FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, June 7, 2011

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Office, 605.773.3231

U.S. Coast Guard Closes Portions of Missouri River, Big Sioux River

PIERRE, S.D. – At the request of the State of South Dakota, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local officials, the U.S. Coast Guard has closed portions of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers to recreational boating traffic.

Effective immediately, the Missouri River is closed from Sioux City to Gavins Point Dam. The Big Sioux River is closed from the confluence of the Missouri River to Military Road in the North Sioux City area. These closures are a result of the current flooding event and will remain in place until further notice.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is building protective structures in and around the rivers to mitigate flood damage.  We want to make sure those structures aren’t damaged by boat traffic,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

Daugaard went on to say the rivers are also closed to help protect boaters.

“Our local rescue teams tell us high water levels and strong currents would make water rescues extremely difficult.  The safety of our citizens is always a top priority,” said Daugaard.

The South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks has closed all of its boat ramps in the closed areas.  The state is encouraging local officials to do the same.

People who violate the closure order are subject to civil and criminal penalties.

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