Foxholm Prepares for Flooding
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| 4/7/2009 |
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| As county officials learn more about the potential for flooding in the area, they are working with residents to make sure property and homes are protected. The rivers are expected to crest within the next couple of weeks so there is a sense of urgency. The Des Lacs River flowing through Foxholm doesn`t look like much of a threat now. According to the National Weather Service the river is at 5.6 feet. They forecast it could be at about 20 feet by Easter. Residents are worried and have already begun preparing. "Just trying to get sandbags up high enough," says Randy Beeter. Randy Beeter is collecting sandbags for residents in Foxholm. This semi trailer will allow the town some protection when the river rises. Already bags are piled up around homes and along the river banks. "Let her come I guess. It is all we can do. So we are trying our best," says Beeter. County officials are paying close attention to Foxholm. Ward County Highway Engineer Dana Larson told county commissioners today the department is working with residents to make sure they are prepared. "Whether it is using existing flood plain mats and based on those maps, sandbags to this elevation or sandbag a foot above the 100 year flood plan. We are still accessing," says Dana Larson. While Foxholm residents prepare for the worst, they are not the county`s only concern. Luckily, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working alongside the county in flood preparation and mitigation. "It is basically to make sure they are all set up to operate their project as it was intended to function and put in closures. Make sure their pumps are running. At this point to provide technical assistance," says Bonnie Greenleaf, project manager for the Corps of Engineer. As the Des Lacs river flows calmly there is some doubt that a flood event will occur. But residents would rather be safe and dry than sorry and wet. Late Tuesday afternoon Burlington Mayor Jerome Gruenberg issued an Emergency Declaration for the city of Burlington due to the potential of major flooding. There is an immediate need for volunteers to fill sandbags. Sandbagging will take place at the Old Burlington Fire Hall between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. until Friday, April 10th. Des-Lacs students are being bussed to Burlington on April 8th to help. Sandbagging operations continue at the State Fair center in Minot as well. County residents who need sandbags can get them at those locations. For more flood preparation information you can call the Red Cross at 858-9366. |
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