Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has been actively monitoring the flooding situation along the Missouri River in the Bismarck-Mandan region. In a recent update, it was noted that the water levels above the ice jam at the Bismarck gauge have remained steady at 15.1 feet, indicating a consistent flow of water through the area.

During this critical time, Senator Hoeven engaged in discussions with John Remus, Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hoeven urged the Corps to take immediate action to address the flooding caused by ice jams along the Missouri River.

In response, Chief Remus provided insights into the current situation, mentioning that water levels are peaking and the Corps is closely monitoring them for any changes. The Corps has already initiated measures to reduce the water releases from the Garrison Dam, with a daily average now set at 22,000 cfs, and further reductions planned for the coming days.

Senator Hoeven emphasized the importance of the Corps' commitment to lowering the releases from the dam to help mitigate flooding effects. He also highlighted the need for transparent communication with the public regarding the Corps' actions moving forward.

"I spoke with Chief Remus to ensure that the Corps takes immediate steps to address rising water levels given the ice jams on the Missouri River," stated Senator Hoeven. "The Corps committed to lower releases from Garrison Dam to help mitigate flooding and we’ll continue pressing the Corps to keep the public informed of their actions going forward."

As efforts to prevent flooding and ensure community safety continue, Senator Hoeven acknowledged the collaborative work with local and state officials in addressing the challenges posed by the ice jams in the region.