District, Valley City, N.D., sign agreement, marking the beginning of a feasibility study along the Sheyenne River

“For a city that has seen its share of devastation from the rising waters of the Sheyenne River, the agreement is much more than a celebration of two entities working together,” reported the local TV station, KVRR. “It is a commitment to saving homes and the possibility of finally having piece of mind.”

The study will be broken into three phases. The first phase, which will cost approximately $500,000, is anticipated to be complete in December 2012. It includes initial data collection, an update to the area hydrology, analysis of the current flood damage risk reduction projects and the development of the initial alternatives. Project alternatives will be compared and evaluated in Phase 2 and a tentatively selected plan will be established. Phase 3 will include the development of that plan.

“[This] is our opportunity to document the existing conditions in Valley City and get a real handle on the level of existing flood risk in the city. This is imperative to accurately tell the story and ultimately to identify the best flood risk management plan,” said Sierra Schroeder, district planner. “In this cost shared study, Valley City will able to leverage Corps’ expertise and experience to complete this important task.”