­ population and to achieve a better standard of living. nents of the decision-making process throughout the It has become evident, particularly within this decade, planning, design, construction, and operational that our natural resources, including environmental phases. The Corps of Engineers extends a standing quality, are not limitless. Thus, our Nation is faced invitation to all concerned citizens to participate in with the critical need to provide a quality environment this vital program. for its citizens while, at the same time, insuring the prudent development of its limited natural resources. RECREATION Wise planning is vital, then, to attain a balance Outdoor recreational opportunities are now recog­ between economic growth and the preservation of nized as a national resource worthy of development to natural beauty. a far greater degree than heretofore. Accordingly, in

8 the planning of water resources projects, Federal titled "Wildlife on the Main Stem." This film may be agencies now consider the needs and potentialties for obtained from the Public Affairs Office of either the outdoor recreation on the same basis as other uses of Missouri River Division or the Omaha District, Corps water resources. In carrying out the civil works of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, for showing by program according to the directives of Congress, the schools, colleges, universities, and by civic organiza­ Corps of Engineers has made miilions of acres of tions. lands and water areas available, including both river improvement and lake projects, for public recrea­ A map at the back of this booklet shows the location tional use. and status of each project described in detail. The Although facilities for recreational use of lake areas map also shows the jurisdictional boundaries of the are being provided as rapidly as possible, the demand Corps of Engineers' offices, and their addresses are continues to exceed the steadily increasing supply. shown in the front of this booklet. Facilities provided for public use at lakes include access roads, boat-launching ramps and navigation aids, parking areas for cars and trailers, observation FLOOD PLAIN INFORMATION points, picnic areas, campgrounds, swimming areas, The Chief of Engineers, through the Secretary of the and water supply. Provisions are also made for the Army, is authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1960 preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife to provide information to States and local communi­ resources. Additional privately owned facilities and ties, upon their request, for optimum use and regula­ services such as motels, restaurants, and sporting tion of flood plain areas. The work done by the Corps goods stores are generally provided on adjacent under this authority involves surveying and mapping of private lands. Facilities such as marinas with their flood plain areas, together with technical studies attendant items for sale and rent are normally located necessary to establish the flood damage potential, on Federal lands on a concessionaire basis. flood heights, and the extent of inundation of the Wildlife is thriving within the reservoir areas of the areas involved. Such information is provided to aid Missouri River basin due to an abundance of food, local interests in establishing rights-of-way lines, water, and natural habitat. The presence of wildlife stream clearance lines, and land use regulations. provides an additional benefit to the hunter, the Special flood hazard information reports are provided photographer, the student of wildlife, and to the under the Corps of Engineers' technical services tourist who derives enjoyment from observing wildlife program to provide guidance for flood plain manage­ in the open country. The Corps of Engineers has ment planners. These studies can be requested by produced a 26-minute, 16-millimeter film in color, Federal, State, or local governmental agencies for authorizes the Corps to provide the same kind of small areas, for short stream reaches, or when flood planning and engineering assistance to states and plain information reports are not scheduled. These regional urban bodies upon request. reports usually fulfill a more immediate need for flood plain regulation or planning and they may be com­ This new mission of the Corps of Engineers, known as parable in scope to a full flood plain information the Urban Studies Program, began in 1972. The major report. objective of the Urban Studies Program is to use the Corps knowledge and expertise, working in partner­ FLOOD INSURANCE STUDIES ships with local and State governments, to develop realistic plans to help solve water and land-related The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as problems in a given urban region for about the next 50 amended, and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of years, or until the year 2020. 1973 were enacted to inform communities about their flood dangers, provide new construction, reasonable OTHER SPECIAL AND CONTINUING protection from flood damage by prudent manage­ ment of the flood plain, and protect residents of flood- AUTHORITIES prone areas against financial losses from flooding. A Under legislation enacted by Congress, the Corps of Engineers is authorized to undertake certain flood major objective of this program is to encourage, at the control measures without specific congressional local level, the development and application of adequate flood plain management measures designed approval for each project. These measures include to reduce future potential flood losses. A vital step in the construction of small flood control projects, the meeting the goal of a nationwide program of proper removal of accumulated snags and other debris from flood plain management measures is an evaluation of tributary streams, channel clearing and straightening a community's existing flood damage potential. This in navigable streams and their tributaries, and evaluation, the Flood Insurance Study, is conducted emergency bank protection works. by the Corps of Engineers or other designated Federal In each instance, the project must constitute a com­ agencies at the request of the Federal Insurance plete solution to the problem and it must be econom­ Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and ically sound: that is, the economic benefits derived Urban Development. from the project must exceed the costs of the project. Also, each project must be sponsored by and coor­ URBAN STUDIES PROGRAM dinated with the local interests desiring the project. Early in 1970 the Corps of Engineers was authorized Any costs in excess of the Federal limitation must be by Congress to conduct a series of pilot wastewater absorbed by the project sponsor, that is, a city, management studies in several major metropolitan county, State or other legal governmental unit with the areas of the United States. From these studies the power to levy taxes, provide certain assurances, and Corps has gained valuable experience in wastewater pay the non-Federal costs of the project. Requests for management planning. The 1972 Water Quality Act studies of problems covered by these continuing authorities may be initiated by a local governmental services. The authority does not apply to privately unit by writing either to the Corps of Engineers or to owned property or structures except as indicated appropriate Congressional representatives. above. The following paragraphs describe briefly the salient OTHER EMERGENCY ACTIVITIES features of the Corps' continuing authorities: In addition to the foregoing authorities, the Corps of SMALL FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS Engineers is also authorized to engage in flood fight­ Section 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act, as ing and rescue operations, to repair or restore flood amended, gives authority to the Chief of Engineers to control works threatened or damaged by floods, to construct small flood control projects such as levees, construct emergency flood protection works, and to floodwalls, and small dams. The Federal share for assist State and local governments in alleviating dam­ each project may not exceed $2,000,000 at any single age, hardship, and suffering caused by major dis­ locality except in an area that has been declared a asters. Following are brief descriptions of the emer­ major disaster area. In that instance, the Federal gency authorities of the Corps of Engineers: share for each project may not exceed $3,000,000 PUBLIC LAW 99, FLOOD-ASSOCIATED ASSISTANCE providing the project area has been classified as a The Corps of Engineers is authorized by Congress to major disaster area within the 5-year period engage in flood fighting and rescue operations, and to immediately preceding the date the Chief of Engineers repair or restore flood control works threatened or determines that construction of a project is warranted. damaged by floods. When emergency assistance is SNAGGING AND CLEARING required, local officials can coordinate their request Section 208 of the 1954 Flood Control Act, as through the State Civil Defense Preparedness Agency. amended, authorizes the Chief of Engineers to If the emergency is beyond local and State capa­ approve the expenditures of up to $250,000 a year on bilities, the Agency may then request assistance from any one tributary stream for removal of accumulated the Corps. snags and other debris, and for channel clearing and The Corps rehabilitation and restoration authority straightening in navigable streams and tributaries to following a flood is limited to flood control structures. reduce flood damages. Under Public Law 99, the Corps authority does not EMERGENCY BANK PROTECTION extend to the reimbursement of State or local authori­ Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act, as ties for expenditures of funds for flood fighting, the amended, authorizes the Chief of Engineers to spend dewatering of flooded areas, or for the flood cleanup up to $250,000 annually in a single locality for the or removal of temporary flood control structures. construction, repair, restoration, or modification of Such activities, however, may be authorized after emergency streambank and shoreline protection Presidential declaration of a major disaster (See works to prevent damage to highways, bridge "Public Law 288"). approaches, public works and utilities, churches, PUBLIC LAW 99 —OPERATION FORESIGHT hospitals and schools, and other non-profit public In 1969, Operation Foresight, an emergency flood

11 protection program, was launched by order of the law provides for Corps assistance, as directed, in President. In the spring of that year, the National undertaking in the public interest, protective meas­ Weather Service had predicted major flooding be­ ures such as flood debris removal and other work cause of the heavy snow cover in the Missouri River beyond the scope of the authority of Public Law 99." basin. The President ordered the Office of Emergency Preparedness (now the Federal Disaster Assistance PERMITS FOR WORK IN NAVIGABLE WATERS Administration), to coordinate Federal planning to The Department of the Army, acting through the augment State and local resources, and directed the Corps of Engineers, performs extensive civil functions Secretary of the Army to use available authorities to which include the construction, operation, mainte­ employ the Corps' capabilities. nance, and control of river and harbor and flood- control improvements authorized by law, and the ad­ Since Public Law 99 authorizes the Chief of Engineers ministration of certain laws enacted by Congress for to expend funds for flood emergency preparations, no the protection and preservation of navigation and new legislation was necessary for Corps' participa­ navigable waters of the United States. tion. The Chief of Engineers cannot, however, issue Within the Missouri River basin, streams that are an Operation Foresight declaration until the National classified as "navigable waters" are the Missouri Weather Service has predicted that major flooding River from its mouth to Three Forks, Montana; the could occur on designated streams. Yellowstone River from its mouth to the town of Upon the issuance of an Operation Foresight declara­ Emigrant, Montana; and the Big Sioux River from its tion, the Corps of Engineers is then authorized to mouth to a point 3.5 miles upstream therefrom. advise threatened communities of emergency activi­ Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act approved 3 ties they can take to protect themselves from March 1899 prohibits the unauthorized obstruction or predicted flood threats. When requested by State or alteration of any navigable water of the United States. local authorities, or when certain emergency work is Traditionally, the Corps of Engineers exercised its clearly beyond the financial and manpower resources Section 10 jurisdiction over commercially navigated of the community, the Corps can also construct waterways with a primary interest directed toward emergency levees to protect public facilities in flood- preserving navigation. As a result of the enactment of threatened areas. the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and PUBLIC LAW 288 — MAJOR DISASTER RECOVERY subsequent public interest legislation, the Corps was Public Law 288 provides that: "Upon declaration of a mandated to expand its limited "navigational" review major disaster by the President, the Corps and other to encompass a broader public interest review. Federal agencies, at the direction of the Federal Activities requiring a Section 10 permit include the Disaster Assistance Administration, will assist State construction of any structure in or over any navigable and local governments in alleviating the damage, water of the United States, the excavation from or hardships, and suffering caused by the disaster. The depositing of material in such waters, or the accom- plishment of any other work affecting the course, inspected within the twelve-month period immediately location, condition, or capacity of such waters. prior to the enactment of this Act by a State agency Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control and which the Governor of such State requests be amendments of 1972 only regulates the discharge of excluded from inspection; and (4) dams which the dredged or fill material in navigable waters. The Secretary of the Army determines do not pose any Section 404 program, however, is broader in jurisdic­ threat to human life or property. tional boundaries than Section 10; it not only The program is being accomplished in two steps: (1) regulates activities in the traditionally navigable an Inventory Phase, which has been completed; and waters of the United States but also includes (2) an Inspection Phase which hinges on Congres­ tributaries to those waters, lakes over 5 acres in sional action. The Inventory Phase, Corps-wide, surface area, and wetlands adjacent or contiguous to covered approximately 49,000 dams. The following those water bodies. recommendations were made in the Inventory Phase The decision as to whether a permit will be issued is report: based on an evaluation of all relevant factors in­ (a). A survey be made of each State and Federal cluding the effect of the proposed work in navigation, agency's capabilities and practices regarding the fish and wildlife, conservation, pollution, esthetics, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ecology, and the general public interest. dams; Detailed information on permits required under Sec­ (b). Guidelines for the safety inspection and evalua­ tion 10, or Section 404, or on other authorities of the tion of dams; and Corps of Engineers may be obtained by writing to the (c). Establishment of a comprehensive national pro­ nearest District Engineer at the address listed in the gram for inspection of dams, including the responsi­ front of this booklet. bilities to be assumed by Federal, State, and local governments, and by public and private interests. NATIONAL DAM SAFETY PROGRAM Public Law 92-367, dated August 8, 1972, authorized When specifically requested by the Governor of a the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of State, the Corps conducted some investigations of Engineers, to undertake a national program of in­ dams during the Inventory Phase. specting dams for the purpose of protecting human life and property. All dams in the United States shall be inspected except: (1) dams under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation, the Tennessee Valley Authority, or the International Boundary and Water Commission; (2) dams which have been constructed pursuant to licenses issued under the authority of the Federal Power Act; (3) dams which have been

The Missouri River tributaries in North Dakota originate in two subbasins known generally as the Western Dakota and the Eastern Dakota Subbasins. The Western Dakota Subbasin encompasses an area of more than 77,000 square miles and includes portions of South MISSOURI Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. The subbasin contains two distinctly RIVER different areas. One is the Black Hills, an TRIBUTARIES area of striking terrain, with mineral and (Missouri River Division) timber resources and a substantial, though seasonal, tourist trade which promises to dominate the local economy. The other area is the Great Plains, semi-arid and, hence, semi-sterile. In both areas the economy is dominated by agriculture, particularly live­ stock grazing. The subbasin contains a con­ siderable amount of lignite which could be used in thermal powerplants. In North Dakota, the Western Dakota Sub­ basin spreads, fan shaped, from the south­ west corner of the State north and east to the Missouri River which forms the perimeter of the subbasin. Major subbasin tributaries of the Missouri River are the Cannonball, Heart, Knife, and Little Missouri Rivers. The Yellow­ stone River crosses into North Dakota from neighboring Montana and continues north­ Dakota. About 92 percent of the subbasin is ward another 20 miles or so before entering in private farms. But the area experiences the upstream end of Lake Sakakawea. This extremes of floods and droughts, and agricul­ 178-mile-long lake is impounded by Garrison tural production is accordingly unstable. The Dam which straddles the Missouri about 75 subbasin in North Dakota is unique in that it miles upstream from Bismarck, the capital of has only one major stream, the James River. North Dakota. Although it originates in North Dakota, the Completed by the Corps of Engineers in the James follows an almost due-south course 1950's, Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea along the eastern edge of the subbasin into is a major unit in the main stem system of South Dakota, continues its southerly course dams. Other projects constructed in North through that State and joins the Missouri Dakota by the Corps of Engineers' Omaha River in the vicinity of Yankton, South District provide flood protection for the com­ Dakota. Pipestem Creek, the largest tributary munities of Marmarth, Scranton, and Man- in North Dakota of the James River, has been dan. On the Missouri River between Garrison the cause of serious flooding in the city of Dam and the headwaters of Lake Oahe the Jamestown and adjacent rural areas. Pipe- Corps is continuing its program of bank stem Dam and Lake, authorized by the Flood protection and stabilization work at selected Control Act of 1965 was essentially com­ locations. pleted as of 30 June 1976. In the southwestern corner of the State the The foregoing projects have resulted from Omaha District has constructed Bowman- studies made by the Corps of Engineers in Haley Dam and Lake, a multiple-purpose response to requests from State and local project located on the North Fork of the interests. Currently authorized studies, in­ Grand River 6 miles upstream from Haley, volving all or part of the Western Dakota and North Dakota. Eastern Dakota Subbasins, have been com­ The Eastern Dakota Subbasin extends east­ bined into an overall study in the interest of ward from the Missouri River to embrace an more effective study procedures or have area of more than 58,000 square miles lo­ been deferred until the wishes of local in­ cated primarily in North Dakota and South terests are more clearly defined. AUTHORIZED CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROJECTS UNDER NOT OTHER COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION STARTED PROJECTS LAKE LOCAL PROTECTION T T T NORTH DAKOTA LEVEES

LAKE SAKAKAWEA

GARRISON

STREAMBANK EROSION JAMESTOWN RESERVOIR CONTROL GARRISON DAM TO LAKE OAHE

PIPESTEM LAKE MANDAN JAMESTOWN Patterson BISMARCK LAKE TSCHIDA

LOWER HEART RIVER

MARMARTH OAHE SCRANTON Reaver MOTT LAKE OAHE NORTH DAKOTA BOWMAN - HALEY SOUTH DAKOTA MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES COMPLETED MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS GARRISON DAM AND LAKE SAKAKAWEA (Omaha District) Garrison Dam is located on the Missouri River 75 miles upstream from Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota. This project, now essentially complete, is a major unit in the Missouri River system of multiple-purpose dams and is making major contribu­ tions to the economy of the basin in the form of flood control, hydroelectric power, improvement of naviga­ tion downstream from Sioux City, storage of water for irrigation, and other allied benefits. In the past, floods originating in the upper basin of the Missouri River caused extensive damages not only in North Dakota but in all of the Missouri River valley. The record-breaking flood of April 1952 disrupted the lives and affected the welfare of thousands of people in the valley. Generated by melting snow in the Dakotas and in Montana, the flood swept down­ stream, inundated many towns, and spread over more than 2 million acres of agricultural lands. Damages caused by this disastrous flood were estimated at $179,000,000. Had it been fully operational at the time, Garrison Dam, in conjunction with other projects of the authorized Missouri basin program, would have prevented more than $162,000,000 of the flood damage. Construction of Garrison Dam was started in 1946. The compacted earth embankment extends more than 2 miles across the Missouri River valley and has a maximum height of 202 feet. Other major features of the project are the spillway, the outlet works, and the powerhouse. The spillway, located on the east side of the river, is a reinforced concrete structure topped by 28 steel gates which are individually controlled by electric hoists. This structure serves as a safety valve to release water when the volume flowing into the reservoir exceeds the maximum operating needs and capabilities of the project. The outlet works consist of the intake structure, located in the lake, and eight MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

tunnels which run beneath the dam. Normal water but also making possible the diversion of water stored releases are made through the powerplant, using five in the Corps of Engineers' Fort Peck Lake in Montana. of the tunnels to carry water for power generation and An incidental benefit which has resulted from the for use downstream. The three remaining tunnels and construction of the Missouri River's system of dams is the spillway are used primarily for flood control, and the remarkable growth of water-based recreation. to release additional discharges as required. The five Lake Sakakawea has a 1,340-mile shoreline which turbine-generators, located in the powerhouse, have provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swim­ a combined capacity of 400,000 kilowatts, and are ming, water skiing, boating, camping, and other capable of producing almost 2 billion kilowatt-hours of outdoor activities. There are at present 17 recreation electrical energy annually. The first generator was areas which were initially developed by the Corps of activated in January 1956, and the fourth and fifth Engineers. The State of North Dakota, local com­ units were placed in service in October 1960. Through munities, church groups, and youth organizations June 1976, the project has produced about 43.3 have further developed and are maintaining these billion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy. recreation areas within the reservoir boundaries. The lake's maximum normal operating level of 1,850 In 1975, Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea recorded feet above sea level was reached on 13 July 1969. about 965,000 recreation-days by people who toured The lake has multi-use storage capacity of 24,400,000 the powerhouse and used the many outdoor acre-feet for flood control, power development, recreational facilities available to them. The lake and irrigation, and improvement of riverflows for naviga­ the downstream tailwater fishing areas are enjoying a tion, municipal water supply, stream sanitation, and growing popularity and are attracting anglers from all for storage of trapped sediment. parts of the United States and Canada. Lake Sakakawea will contribute to the future develop­ The value of project benefits provided by Garrison ment of irrigation, not only providing water which can Dam and Lake Sakakawea amounts to $27,134,000 be diverted to irrigable lands in eastern North Dakota, annually. Of this amount $10,161,000 is attributed to COMPLETED MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS

flood control, $10,016,000 to power, $4,950,000 to an earthfill embankment with a maximum height of 79 irrigation, and $1,952,000 to navigation. Total project feet and a crest length of approximately 6,000 feet, a cost is estimated at $300,678,300. Revenue from low-level gated conduit for operational releases, and leases since the project began operations has an ungated morning glory spillway for discharge of amounted to $4,603,923 of which approximately excessive floodwater. Through Fiscal Year 1976 the $3,452,942 has been returned to the State of North project has prevented an estimated $306,000 in flood Dakota. damages. BOWMAN-HALEY LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA The lake provides for the permanent storage of (Omaha District) approximately 26,000 acre-feet of water for conserva­ Bowman-Haley Lake is located on the North Fork of tion purposes and sediment storage, plus space for the Grand River 6 miles upstream from Haley, North approximately 102,000 acre-feet of flood-control Dakota. This multiple-purpose project provides for storage. flood control, fish and wildlife enhancement, general To meet the recreational needs of the area, facilities recreation, and a future water supply for the towns of have been provided for camping, boating, swimming, Bowman, Scranton, Gascoyne, and Reeder. fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. In Floods in the North Fork of the Grand River basin are addition, trees have been planted to provide shade for usually the result of snowmelt runoff aggravated by the picnic and camp areas. The recreation-day ice jams. In the past, flooding had inundated roads attendance was almost 32,000 during 1975. As of July and bridges and vast areas of cropland and 1976, the Federal Government has collected $57,313 pastureland. from the rental of land and has returned approxi­ The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of mately $42,985 to the States of North Dakota and 1962. Construction was started in July 1964 and South Dakota. completed in 1970. Major features of the project are The estimated cost of the project is $4,372,200. MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS MARMARTH LOCAL FLOOD PROTECTION (Omaha District) The city of Marmarth is located in southwestern North Dakota on the west bank of the Little Missouri River immediately below its confluence with Little Beaver Creek. The city is situated on the combined flood plain of the two streams and has experienced flooding from both streams. A levee system constructed by W.P.A. and C.W.A. forces in 1939 and 1940 proved inad­ equate for Marmarth's flood protection needs. A project to provide protection for an area of about 50 city blocks was authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1954, and was constructed by the Corps in 1959. The improvement consisted of raising about 5,500 feet of existing levee and extending the protection about 4,300 feet upstream on Little Beaver Creek and 2,600 feet downstream on the Little Missouri River. Constructed at a cost of $169,498, the project has prevented an estimated $1,449,000 in flood damages.

MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

ASSOCIATED PROJECTS OF OTHER AGENCIES The 1944 Flood Control Act assigned to the Corps of Engineers the responsibility of prescribing regulations for the use of storage capacity allocated to flood control at reservoirs constructed wholly or in part with Federal funds. The act further provided that the Corps should have the responsibility for determining flood-control capacities in all reservoirs included in the comprehensive plan for the Missouri River basin. The responsibilities have been fulfilled for the Bureau of Reclamation's Heart Butte and Jamestown Reservoirs, brief descriptions of which follow:

22 COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS

MAN DAN LOCAL FLOOD PROTECTION LOWER HEART RIVER FLOOD CONTROL (Omaha District) (Omaha District) Mandan, a city of about 10,525 population, is located The Flood Control Act of 1954 authorized a plan of on the Heart River about 6 miles upstream from its improvement for the lower Heart River to provide junction with the Missouri River. Flood history reveals greater flood protection at Mandan and to extend that the city suffered overflow from the Heart River 24 protection to areas upstream and downstream from times in the period from 1881 to 1949, and sustained the city. Within the area brought under protection are extensive damages to domestic, business, industrial, valuable agricultural lands, the city of Mandan, and civic properties, and distruption of highway and extensive commercial development, and a portion of railroad traffic. a transcontinental highway. The project involved the The Mandan local protection project, which was use of a segment of U.S. Highway 10 as a levee, authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of construction of a levee from the highway to high 1946 has, since 1950, provided the city substantial ground to the south, enlargement of bridge openings protection against flooding. The project consists of a immediately west of the city, raising of existing levees levee 23,250 feet long, 318 linear feet of concrete and floodwalls, and construction of a levee and floodwall, approximately 4,500 feet of railroad em­ channel improvements from the Northern Pacific bankment used as a levee, riprap protection on 1,500 Railway bridge to the mouth of the Heart River. feet of channel bank, and a highway crossing stoplog Started in 1959 and completed in 1963, the project is structure. Work on interior drainage facilities, delayed credited with preventing an estimated $1,874,000 in due to lack of local cooperation, was initiated in 1958. flood damages through June 1976. Project costs were Construction was completed in June 1959. $1,961,200 Federal and $310,000 non-Federal. The Mandan levee system has prevented flood damages estimated to be $16,259,000 through June 1976. The project, including the interior drainage work, cost $832,900, of which $676,916 was Federal and $156,000 non-Federal.

ASSOCIATED PROJECTS OF OTHER AGENCIES

HEART BUTTE RESERVOIR (Lake Tschida) is a major JAMESTOWN RESERVOIR was completed in 1954 on feature of the Bureau's Heart Butte Unit. It was the James River just upstream from Jamestown, completed on the Heart River about 15 miles south of North Dakota. The dam is an earthfill structure 81 feet Glen Ullin, North Dakota, late in 1949. The dam is a high and 1,400 feet long. The reservoir storage rolled earthfill structure rising 124 feet above the capacity is 230,000 acre-feet of which 200,000 acre- streambed, with a crest length of 1,850 feet. The feet is for flood control exclusively, 10,000 acre-feet reservoir has a capacity of 225,500 acre-feet, of is allocated to seasonal joint use, and 20,000 acre- which 150,000 acre-feet is for flood control and feet is for conservation storage. The project was built 68,700 acre-feet is for irrigation. Since it was first put as an early portion of the Garrison Diversion Unit, and in operation in 1950, Heart Butte Reservoir has is serving its flood and silt storage purposes during the earned flood control benefits estimated to be interim period. Through June 1976 Jamestown $10,749,000. Reservoir was credited with preventing $3,491,000 in flood damages.

23 MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS UNDER WAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, MISSOURI RIVER BASIN (Missouri River Division) The 1944 Flood Control Act gave birth to the Nation's first attempt at solving its water resource problems through a comprehensive approach to river basin development. The legislation, which has come to be known as the Pick-Sloan Plan, was based upon separate proposals recommended by the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. Designed primarily to provide four basic benefits — flood control, irrigation, generation of hydroelectric In addition to the projects in the plan, many others power, and improvements of navigation on the lower had been authorized by Congress prior to 1944, some Missouri River — the measure has since derived of them closely associated with the comprehensive benefits from improving municipal and industrial plan. New projects have been and are being author­ water supplies, from providing land treatment and en­ ized by Congress as their need becomes apparent, hancement and water quality control, conservation of and are added to the overall development. In the fish and wildlife, and the development of public project formulation stages the Corps of Engineers recreation. actively cooperates with local interests, and with The plan originally provided for building some 103 State, and other Federal agencies to determine the dams and reservoirs to provide storage capacity of best solutions for flood problems and related water re­ approximately 110 million acre-feet for multiple- source needs. purpose use; local levees and floodwalls to protect By the end of 1976, the Corps of Engineers and the municipal, industrial, and agricultural areas; and a Bureau of Reclamation had placed 91 reservoir proj­ system of levees on both sides of the Missouri River ects in operation in the Missouri River basin. These between Sioux City, Iowa and the mouth to protect reservoirs have a combined storage capacity of about hundreds of thousands of acres of bottom lands 100 million acre-feet. Construction of 10 additional against flooding. Planned uses of stored water include reservoir projects is under way which will provide the irrigation of some 4 million acres of land and the further storage capacity of more than 8 million acre- generation, ultimately, of 13 billion kilowatt-hours of feet. The Corps of Engineers has completed 63 local hydroelectric power annually for industrial and muni­ protection projects in the Missouri River basin, and cipal expansion, for pumping irrigation water, and for has 8 others under construction. The latter figure other domestic uses. Regulation of riverflows is includes the Missouri River Levee System as a single essential to navigation on the Missouri River. project.

24 MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS UNDER WAY

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An outstanding feature of the program is the control of Operation of the six main stem reservoirs during the upper Missouri River, effected principally by a calendar year 1975 made possible the movement of system of six reservoirs on the main stem to regulate approximately 2.3 million tons of commerce on the the runoff from the entire upper half of the basin. Missouri River in the reach from Sioux City, Iowa to These reservoirs were formed by the construction of the mouth. Fort Peck Dam in Montana, Garrison Dam in North The Missouri River main stem reservoir system was Dakota, Oahe, Big Bend, and Fort Randall Dams in filled to normal operating levels for the first time in South Dakota, and Gavins Point Dam in Nebraska and 1967. Since that time, inflows into the reservoir South Dakota. The system has a combined capacity system have averaged above normal during 6 of the 8 of 75 million acre-feet of which more than 16 million years, thereby assuring continued excellent service to acre-feet is for flood control. all functions. In 1975 the runoff from the total basin As these six reservoirs comprise the backbone of the above Gavins Point was about 35.5 million acre-feet, basin's water storage system for multiple-purpose 153 percent of normal and the greatest since records services, a sound plan for their operation is essential. began in 1898. In the process of regulating this un­ This is accomplished through the Reservoir Control precedented runoff and reducing downstream river Center at the Corps' Division Office in Omaha. Guided stages by up to 10 feet, record-high storage and by the recommendations of a special coordinating release levels occurred at several of the main stem committee of State and Federal agency represent­ projects. However, the 1975 maximum release rates atives, the Center develops an annual operating plan from all projects were exceeded frequently prior to to govern the operation of the reservoirs through each project operation, and would also have been ensuing year. exceeded on numerous occasions since operations Completed and partially completed flood control began were it not for the control afforded by the projects in the Missouri River basin have prevented upstream reservoirs. about $4 billion in flood damages through June 1976. The six main stem reservoirs generated about 13.5 OAHE DAM AND LAKE OAHE billion kilowatt-hours during calendar year 1975. Total (Omaha District) power generation by all of the hydropower projects in The Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe project is usually the upper Missouri basin system amounted to 15.3 identified as a Missouri River basin development in billion kilowatt-hours during the same period. South Dakota. About one-third of Lake Oahe is, Over 8.4 million recreation days were generated by however, in North Dakota and the headwaters extend visitors in 1975 at the six main stem projects whereas upstream on the Missouri River almost to Bismarck. over 26 million recreation days were generated by Comparable in size to Garrison Dam and Lake Saka- projects within the Missouri River Division. kawea, the Oahe project's principal interests to North

25 MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

Dakotans are the opportunities afforded by recrea­ the comprehensive Missouri basin program, Oahe tional and power facilities. Recreational and wildlife Dam is located about 7 miles upstream from Pierre, areas have been developed in the North Dakota South Dakota. It, too, is a multiple-purpose project for portion of the project at Sibley Island, Beaver Creek, flood control, navigation, hydroelectric power, and and Fort Yates. Additional areas have been selected irrigation. Its storage capacity is approximately and will be developed as the need becomes evident. 23,600,000 acre-feet, and its power installation is These areas include facilities for boat launching, 595,000 kilowatts. camping, picnicking, swimming, and sanitary facili­ Revenue from leases to July 1976 has amounted to ties. Public use of the project's recreational facilities $923,167 of which approximately $691,300 was re­ during 1976 was about 1,900,000 recreation-days. turned to the States of North Dakota and South Authorized by the 1944 Flood Control Act as part of Dakota.

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS Butte area upstream from Bismarck, the Lake UNDER WAY Mandan area upstream from Washburn, the Fort MISSOURI RIVER BETWEEN GARRISON DAM AND Clark area downstream from Stanton, the Painted LAKE OAHE Woods area downstream from Washburn, a small (Omaha District) area near Stanton, and other bank protection work in In 1963, Congress authorized the construction of bank the Bismarck-Mandan area and at Dry Point about 18 protection works at various locations along the Mis­ miles upstream from Bismarck. Other work included souri River between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe. the construction of channel blocks at the Dry Point, The 1968 Flood Control Act amended this authoriza­ Square Butte, and Bismarck-Mandan areas. The tion to increase the monetary limitation of the work. estimated costs of the improvements total $9,200,- Improvements consist of rock revetments and dikes to 000, Federal and $265,000 non-Federal. Other work protect the banks from erosion and to provide for will be accomplished according to a schedule based channel stabilization in this reach of the river. Work on the urgency of improvements needed in this reach accomplished through June 1976 includes the Square of the river.

26 MULTIPLE-PURPOSE PROJECTS UNDER WAY

PIPESTEM LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA with high-pressure slide gates, and a grassed (Omaha District) spillway. The Flood Control Act of 1965 authorized construction Pipestem Lake will provide 135,000 acre-feet of of a project on Pipestem Creek, the largest North storage for flood control, 41,500 acre-feet of sur­ Dakota tributary of the James River. The creek has charge storage, and 10,000 acre-feet of multi­ been the cause of serious flooding in the city of purpose storage. The project will afford opportunities Jamestown and adjacent rural areas. for recreational and fish and wildlife development. The multiple-purpose project is located on Pipestem Through June 1976 the project has prevented Creek in Stutsman County, North Dakota, about 3 $3,400,000 in flood damages. miles upstream from Jamestown. Major features of Construction of the project was started in June 1971 the project are a rolled earthfill embankment with a and is now essentially completed except for recrea­ maximum height of 102 feet and a crest length of tional facilities. The estimated cost of the project is 3,500 feet, a concrete conduit outlet works equipped $9,285,000 Federal and $172,500 non-Federal.

SPECIAL PROJECTS FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS UNDER WAY STREAMBANK EROSION CONTROL Under Section 32 of the Streambank Erosion Control SPECIAL PROJECTS and Demonstration Act of 1974, as amended by the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, authority OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS for work under this act has been expanded to include the Yellowstone River from Intake, Montana to its mouth. The original act authorized work on the OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS Missouri River in the reach below Garrison Dam and in the reach between Fort Randall dam and Sioux MOTT, CANNONBALL RIVER City. The intent of this program is to devleop a (Omaha District) demonstration of structural means for controlling A local protection project for Mott, North Dakota, was bank erosion with a view toward developing the most authorized by the 1958 Flood Control Act. The plan of cost effective and environmentally acceptable means. improvement consists of levees along both banks of Several sites have been initially selected along the the Cannonball River and modification of the existing Missouri River in Nebraska, South Dakota, and North channel. The project was suggested for deauthoriza- Dakota. Additional sites will be selected on both the tion, but local interests have requested that it be Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers as funding and retained for further consideration. (See Surveys scheduling permit. Under Way.) MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES SMALL FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS The provisions under which Section 205 projects are about 1 mile of channel, with accompanying levees approved and constructed are discussed in the intro­ extending through town, was approved by the Chief of duction to this booklet. Projects constructed under Engineers in October 1957 and was completed in this authority must meet the requirements set forth in June 1959. Sections 1 and 3 of the 1936 Flood Control Act, must Total costs of the project were $103,000 Federal and be approved by the Chief of Engineers, and must be $18,500 non-Federal. It is estimated that flood control complete within themselves and not commit the benefits will average $6,500 a year. United States to any additional improvements to insure their successful operation. Projects completed FLOOD FIGHTING AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS or under consideration in this category in the West Although the Corps of Engineers is primarily an Dakota and East Dakota Subbasins of North Dakota engineering and construction agency of the Federal are discussed in the following paragraphs. Government, its responsibilities also include emer­ SCRANTON, NORTH DAKOTA (Omaha District) gency operations and assistance to stricken com­ Situated on high ground, Scranton suffered little munities in time of flood or other disaster. These damage from the fast-rising floodflows of Buffalo activities are carried out in cooperation with the Red Creek prior to the 1930's. As the town grew, however, Cross, Coast Guard, and other agencies and groups improvements made within the flood plain increased in accordance with Public Law 99, 84th Congress, the flood potential. Local interests undertook remedial and prior legislation. measures, but continuing damage — climaxed by the These services include rescue of flood-marooned floods of 1950 and 1953 — brought realization of their persons, removal of livestock and property, and re­ inability to provide the necessary protection. pair, restoration, and strengthening of levees and A project consisting of straightening and realigning other flood-control works threatened or destroyed by

28 WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES

floods. Also included is the building of erosion control of protective works at 50 locations in the States of works where streambank erosion threatens destruc­ Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and South tion of highways, bridge approaches, or other public Dakota. These works were credited with preventing works. $6,625,000 in flood damages and an immeasurable Emergency Control Centers were activated by the amount of human suffering and misery. The total cost Corps of Engineers during the last week in February to the Federal Government was $1,557,900. The 1969 due to the flood potential created by a heavy Governors, county and local officials and many indi­ snowpack in the Upper Great Plains region of the viduals of the affected States expressed their grati­ United States. President Nixon, on 1 March 1969, tude and appreciation to the President and to the called for a coordinated effort by all Federal agencies Federal agencies for their foresight in providing for operating under the direction of the Office of Emer­ the timely construction of the protective works. gency Preparedness. The result was "Operation Emergency bank protection for erosion control is Foresight" under which the Corps of Engineers, authorized by Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control utilizing Public Law 99 authority, assisted local com­ Act. Emergency expenditures made in the State of munities by furnishing technical assistance, by pro­ North Dakota under authority of Public Law 99 or viding for the hire of construction equipment with Section 14 are as follows: operators to construct protective works, and by EXPENDITURES supplementing local supplies of needed materials. In F.Y. Section 14 P.L. 99 the Omaha District, reconnaissance teams advised 1945-1954 $100,400 $399,710 local authorities at 165 localities of the flood potential 1955-1960 19,680 and of the help available to them under Operation 1967-1970 2,906,400 Foresight. The District provided for the construction 1973 8,150 1974 7,730 29 MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES

FLOOD PLAIN INFORMATION REPORTS Applications for flood plain information reports in In accordance with Section 206 of Public Law 86-645, North Dakota should be submitted to the North Dakota as amended by subsequent legislation, the Secretary State Water Commission, Bismarck, North Dakota. of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, is The Commission will forward such applications to the authorized to compile and disseminate information on appropriate District Engineer, Corps of Engineers. floods and flood damages, including identification of Flood plain information reports will be publicly areas subject to inundation by floods of various presented and explained by the Corps of Engineers to frequencies, and to provide general criteria for the community that reqested them. The Corps will guidance in the use of flood plain areas. also supply copies to State and Federal agencies. Distribution is made by the sponsoring community to The purpose of these reports is to make available to others who have use for the flood plain information, State and local governments, interested agencies, such as planners, architects, engineers, lending and citizens a factual basis for guidance in planning agencies, insurors, and developers. and regulating the use of flood plains. The objectives of these reports are: Special flood hazard information reports are provided under the Corps of Engineers technical services pro­ (1) To compile information on floods and potential gram to provide guidance for flood plain management flood hazards; planning. These studies can be requested by Federal, (2) To encourage the optimum but prudent use of river State, or local governmental agencies for small valleys by providing a factual basis for reducing future areas, for sho'rt stream reaches, or where flood plain flood damages through well-planned local regulation information reports are not scheduled. The two of flood plain use; reports listed below have been completed by the (3) To provide information to local governments and Omaha District: private citizens for guidance on the use of flood plains; SPONSORING (4) To reduce future flood damages by flood plain LOCALITY AGENCY STATUS management, thus reducing flood problems arising from improper flood plain development; and Drainage ditch at City of Dickinson Completed June 1968 Dickinson (5) To delineate flood hazard areas that may be used as a basis for administration of the Federal Flood In­ Bismarck, City of Bismarck, Completed surance Program by the Department of Housing and Burleigh County Burleigh County August 1974 Urban Development. Missouri River

31 MISSOURI RIVER TRIBUTARIES

Following is a tabulation of studies which pertain to streams in the West Dakota and East Dakota Sub- basins of the State.

LOCALITY PURPOSE STATUS

Cannonball River To review previous re­ Completion of study and tributaries, ports pertaining to the deferred indefinitely SURVEYS UNDER WAY North Dakota Cannonball River to de­ pending outcome of (Omaha District) termine advisability of diversion studies by Studies of flood and related water resources problems modifying recommenda­ the Bureau of are conducted by the Corps of Engineers in response tions on flood control and Reclamation and the to directives, either by Congress or by the Senate or allied purposes. State of North House Public Works Committee. These directives Dakota. generally result from action by the people living in the affected areas. The study is assigned to the District Yellowstone To review previous re­ Completion of study Engineer concerned, who holds public meetings at River and tribu­ ports to determine the deferred indefinitely. the beginning, during, and at the conclusion of his taries, Montana, advisability of providing investigation to assure that the views and desires of Wyoming, and improvements in that the local interests are fully considered. Also, during North Dakota reach of the river below the course of each investigation, the Corps' studies (Omaha District) Billings, Montana, in the are coordinated with all interested State and Federal interest of flood control agencies, as well as with the local people. and allied purposes. The findings and recommendations of the District Engineer are submitted to the Division Engineer. After Buford-Trenton To review previous re­ Returned to successive reviews by the Division Engineer, the Irrigation ports to determine District for Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors, and the District and methods of resolving land reevaluation. Office, Chief of Engineers, the report of the Chief of vicinity, North use problems resulting Engineers is prepared. Dakota from high water table in The views and comments of local interests are again (Omaha District) the Buford-Trenton Irriga­ solicited during the review by the Board of Engineers tion District and vicinity. for Rivers and Harbors, which may also hold public meetings in special cases. The report of the Chief of James River and To determine whether Study deferred Engineers is subjected to further reviews by the Tributaries, improvements for flood pending completion affected States, by other Federal agencies, by the North Dakota and control and allied water of James River Bureau of the Budget, and by the Secretary of the South Dakota resources development Level B study Army before it is transmitted to Congress. (Omaha District) are advisable at this time.

32 SURVEYS UNDER WAY

MISSOURI RIVER BETWEEN SIOUX CITY, IOWA AND THREE FORKS, MONTANA — Six survey investiga­ tions pertain to all or portions of the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa to Three Forks in Montana. Individually, each survey has both limitations in scope and geographic coverage, and problems in duplica­ tion of effort. Thus, the consolidation of these studies was considered advisable to overcome the limitations and problems, increase overall study efficiency, and to provide a broadened and improved base for planning decisions. The following investigations were therefore combined under one study authority: Missouri River between Fort Peck Lake and Fort Benton, Montana; Missouri River between Garrison Dam-Lake Sakakawea and Fort Peck Dam; Missouri River between Lake Oahe and Garrison Dam; Missouri River, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska; Missouri River, Additional Hydropower; and Subimpoundments, Lake Francis Case and Lake Oahe, South Dakota. The consolidated investigation — Missouri River, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana — deals with additional hydropower opportunities, measures for resolving bank erosion problems, opportunities for recreation, fish and wildlife preser­ vation and development, flood control and navigation, and evaluation of competing water uses. Completion of the consolidated investigation is sched­ uled for February 1977.

33 34 The Souris-Red-Rainy River Basin is located along the northern boundaries of North Da­ kota and Minnesota and extends a short dis­ tance into South Dakota. The region includes the Souris River, Red River of the North, and Rainy River basins which drain about 60,000 SOURIS- square miles in the United States. The topography of the region includes open, RED- rolling prairie, upland hills, flat valley plains, swamplands, rugged hills and rock outcrops RAINY interspersed with lakes and streams. Annual RIVER BASIN precipitation varies from less than 15 inches (North Central Division) in the west to 25 inches in the east. This is adequate for crop production during normal years; however, in the western portion of the region, occasional periods of severe drought have occurred. Natural resources include fertile soil, petroleum, natural gas, lignite, sand and gravel, peat, iron and copper, wetlands, and a large wilderness area. Agriculture and agriculture-oriented indus­ tries are the principal sources of income; however, the Rainy River basin also depends upon timber and tourism for a share of its economic well-being. The region's popu­ lation, about 700,000, is largely rural, with few urban areas of more than 2,500 people. The largest urban center is Fargo, North Da- kota-Moorhead, Minnesota which had a 1970 population of 83,000. About 16,000 Indians 11359 under the provisions of Title II of the reside on six reservations in the region. Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 (P.L. 89-80). The Commission serves as the The current water resource needs of the principal agency for coordination of Federal, basin include flood damage reduction, low State, Interstate, local and nongovernmental flow augmentation for water supply and plans for developing water and related land fishery enhancement, and recreation im­ resources in the region. The Commission provement. Flood damage control is the most initiated a comprehensive framework study in critical need at present. Flooding along the fiscal year 1968 with participation by the main stem of the Red River and its tributaries States of Minnesota, North Dakota, and has been severe due to long periods of inun­ South Dakota and eight Federal agencies. dation over large areas. The need for water- The final report on the findings of the study based recreation is another problem area. was completed in June 1972. Formulation of Despite an abundance of lakes and streams the framework program of resource develop­ in the eastern portions of the basin, there ment will require the integration of demands are almost no bodies of water in the central for water and related land resources in the and western portions. This imbalance has region and evaluation of many alternative created a high demand for water-based rec­ solutions of how to best meet the needs of all reation throughout the basin. of the people. The report presents a broad The Souris-Red-Rainy Region Comprehensive framework plan which provides for the im­ Basin Study is a cooperative effort of Federal proved management and use of water and and State agencies. The study will develop a related land resources and includes plans for framework plan to serve as a broad guide for Federal, State, local, and private develop­ the best use or combination of uses for water ment with the completion of the framework and related land resources of the Souris-Red- study and in accordance with Executive Rainy Region to meet foreseeable short- and Order 11737 (7 Sept. 1973), the Souris-Red- long-term needs. Rainy River Basins Commission was made a The Souris-Red-Rainy River Basins Commis­ part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin sion was established by Executive Order Commission.

36 % NORTH DAKOTA \ SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER REGION

38 COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS

COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS LAKE TRAVERSE-BOIS DE SIOUX RIVER (St. Paul District). The Lake Traverse-Bois de Sioux project is located in southeast North Dakota but parts of the development extend into South Dakota and Minnesota as well. The reservoir is a natural lake at the head of the Bois de Sioux River about 30 miles south of Wahpeton, North Dakota, where the Otter Tail and Bois de Sioux Rivers join to form the Red River of the North. Frequent floods along the Bois de Sioux and Red Rivers threaten to destroy crops as well as urban property and damage bridges and highways. Periods of insufficient rainfall sometimes cause serious water Shortages in the area. The flood control facilities now in operation include a dam near White Rock, South Dakota at the north end • of Lake Traverse, and a secondary control structure at Reservation Highway (State Highway 117) crossing near Wheaton, Minnesota. An embankment near Browns Valley, Minnesota and channel improvements along a 24-mile reach of the Bois de Sioux River be­ low White Rock Dam complete the project's major features. Total cost of construction of the completed project was $1,333,900 and cost of maintenance to June ft. 1976 totaled about $1,248,900. Since the project was placed in operation, flood damages estimated at $4,770,000 have been prevented. -J CD 5 i to

Uj 3 LAKE ASHTABULA AND BALDHILL DAM (St. Paul £ District). Baldhill Dam, located about 16 miles up- 2 stream from Valley City, was constructed to reduce ~ damages, primarily at Valley City, and to alleviate S water shortages in municipal and rural areas along ^ the Sheyenne River and Red River of the North. The o dam was authorized by the 1944 Flood Control Act 5 and was placed in operation in 1950. It has prevented g flood damages estimated to total $28,590,000 « through December 1975 and has improved stream- flow in the Sheyenne and Red Rivers. The effective­ ness of this project was demonstrated during the 1950, 1969, and 1975 floods. Floods in the Sheyenne River basin are usually the result of snowmelt, and flood levels are frequently aggravated by ice jams. Floods have inundated busi­ ness and residential sections of Valley City and other communities, and several thousand acres of cropland between Valley City and the mouth of the Sheyenne River. The extended drought period of the 1930's created an acute water shortage in the Sheyenne and Red River basins. Some communities were forced to transport drinking water from distant sources. Disposal of sewage into the river by municipalities and industries created a serious pollution problem. The project provides limited protection against floods downstream from the dam. Baldhill Dam also provides sufficient waterflow during dry periods to meet water supply needs of municipalities and rural areas along the Sheyenne River and the Red River below the mouth of the Sheyenne River. So that part of the water from the Sheyenne River may be diverted into the Red River above Fargo for water supply and to improve low flows, a low diversion dam and ditch has been constructed by local authorities. The dam is located about 35 miles upstream from the mouth of the Sheyenne River. Because of severe flood conditions during the spring of 1950, the Baldhill Dam, although not entirely completed, was placed in emergency operation in that year and placed in permanent operation in the spring of 1951. It is a compacted earth structure, 1,650 feet long with a concrete gravity control works 140 feet in length, surmounted by three 40-foot tainter gates, with two 3-foot diameter conduits in the piers for low water control. The reservoir, known as Lake Ashtabula, has a storage capacity of 70,000 acre- feet at normal pool level. Federal cost for improvement through 30 June 1972 COMPLETED FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS

totaled about $3,142,700, including recreational RED RIVER OF THE NORTH (St. Paul District). facilities constructed since completion of the dam and Along most of the eastern tier of North Dakota reservoir. The cost of local interests was $208,000 in counties bordering on the Red River of the North, flat contributed funds. The total cost for operation and slopes and poor drainage contribute to a serious flood maintenance to 30 June 1976 was approximately condition which long has plagued the residents of the $2,980,200. Public recreational facilities consist of area. access roads, parking areas, boat launching ramps, Several important municipal areas on both banks of picnic shelters, wells, toilets, campsites, and the Red River and its southern tributary, the Bois de beaches, located at eight public-use areas adjacent Sioux River, as well as substantial agricultural areas, to Lake Ashtabula. have been especially hard hit by flooding. The municipal areas include Grand Forks and East Grand HOMME DAM AND LAKE (St Paul District). In order Forks, as well as the Fargo, North Dakota-Moorhead, to reduce flood damages and to improve water Minnesota metropolitan area. supplies in the Park River basin in northeast North The Red River flows northward across the Canadian Dakota, the Homme Dam was built by the Corps of border, in contrast to the river systems of the Missouri Engineers on the South Branch of the Park River and Mississippi valleys, which flow in a generally about 4 miles upstream from the city of Park River. southerly direction. The Red River and its tributary, Floods occur nearly every year in the Park River the Bois de Sioux River, form the boundary line basin, which is tributary to the Red River of the North. between North Dakota and Minnesota. The Red River Spring flooding often has been severe, resulting in flows some 400 miles to the international border in a damage to agricultural lands, and to municipal areas meandering course through the broad, flat bed of an in the basin. Also, serious water shortages have ancient glacial lake called Agassiz. occurred in the basin, threatening both domestic It is in this flat, low-lying terrain along both sides of water supplies and water quality. During the drought the border that the spring melting of winter-long of the 1930's, the river remained dry for long periods. accumulations of snow has caused severe floods of Homme Dam and Lake helps to solve these problems long duration and increasing frequency in recent by providing limited protection against spring overflow years. Four of the worst flood disasters along the Red and a dependable streamflow for water supply at Park River occurred in 1950, in 1966, in 1969, and in 1975, River and Grafton. The dam is an earthfill structure when extremely high water prevailed for several 865 feet long, with a 5-foot diameter gate-controlled weeks, inundating thousands of acres of farmlands conduit under the dam and a concrete spillway about and portions of a number of towns and cities. The 150 feet in length adjacent to the dam. The reservoir damages from each flood ran into millions of dollars. has a storage capacity of about 3,650 acre-feet below In the 1948 Flood Control Act, the United States spillway crest. Congress took the initial authorizing step necessary to Benefits of Homme Lake are primarily those obtained bring about a system of flood control and drainage by water supply and recreation. Total flood damages measures for relief of these adverse conditions in prevented through December 1975 are estimated to eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. The be $782,000. Red River of the North project, thus approved and The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of further authorized by the 1950 Flood Control Act, 1944, and the dam was placed in operation in provides for a detention reservoir on the Otter Tail December 1950. Federal cost for improvement River in Minnesota in addition to channel improve­ through 30 June 1976 totaled about $1,396,000, ments, levees, and floodwalls in Minnesota and North including recreational facilities. The cost to local Dakota. Units of the project in North Dakota which are interests amounted to about $98,600, including being studied or deferred for restudy are discussed $56,200 in required contributed funds. Cost of elsewhere in this pamphlet. maintenance to 30 June 1976 was approximately The project in the main was completed in 1961. It has $855,600. Access roads to recreation areas, parking resulted in improved flow capacities at constricted areas, toilets, wells, and swimming beaches have reaches of the rivers, and materially lessened flood been provided. damage during the 1966, 1969, and 1975 floods.

41 SOU RIS-R ED-RAINY RIVER REGION

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS UNDER WAY CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT, SOURIS RIVER AT Channel improvement was authorized under the MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA (St. Paul District). Large provisions of Section 201 of the Flood Control Act floods, particularly the destructive flood of 1969, have approved 27 October 1965 (Public Law 89-298). caused catastrophic damages and much human Resolutions adopted by the Senate Public Works suffering and hardship in the Souris River basin. Since Committee on 25 June 1970 and the House Public 1936 Lake Darling Reservoir, operated by the U.S. Works Committee on 14 July 1970 approved the Fish and Wildlife Service for water supply to down­ channel improvement portion of the Souris River stream impoundments to maintain favorable water­ project. The remainder of the recommendation con­ fowl conditions, has also served to reduce flood tained in the referenced House Document, including damages by controlling several small floods. The the dam and reservoir located near Burlington, North 1969 flood greatly exceeded the storage capacity of Dakota was authorized by the Flood Control Act Lake Darling. It inundated 3,000 homes and required approved 31 December 1970 (Public Law 91-611). evacuation of about 12,000 persons, caused dam­ (See Flood Control Reservoirs — Study Under Way). ages, including flood fighting costs, of about The channel improvement works now underway will $10,900,000 at Minot and about $1,600,000 in the supplement the flood protection to be furnished by the remainder of the Souris valley. authorized reservoir. Channel improvements were Again in the spring of 1975, and in 1976 a heavy authorized separately and planning for these was snowfall created an unexpected flood threat, and expedited in order to provide the Minot area with a emergency flood protective works were constructed. moderate degree of flood protection until the reservoir Without protective measures, damages would have becomes operative. The channel improvements will amounted to about $32,000,000 and $67,000,000 provide for passage of floods up to 5,000 cubic feet respectively. per second without causing flood damage in Minot.

SOURIS-R ED-RAINY RIVER REGION

OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS KINDRED LAKE, SHEYENNE RIVER (St. Paul munity of Kindred. The project consists of a multiple- District). Because of the limited flood storage ca­ purpose impoundment for flood control, water quality pacity in Lake Ashtabula, its benefits do not extend to control, recreation, and fish and wildlife purposes, West Fargo on the Sheyenne River or to other and is planned to control runoff from about 3,014 communities on the Red River. Thus, recurrent square miles. The improvements include a revised flooding causes serious damage at West Fargo, and operating plan for the existing impoundment at Lake along the Lower Sheyenne River. In addition, high Ashtabula and appropriate flood plain management Sheyenne River flows aggravate downstream flooding measures at communities along the river. In providing along the Red River of the North. During the water quality improvement and beneficial flood stage maximum known flood in 1882, over 100,000 acres of reductions on the Lower Sheyenne River and the Red cropland in the basin were flooded by the Red River of River of the North, the project will be fully-compatible the North and the Sheyenne, Wild Rice, and Maple with a comprehensive plan of water resource Rivers. management and development for the Red River of The Kindred Lake damsite is in Cass County, North the North basin. At design pool elevation the im­ Dakota on the Sheyenne River, about 70 miles above poundment will have a storage capacity of 412,000 its mouth and about 5 miles southwest of the com­ acre-feet, of which 22,000 acre-feet will be reserved

42 EMERGENCY DIKES CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE SOURIS RIVER BY THE CORPS IN THE SPRING OF 1976, KEPT FLOODWATERS FROM INUNDATING THE CITY OF MINOT. FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS UNDER WAY

The improved channel in Minot will have a bottom control project on which construction could begin as width of 70 feet. Where possible, channel excavation soon as possible. Construction on the Roosevelt Park will be restricted to one side of the channel to reduce cutoff was begun in October 1971. adverse impact of the project on the aesthetic and The Roosevelt Park cutoff channel is approximately environmental values of the area. Plans call for the 1,200 feet long. A control structure is located in the construction of the following major features as part of channel to divert normal and low flows into the the Souris River channel improvement: original channel. Channel barriers with gated culverts 17.7 miles clearing and snagging have been installed in the original channel near its 10.6 miles channel improvement upstream and downstream junctions with the cutoff (includes 14 cutoffs) channel. 3.4 miles earth levee Contracts totaling $9,680,000 were awarded through 27 channel control structures March 1976 for channel work and construction of 8 storm-water pumping stations control structures. This work is scheduled for 5 wet wells for temporary pump installation completion in September 1977. The entire project is 6,300 lineal feet storm water interceptors expected to be completed by October 1978. Recrea­ Current estimates, based on October 1976 price tional development in the vicinity of several Minot city levels, include Federal costs of $19,400,000 and non- parks has been planned in conjunction with the flood Federal costs of $4,000,000. The benefit-cost ratio control project. for this project is approximately 1.2. Following authorization in 1970, studies were made to separate out a usable segment of the overall flood

OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS

for sedimentation over the 100-year project life and Flood Control Act approved 31 December 1970 60,000 acre-feet for storage for water quality control, (Public Law 91-611). recreation, and fish and wildlife. A capacity of The flood problem at Minot is complicated by the 330,000 acre-feet will be reserved exclusively for existence of three potential flood sources, the upper flood control. Souris River, and two of its tributaries, the Des Lacs The estimated Federal cost of the project based on River and Gassman Coulee. The authorized reservoir- October 1976 price levels is $46,216,000 and a non- channel improvement project would provide Minot Federal reimbursement is estimated at $784,000. and nearby urban areas with a high degree of Preconstruction planning is under way. protection from all three flood sources. The site of the authorized dam is located on the Souris River about BURLINGTON DAM, one-half mile northeast of Burlington and just above SOURIS RIVER, NORTH DAKOTA (St. Paul District). the confluence of the Souris and Des Lacs Rivers. The project for flood damage reduction on the Souris During its review, the Board of Engineers of Rivers River was recommended by the Chief of Engineers in and Harbors recommended that post-authorization House Document No. 321, 91st Congress, 2nd studies further consider a plan providing for a dam session. The reservoir feature was authorized by the below the confluence of the Souris and Des Lacs

43 SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER REGION

Rivers to increase the degree of protection at Minot. taking would include the Burlington Reservoir, sub­ In addition, local and other interests concerned about stantially as authorized, plus a diversion tunnel to the possible adverse effects of the reservoir and divert the Des Lacs River's flood flows to the proposed operating plan favored investigation of reservoir, and also the improvement of existing levees alternatives that would lessen the amount of reservoir between Burlington and Minot and at Sawyer and storage or provide greater restrictions on reservoir Velva, non-structural measures in other areas along operation. Advanced planning studies have given the river. Pre-construction planning was initiated in consideration to all alternative plans, both structural 1971. A local citizens committee was organized and and nonstructural. met 16 times with District representatives from March The studies conclude that the most feasible under­ 1972 to November 1972 during which time agreement

SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER REGION URBAN STUDIES 7. Regional harbor and waterways development. The continued concentration of population, industry, Corps planning in these functional water resource and commerce into large urban centers has led to the areas offers realistic prospect for solving specific establishment by the Corps of Engineers of an urban urban water problems and, equally important, also studies program to study the various water and inter­ has the potential to serve as a catalyst for solving related problems which arise from within these urban other related urban problems. areas. The Urban Studies Program is being executed by the The specific kinds of problems which will receive Army Corps of Engineers in a manner consistent with attention under the urban studies program are as two basic principles of the Executive Department: follows: 1. That the responsibility for, and leadership of, 1. Urban flood control and floodplain management. urban area comprehensive planning is vested in state 2. Municipal and industrial water supply and local government, and 3. Wastewater management 2. That duplication or conflict among Federal 4. Bank and channel stabilization agencies participating in urban area comprehensive 5. Lake, ocean, and estuarine restoration and planning is to be avoided. protection STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 6. Recreation, management and development at civil RESPONSIBILITY AND LEADERSHIP works projects located in close proximity to urban The scope of Urban Area Comprehensive Planning, areas; and, with respect to urban areas located along which is the responsibility of state and local govern- the coasts

SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER REGION

WORK UNDER SPECIAL allied roadwork, culverts, and railroad alterations. CONTINUING AUTHORITIES Remedial work in the vicinity of the county road was VELVA, NORTH DAKOTA (St. Paul District). Much of completed in the fall of 1972. the city of Velva has been inundated from flooding on The Federal cost of the project was about $335,000 several occasions in the past. A major flood in August and non-Federal costs were about $45,000. Flood 1962 inundated about 80 percent of the developed control benefits to date are about $56,500. area in Velva and some agricultural land in the vicinity. LOWER BRANCH RUSH RIVER, NORTH DAKOTA A plan of improvement was approved by the Chief of (Section 205) (St. Paul District). The Lower Branch Engineers in June 1965 and the project was com­ Rush River rises about 5 miles southwest of Amenia, pleted in July 1966. The improvements consist of North Dakota, and flows in an easterly direction. The about 1,650 feet of levee east of Bonne's Coulee, river, formerly a tributary of the Rush River, was enlargement of about 1,000 feet of the channel, ex­ diverted in 1924 and now flows into the Sheyenne cavation of about 1,100 feet of drainage ditch, and River. channel clearing and snagging along about 5.7 miles The project consisted of enlarging and straightening of Souris River and 0.6 mile of Bonne's Coulee, with the channel of the Lower Branch Rush River between OTHER AUTHORIZED PROJECTS

was reached on the basic plan. in the Park River basin. A detailed study considering Federal cost of the project is $90,600,000, based on environmental effects, flood protection, area utiliza­ October 1976 prices. As of 30 June 1976, $2,418,800 tion, economic benefits, and farming benefits was had been spent on the project for pre-construction made and resulted in a favorable report. The study planning. was completed in FY 1974. The study report is under review. GRAFTON, NORTH DAKOTA (St. Paul District). The The estimated Federal cost for the project is purpose of this project, which consists of a levee, a $1,105,000, and local maintenance, operation and flood bypass channel, interior drainage facilities, and replacement costs are $1,500, based on September other related features, is to improve flood protection 1973 price levels.

URBAN STUDIES ment, is considerably broader than the scope of the CORPS OF ENGINEERS Urban Studies Program which is the responsibility of URBAN STUDIES PROGRAM the Corps of Engineers. The former embraces the • Urban flood control and floodplain management latter. That this is the case is clear from the table • Municipal and industrial water supply below. In fact, results of the Army's Urban Studies • Wastewater management Program may be thought of as an input into Urban • Bank and channel stabilization Area Comprehensive Planning. • Lake, ocean, estuarine restoration and protection COMPARISON OF SCOPE — • Recreation management and development at civil URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING works projects • Housing • Regional harbors and waterways • Model cities and comprehensive urban site de­ An Urban Study is under way in North Dakota velopment involving the Grand Forks area. A plan of study is • Renewal of urban waterfronts being prepared for the Grand Forks, North Dakota — • Integrated transportation East Grand Forks, Minnesota Urban Water Resources • Health and social services Study. This study will address flood, water supply, and • Land use planning and zoning wastewater treatment problems in a 9-township area • Urban recreation in North Dakota and a 4-township area in Minnesota. • Solid waste management The three and one-half year study is scheduled for • Flood and wastewater management completion in Fiscal Year 1979. • Water supply

WORK UNDER SPECIAL CONTINUING AUTHORITIES mile 17.3 and the confluence with the Sheyenne DAKOTA (St. Paul District). The project is located in River. A southern tributary of the Lower Branch was Pembina County in the extreme northeastern corner also enlarged and straightened in the reach from mile of North Dakota at the junction of the Pembina River 7.5 to the mouth. The existing enlarged Rush River and the Red River of the North, about two and channel was extended upstream about one-half mile one-half miles south of the international boundary. by means of two channel cutoffs to reduce Rush River The project includes a combination levee and flood- stages. The project included bridge and culvert wall about 15,600 feet in length encircling the city and alterations, new bridges, and construction of associated interior drainage facilities including a continuous spoil banks along more than 5 miles of the pumping station, ponding area, and interceptor downstream reach of the improved Lower Branch sewers and ditches; road and street ramps; and a channel. highway and two railroad closures. The project was The Chief of Engineers authorized the project on 5 authorized by the Chief of Engineers on 5 October March 1971 under the authority contained in Section 1971 under the authority contained in Section 205 of 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act, as amended. The the 1948 Flood Control Act, as amended. project was completed in 1973 and cost $1,000,000. Construction began in June 1974, and was completed RED RIVER OF THE NORTH AT PEMBINA, NORTH in 1976 at a Federal cost of $1,975,000.

45 SOURIS-RED-RAINY RIVER REGION SURVEYS UNDER WAY

SURVEYS UNDER WAY alleviate drainage problems; and that the committee PEMBINA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, NORTH DA­ should report to governments through their respective KOTA (St. Paul District). Flood problems exist on the State Departments. After several meetings of the Pembina River below Walhalla. Damages are committee some temporary remedial measures were principally rural but urban developments at Neche and developed. The solution to the larger problem of major Pembina in North Dakota and in Canadian com­ floods was to be identified in the Corps of Engineers munities are affected. Periodic water shortages for report. municipal, industrial, and domestic supplies are ex­ A feasibility report for flood control and related perienced at Neche, Gretna, and Altona, in Manitoba purposes on the Pembina River was completed in and in rural areas during drought periods. Local in­ March 1976. This report recommended construction terests desire a multiple-purpose reservoir above of a dam in North Dakota at or near the Pembina- Walhalla to meet these needs. Cavalier county line southeast of Walhalla for flood Studies of the flood and low-flow problems on the control, together with provisions for water supply and Pembina River date back to the 1930's and have recreation. A compensation area is included in the continued to the present without developing an plan to mitigate the loss of wildlife habitat. This plan acceptable solution. None of the early studies could would be fully compatible with a comprehensive water establish economic feasibility based upon benefits in management and development plan for the Red River the United States portion of the flood plain. Thus, in of the North basin, and is in agreement with recom­ 1962, the Governments of the United States and mendations of the International Joint Commission and Canada directed the International Joint Commission the Souris-Red-Rainy River Basin's Commission. In to investigate and report on the measures which could addition, in the opinion of the members of the be taken to develop the water resources of the International Ad Hoc Committee (including represent­ Pembina River in Manitoba and North Dakota. A re­ atives from both Canada and the United States), the port by the International Joint Commission was com­ recommended plan would relieve some of the pleted in 1967, which recommended as economically problems associated with local diking along the feasible a plan providing for two reservoirs, one in international boundary by providing an improved each country, for flood control, improvement of fish means of removing waters from flood flows. and wildlife, water supply, and irrigation, including a RED RIVER OF THE NORTH (St. Paul District). This conduit and canal system to transport irrigation water flood control general review survey was authorized by to the using areas in both countries. A basis for cost Congressional resolutions in 1950. This basin survey sharing was suggested. To date the Governments pertains to flood control and related water problems of have taken no. action on the cooperative program the entire basin of the Red River of the North. Public recommended by the International Joint Commission. meetings were held in 1950 and 1951. Inter-agency With no action on the study a situation developed cooperation has been ongoing. This general survey whereby local protection works in one country were will develop a plan which will best meet present and redirecting flood overflows at the expense of the other projected water requirements and needs throughout country. The boundary problem and increasing the basin. The survey is due to be completed in tension between concerned interests on both sides of FY 1987. the boundary led to the allocation of funds for the Another important survey is being funded from the Corps of Engineers to initiate a 2-year review of prior above general survey. This is the Forest River, North reports to determine if changed conditions would Dakota survey. The Goose River is susceptible to justify development of a solution independent of frequent flooding particularly on the lower 60 miles. Canada. Flood flows often overtop the channel banks and flood In October 1971, officials from the State Departments adjacent farmland along this more gently-sloping of the two countries and concerned agency repre­ reach of the river. The Goose River survey will sentatives toured the border area, inspected the examine various flood control alternatives and boundary dikes, and recommended that: all unilateral municipal water supply problems. This survey is action affecting the flow of water cease; an inter­ scheduled for completion in FY 1980. Another Red national committee be formed consisting of repre­ River of the North survey, Grand Forks-East Grand sentatives of Federal, State, and local agencies from Forks, is discussed briefly in the Urban Studies both countries; an action program be developed to section.

46 Bowman-Haley Lake 21 Buford-Trenton Irrigation District 32 Burlington Dam, Souris River 43 Cannonball River and Tributaries 32 Channel Improvement, Souris River at Minot 42 Comprehensive Plan, Missouri River Basin 24 Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea 19 Grafton 45 Heart Butte Reservoir 23 Homme Dam and Lake 41 James River and Tributaries 32 Jamestown Reservoir 23 Kindred Lake, Sheyenne River 42 I K I I I Ny/ Lake Ashtabula and Baldhill Dam 40 II \| I )\— /\ Lake Traverse-Bois De Sioux River 39 Lower Branch Rush River 44 Lower Heart River Flood Control 23 Mandan Local Flood Protection 23 Marmarth Local Flood Protection 22 Missouri River Tributaries 15 Missouri River Between Sioux City, Iowa and Fort Benton, Montana 33 Missouri River Between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe 26 Mott, Cannonball River 27 Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe 25 Pemibina River and Tributaries 46 Pipestem Lake 27 Red River of the North 41, 46 Red River of the North at Pemibina 45 Rush River, Lower Branch 44 Scranton 28 Souris River at Minot 42 Souris-Red-Rainy Region 35, 44 Urban Studies 44 Velva 44 Yellowstone River and Tributaries 32

47 48 N PEMBINA

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BURLINGTON RUGBY GRAFTON

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HI LLSBORO HAZEN ^^^OUR/ JAMESTOWN BALDHILL STANTO STEAMBANK EROSION RESERVOIR * 8EULAH CONTROL RUSH GARRISON DAM TO LAKE OAHE \ Lair RIVER I Ashtabula FARGO PIPESTEM I \ z* LAKE \ DICKINSON \ VALLEY CITY BISMARCK JAMESTOWN MANDAN > \ FARGO Edward Arthur Patterson Lake LAKE 2 TSCHIDA * LOWER HEART RIVER

\LISBON KINDRED —-~^|OAHE

6<»S W SCRANTON WAHPETON MOTT LAKE (I LAKE OAHE I TRAVERSE HETTINGER

BOWMAN-HALEY LAKE

AUTHORIZED CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROJECTS UNDER COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION NOT STARTED SCALE IN MILES 10 0 10 20 30 LAKE

LOCAL PROTECTION

CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT LEVEES

HARBOR IN

NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT

OTHER PROJECTS NORTH DAKOTA * A PORTION OF THE STORAGE CAPACITY IN THIS U. S. BUREAU LAKES, RESERVOIRS OF RECLAMATION RESERVOIR IS ALLOCATED TO FLOOD CONTROL U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

ONE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AND OPERATED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS JANUARY 1977 0233 00754 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION MISSOURI RIVER DIVISION