By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Water Commission (SWC) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) have announced significant funding assistance for seven low head dam mitigation projects. These initiatives aim to enhance public safety and reduce drowning hazards caused by downstream roller effects.
The funding was part of a total of $9.1 million in cost-share assistance approved during the SWC’s meeting on October 10 in Bismarck, chaired by Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller.
The approved projects include pre-construction cost-share for the Maple and Wild Rice rivers in eastern North Dakota, with allocations of $178,875 and $209,625, respectively. Furthermore, funding was secured for construction projects at Katz Dam on Painted Woods Creek in McLean County, amounting to $136,466. Additionally, four projects on the Mouse River in Minot received a total of $1.1 million.
DWR Director Andrea Travnicek highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, “The Water Commission and Department of Water Resources have made it a point of emphasis to encourage and incentivize low head dam owners across the state to implement roller effect mitigation projects.
The SWC will provide up to 75% cost-share assistance for those types of projects. We’ve seen real progress toward low head dam mitigation efforts statewide in recent years, and we will continue to work with local political subdivisions and cost share partners to address them.”
These mitigation projects are crucial for improving safety and minimizing risks associated with low head dams. The state remains committed to supporting further dam safety initiatives across North Dakota through the SWC’s Cost-Share Program.
For more information regarding funding assistance for low head dam mitigation projects, please contact the North Dakota Department of Water Resources at (701) 328-4989 or via email at dwrcostshare@nd.gov.
Photo Credit:istock-blackjack3d
Categories: North Dakota, General