Watertown City Council approves $175,000 for flood control study (Audio)

November 7, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Monday night’s Watertown City Council meeting generated some lengthy discussion about flood control; not a specific plan for protecting the city from future flooding on the Big Sioux River, but rather whether the city should commit more money to a flood control study.

In the end, the council voted unanimously to cut a check for $175,000 to the Army Corps of Engineers so they can continue to study ways to hold back the river during spring flood events.

Mayor Ried Holien says the city can’t afford to do nothing….

Each council member spoke about the importance of being very transparent about what flood control options may be considered, and keeping all landowners informed.

With Monday night’s vote, the city has now committed $200,000 toward the flood control study.

City Engineer Heath VonEye says it’ll take the Corps at least three years to develop a plan.