Long term flood control talks back in play for city of Watertown (Audio)
August 1, 2022
Mike Tanner
WATERTOWN, S.D.–Flood control is back in the news for the city of Watertown.
On Monday night, the City Council approved an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a flood control feasability study.
As a scene setter for the conversation, City Engineer Heath VonEye gave a bit of a history lesson on Watertown’s past flooding issues on the Big Sioux River…
VonEye says the stars are aligned to take another swing at long-term flood control solutions for Watertown…
Councilman Bruce Buhler…
Councilman Randy Tupper says it’s important to remember flood control measures will impact people upstream on the Big Sioux River as well….
The estimated cost of the feasibility study is $1.8 million, which would be split between the federal government, state government and the city.
Hydraulic Engineer Greg Johnson told the council the earliest construction could begin on any flood control plan for Watertown would be 2027 or 2028 in a, “best case scenario.”
