Peace Garden News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), during today’s Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing, amplified a new bill to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-managed facilities. He also underscored the importance of the Snake Creek Embankment to eastern North Dakota's economy and highlighted potential water projects at the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation. Excerpts and full video are below.

Senator Cramer last week introduced the Lake Access Keeping the Economies Strong (LAKES) Act. The bipartisan legislation would provide USACE facilities greater opportunities for public-private investments and give local districts more flexibility to reinvest the fees they collect at recreation sites. Already, it has garnered support from over 25 state and national stakeholders, as well as additional Senate co-sponsors.

“Your team has been very helpful in providing the information and technical support to help us draft the legislation," said Senator Cramer. "A lot of people don't think of the Corps of Engineers as recreational manager but, boy, it's incredible -- some of the best assets we have in North Dakota are your assets. 

"[Our bill] does two things. Basically, it allows the Corps to retain recreation fees at the sites where they're collected -- and this is something [...] that's common throughout the federal government, just not with the Corps of Engineers. The other thing it does is, it gives the Corps more latitude to partner with non-government organizations, support organizations, and nonprofit entities,” he continued. “As a former [North Dakota] Tourism Director, it's hard to exaggerate the value, the incredible resources you have.” 

“Thank you very much. Five agencies have that authority already -- including the Bureau of Reclamation, which has a similar mission, although our recreation mission is significantly larger.” responded Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “Bottom line is, it takes some pressure off of our budget and greatly has the capacity to provide improved services and facilities for those using those recreational facilities. So, we will look forward to taking a look at that legislation, but thank you for thinking of us, because [recreation] is a very important part of our mission.”

Senator Cramer also highlighted Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s water initiatives and invited Assistant Secretary Connor to visit North Dakota to learn firsthand about their work.  

“I spend a lot of time with the Standing Rock Tribe and the leadership there. Chairwoman Janet Alkire, Vice Chairman Frank Jamerson are especially interested in your projects. You’ve said you'd like to go down there, and I really hope we get something scheduled this summer," said Senator Cramer. "I'm very committed to it, and I hope you are as well. They have some wonderful projects, and as you know, they have an incredible water resource.”

“We'll be there for the executive leadership meetings with the Corps this coming week, and I will spend a little bit of time with the tribe,” responded Assistant Secretary Connor. “But, Senator, there's a lot of things going on up there, and I would be happy to make a return engagement with you. I share your views.”

He thanked Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon, Army Corps Chief Engineer and Commanding General, for extending the comment period for the Environmental Assessment of the Snake Creek Embankment through May 18, 2023.

“I've talked to the governor, I've talked to the economic developers, and they're going to get you all the information you need -- at least, the ball is in their court now -- to make a good assessment,” said Senator Cramer. “My only admonition would be to, again, stress the importance of an all-encompassing perspective which recognizes that is water supply for about 50% of the population of North Dakota -- obviously important to economic development… some billions of dollars’ worth of projects will require that water.”

“We remain on path to remove that 43-foot head differential at the Snake Creek Embankment by the end of this calendar year, sir,” responded Lieutenant General Spellmon. “We’ll subsequently update the water control manual, and then we’ll mitigate that risk with an increased inspection regime should the water elevation reach those levels.”

Original source can be found here.