Williston Advocates Push For Levee Improvements In D.C.

City of Williston officials traveled to Washington, D.C. April 20–23, 2026, alongside Nexxus Consulting, LLC to push for federal action on the city’s levee system and its connection to Garrison Dam.

The delegation included Howard Klug, Tori Siemieniewski, Shawn Wenko, and David Juma, along with consultants Tracee Sutton, Bob Holmes, and Ana Ma.

The levee system was originally built as part of federal flood control tied to dam operations and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Over time, sediment buildup and river changes have reduced its effectiveness, leaving it short of 100-year flood protection and increasing long-term flood risk.

A central issue has been determining responsibility, with uncertainty over whether the problem would be classified as local maintenance or a federal dam safety concern. During the trip, officials met with federal and congressional representatives, including John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, to advocate for federal recognition and funding.

“The City of Williston delegation went to Washington, D.C. to protect our community and our residents,” Klug said. “Without addressing the levee and FEMA floodplain concerns, many homeowners and businesses could have been forced to carry thousands of dollars in additional flood insurance costs. Our goal was simple, protect Williston and make sure our residents are not unfairly burdened by decisions beyond their control.”

A key outcome was formal acknowledgment from the Corps that the levee is a federal asset, allowing the project to move forward under the Dam Safety Program rather than standard maintenance.

The delegation also secured $750,000 in federal funding for an Issue Evaluation Study, including $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2027. The study will assess system deficiencies and outline rehabilitation needs, with total project costs estimated between $200 million and $250 million.

Officials emphasized the levee’s importance beyond city limits, noting it protects water systems serving more than 70,000 residents, major highways, rail infrastructure, energy production, and agriculture across western North Dakota.

“What we’re protecting here goes far beyond city limits,” Siemieniewski said. “This levee safeguards infrastructure that supports energy, transportation, agriculture, and multiple counties across western North Dakota.”

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The project is expected to take several years, beginning with the evaluation study, followed by a dam safety modification study and eventual construction. Officials said securing federal ownership and initial funding represents a critical first step, with continued advocacy needed to advance the project.