Flood mitigation work advances on Flandreau Creek

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is moving forward with efforts to reduce flooding and erosion along Flandreau Creek, east of the city, where high water has long impacted area homes.
Elizabeth Wakeman, Director of Brownsfield and Water Programs for the tribe, recently met with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to finalize the Flandreau Creek Flood Mitigation Project. The overall goal, Wakeman said, is to divert flood waters away from foundations and basements.
Plans include reshaping the creeks banks with natural slopes, native trees, and plants that slow water flow and prevent erosion.
The project, which we first reported on this past fall, will be funded through a $3 million Tribal Climate Resilience Grant from the BIA. Its one of two grants awarded to support Big Sioux River and tributary restoration.
Project managers believe the improvements will, Help take the energy out of the water as it moves toward the Big Sioux.
The project also includes native grasses and natural drainage systems that promote long-term stabilization and reduce downstream flooding.
Partners include the Army Corps of Engineers, Tribal Housing, the City of Flandreau, local contractors, and the East Dakota Water Development District.
Surveying and early work are expected in the coming weeks.