BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The North Dakota Water Commission (SWC) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced on October 10 the approval of just under $1.63 million in funding assistance for seven low head dam mitigation projects. These projects aim to enhance public safety and reduce drowning hazards associated with downstream roller effects, and the funds were part of $9.1 million in funding approved at the Water Commission’s meeting in Bismarck, chaired by Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller. Other approvals for cost-share assistance included water supply projects set to benefit multiple cities and a rural water system. The low head dam approvals include pre-construction cost-share for projects on the Maple and Wild Rice rivers in eastern North Dakota, amounting to $178,875 and $209,625, respectively. Funding was also approved for construction projects at Katz Dam on Painted Woods Creek in McLean County, amounting to $136,466, and for four projects on the Mouse River in Minot, totaling $1.1 million. Economic injury disaster loans now available to North Dakota small businesses “The Water Commission and Department of Water Resources have made it a point of emphasis to encourage and incentivize low head dam owners across the state to implement roller effect mitigation projects," said DWR Director Andrea Travnicek. "The SWC will provide up to 75% cost-share assistance for those types of projects. We’ve seen real progress toward low head dam mitigation efforts statewide in recent years, and we will continue to work with local political subdivisions and cost share partners to address them.” For more information about funding assistance for low head dam mitigation projects, you can contact the North Dakota Department of Water Resources at (701) 328-4989 or [email protected]. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW