Corps of Engineers Chief of Engineers to visit Minot, N.D., April 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief of Engineers and Commanding General Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite will be visiting Minot, North Dakota, Tuesday, April 16.

The Chief will visit the basin and attend a special meeting at Minot Hall with Souris River Joint Water Resource Board and city of Minot officials from 9-10 a.m. Semonite will be available for comments for a short time directly following this meeting. St. Paul District Commander Col. Sam Calkins will accompany him.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, and Souris River Joint Water Resource Board worked in partnership to conduct a feasibility study and develop a flood risk management project for the Souris River Basin. The recommended project that came out of the study includes building a diversion channel along Maple Street parallel to the BNSF Railroad tracks, and a 1,200 foot long earthen levee along the north side of the diversion, river control structures and road and railroad closure structures.

The purpose of the Chief’s visit to the Souris River Basin is to better understand the proposed project. This visit will assist the Chief in determining whether or not he will sign the Chief’s Report required for this project to progress. If signed, the project is sent on to both Congress for authorization.