South Dakota Legislator Files Bill on Flooding Notice

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem has introduced a bill that would require the Army Corps of Engineers to notify the public whenever expected high runoff could cause flooding along the Missouri River.

South Dakota’s lone member of the U.S. House says better communication would give people along the river more time to prepare for possible flooding.

The Corps of Engineers, which manages the reservoirs on the Missouri River, has been criticized for not giving people enough warning before last year’s flooding. Above normal mountain snowpack and heavy spring rains caused the flooding.

Noem acknowledges the corps has made changes to improve communication about flows in the river. But Noem says her bill sets standards to require public notice when runoff is expected to be substantially above normal.