Corps reports on James River study

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session, on Wednesday at 4-p.m., at City Hall, to hear a presentation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s, James River Study, Final Document. Council Member Buchanan was not present.

On hand from the Corps of Engineer’s was Project Manager Jeff Greenwald, said the study was in conjunction with the nine county James River Joint Resource District.

He said the study is in three phases.

They include a two year effort of engineering and environmental analysis, including the flood risk.

The study is at the end of the first phase, with the “Base Line,” conditions, and flood risks, including any flood damages to structures and vehicles.

The next phase of the study concerns alternatives, and a recovery plan.

He added that congress must authorize any project work.

The study will lead to an update in the flood plan mapping.

The study showed a significant rise in the 10 year discharge rate, including recent high flow years in the river in Jamestown.

The volume of water behind Jamestown and Pipestem dams has been trending higher in the last 15 years.

Since 2000 there has been a peak flow of the river in 2009 and high water years of 2010 and 2011.

A 100-year flood figure now is a river flow of 2,940 cubic feet per second. Previously it was 1,800 cubic feet per second.

Greenwald presented to the Council, flood maps and other graphics related to the study.

The three areas were pointed out where permanent flood protection may be feasible. The include…The Anne Carlsen Center, the Island Park development below Jamestown Dam and in the area of Nickeus Park. Additional levee work under the bridge on the road leading to the North Dakota State Hospital would also be considered.

He pointed out that the Corps recommends further federal involvement for a flood risk study.

Continuing the feasibility study will require congressional approval for appropriation of funds, for any flood mitigation construction.

Jamestown and the City of LaMoure would be involved, as the nine county James River Joint Resource Board would be dissolve.

The Corps also recommends finishing the feasibility study, determine project costs and then budget the work.

The State Water Commission could become involved in participation in funding, and other agencies including FEMA may also become involved.

The City of Jamestown would need to submit an application, that would put the city’s share of costs at 25 percent.

The Corps study is available in the report at City Hall.

Mayor Andersen said the study and recommendations by the Corps of Engineers will be discussed at future City Council committee meetings.

Greenwald added that any federal flood control levy that would be installed, would not solve additional flood mitigations efforts, such as temporary levees, during a flood fight, base on scenarios that would occur during a specific flood event.

He said property might still be at risk based on the severity of a flood event.

The presentation was shown live on CSi Cable 67.