(Okoboji)– It was a flashback to the 1990’s Wednesday evening as the Milford city council and Dickinson county board of supervisors heard from representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DNR about measures taken during the 1993 flood and subsequent reports and recommendations made since then. It all has to do with recent debate over the Lower Gar Outlet and what, if anything, should be done to the structure.
Some questions, including those about potential liability issues, were either vaguely answered or not at all. That was also the case when officials were asked about a legal opinion the DNR has obtained from the Attorney General’s Office that says the road at the outlet (230th Avenue), is impeding the flow of water in violation of Iowa Code.
Roger Kay of the Corps of Engineers reminded everyone improvements made at the outlet of Big Spirit Lake in 1993 greatly reduced any future flood threat on that lake, but the threat on the Okoboji chain remains unchanged. Asked about any potential impact from development that’s taken place since 1993, Kay said that would have to be determined by a study.
Kay also referred to a report the Corps did on the outlet that identified five possible options for changes. Among them is a 110 foot wide bridge, which he says would offer the greatest reduction of flood risk. Having said that, Kay was quick to point out they couldn’t guarantee future performance of any plan selected as they have no jurisdiction over control or maintenance of any alternative that’s selected. He added any option that’s pursued would only REDUCE flood risk, not eliminate it entirely.
Ken Hessenius of the DNR strongly recommended local officials pursue one of the five options outlined in the Corps’ report, stopping short of ruling out a compromise involving additional culverts that would be put in six inches over the height of the dam. Hessenius added that a permit would be required for whatever option is decided upon. He says that would take into consideration any impacts downstream. Hessenius added the permitting process would take atleast six months to complete, making it difficult to start any construction yet this season even if they applied for one now.
The Milford City Council and board of supervisors will meet again this (Thursday) evening in another joint session to further discuss the matter and possibly take action. That meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Milford Community Building.
About 150 people attended Wednesday evening’s meeting in the Lauridsen Theatre at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
