Corps of Engineers partners with the city of Minot for water improvement

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, and the city of Minot, North Dakota, recently signed a cost share agreement to facilitate a workshop focused on accessing and improving oxbows, or channels, that became disconnected on the Souris River.

In 1979, when the Corps of Engineers and the city of Minot constructed the Souris River flood risk management project, some side channels known as oxbows were disconnected from the river. Over time, these natural features have deteriorated due to lack of flow connectivity, buildup of flood debris and pollutants.

In June, the agreement was executed between the Corps and the city of Minot under the Planning Assistance to States program to address these degraded oxbows. The district and the city hosted a workshop in August to identify and evaluate measures that could enhance water quality and biodiversity within these channels.

The total project cost is $50,000 with the city and federal government evenly splitting the amount.

“The Planning Assistance to States agreement with the city of Minot is an important step in bringing the Corps’ technical assistance capabilities to the city of Minot,” said Karla Sparks, St. Paul District project manager. “The workshop offered low-cost strategies for the city to improve natural water features for flood management and ecological health.”

The Corps delivers national value through its Planning Assistance to States program by supporting sustainable water and land resource management.

-30-