The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District announced it is extending the public comment period for the Lower Brule North Ecosystem Restoration Draft Feasibility Report and Integrated Environmental Assessment and is providing the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for public comment until September 26, 2022. To review or download a copy of the draft feasibility report, environmental assessment, and FONSI visit:
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/21562
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/21369
The purpose of this study is to evaluate alternatives for ecosystem restoration to restore important habitats lost as a result of inundation that occurred when the Lake Sharpe/Big Bend Project was constructed and ongoing bank erosion that is occurring along the banks of the constructed reservoir. All proposed ecosystem restoration alternatives along the banks of the reservoir will require some form of bank stabilization to remain resilient in the highly erosive environment. The shoreline protection associated with the ecosystem restoration features would help to reduce the continued loss of land which is threatening natural resources near the town of Lower Brule.
This feasibility study is being conducted under authority of Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, as amended, also known as the Tribal Partnership Program.
The Tribal Partnership Program is an authority through which the Secretary of Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers) can carry out planning, design, and construction of water resource projects that substantially benefit federally recognized Indian Tribes. Projects can include flood risk management, environmental restoration and protection, preservation of cultural and natural resources, watershed planning and other technical assistance.
All comments or questions must be received by Sept 26, 2022. Mail to: Ms. Amy Bowell-McClean, Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Attn: CENWO-PMA-A, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, NE 68102
Comments or questions can also be emailed to: amy.b.mcclean@usace.army.mil or; cenwo-planning@usace.army.mil
Release no. 22-035