Fort Thompson, S.D. — During the Missouri River Flood of 2011, the Left Tailrace Campground at Big Bend Dam sustained substantial damages to roads, camp pads and the site’s electrical system. The opening of this popular campground and its adjoining parking area will be delayed until July 1, 2012, to allow roughly $1 million in repairs to take place.
A contract for the repairs is anticipated to be awarded in April, and will provide for electrical repairs as well as a general paving of the campground to include the pads and parking area. These repairs are scheduled to be completed prior to July 1.
During this time, the Left Tailrace Boat Ramp will still be available for use by the public with minimal disruption from paving activities.
The North Shore Campground will also be open to the public and provides paved camp pads with a fire ring at each site and one vault toilet in the campground. There is no fee to camp at North Shore Campground.
Flood-related repair work will be ongoing throughout the summer in the Right Tailrace, Left Tailrace, Spillway Dike, Old Fort Thompson and North Shore Beach recreation areas. The work may occasionally cause area closures and/or congestion.
These repairs are being funded as a result of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act from Congress that was signed by the President on Dec. 23, 2011.
The Omaha District has established a special execution cell, the Omaha District Systems Restoration Team, to address an estimated $280 million in repairs on 18 levee repair projects as well as $234 million in repairs at mainstems and related flood control structures and projects along the Missouri River. In addition to contracting actions, the team provides the necessary safety and quality oversight on these projects.
Release no. 20120403-001