BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The 2011 flood is a reminder of how important it is to be prepared. Recent insurance mapping by the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows much of Bismarck and Burleigh County’s flood protection infrastructure does not meet FEMA standards.
The main culprit is the floodgate structure along South Washington Street that intersects with the South Washington drainage ditch that has been in place since the 1960s. It doesn’t have any pumping capacity.
FEMA’s mapping indicates this puts much of south Bismarck at the same elevation as the river, which makes it vulnerable to flooding.
“Now we, as part of our process, are analyzing alternatives that would improve that gate structure, as well as do other improvements within that watershed so that we can achieve that FEMA accreditation,” said Bismarck’s City Engineer Gabe Schell.
The two proposals that are currently on the table include a 15-foot deep storage pond on Bismarck Airport property, but Schell said the Federal Aviation Administration came across as “lukewarm, if not cold,” to the proposal, considering the property was built with federal dollars to be used for aviation purposes only.
The second proposal includes building a storage pond and pump station that would displace two Clem Kelly softball diamonds and a community orchard.
“If this project moves forward with that as the chosen alternative, we would look for ways to either mitigate that impact by either putting that water underground in some underground storage or if there’s other opportunities for us to mitigate that impact by putting ball fields at some other location in our community,” said Schell.
Schell has met with the Park Board to discuss their options.
Bismarck Parks and Recreation Executive Director Kevin Klipfel said if the Clem Kelly diamonds were displaced, they have room at the Cottonwood Fields or could consider adding fields in north Bismarck.
The city is still seeking final funding from FEMA. Once they have the money, the city will have three to five years to complete the project.
Copyright 2024 KFYR. All rights reserved.