FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 27, 2011    

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Officer 605-773-3231

 

 

PIERRE, S.D. – At Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s direction, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources has released a series of maps showing the 100-year floodplain for the Missouri River from Pierre to Sioux City, Iowa.

 

The 100-year floodplain maps are intended to serve as guides for local officials, emergency managers, and private property owners. They are available online at http://disasterrecovery.sd.gov/flood_info.aspx

 

It is important to understand, however, that flooding may affect areas outside of the 100-year floodplain. In the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area, flooding is already projected to impact areas beyond the 100-year and 500-year floodplains.

 

“These maps are a valuable reference for communities and citizens along the river to use as they begin planning for the rising river levels,’’ Gov. Daugaard said Friday. “The elevation of this water upstream is already the highest in the history of the reservoir system, so people should use the maps only as a guide. The river could well rise above the 100-year floodplain.’’

 

Lt. Gov. Matt Michels, a Yankton native, said that while the public’s focus has been on rising water in the Pierre and Fort Pierre areas, those people living along the river downstream from that area should make immediate plans to protect themselves and their property.

 

“I’m telling people to take personal action right now to assess the situation, talk with local emergency managers and implement their own steps to protect themselves and their property,’’ Michels said. “This is not something that may happen. This is a certainty. We know it will happen, and we have a little time downstream to prepare.’’

 

Michels also cautioned residents along the Missouri that the river will be more dangerous than they’ve seen it before.

 

“I don’t care if you think you’re the best river rat ever, this is a whole different river than you know,’’ he said. “Please pay attention to conditions and make safe choices.’’

 

More information will be released to local officials and to the general public as it becomes available. 

 

Those with questions can call the state’s emergency hotline at 1-866-446-5324. For information about flood preparedness, visit http://www.breadysd.com/floods.cfm