Fort Thompson campground repairs continue

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FORT THOMPSON — Roughly $1 million in repairs to the Left Tailrace Campground at Big Bend Dam continue with an anticipated completion date by the end of September.

During the Missouri River flood of 2011, the campground sustained damages to roads, camp pads, comfort stations, a lift station, a water plant and the site’s electrical system. As a result of the ongoing repairs, the opening of the campground and its adjoining parking area will be further delayed until completion of the project.

A contract was awarded April 21 for electrical repairs and a general paving of the campground to include the pads and parking area. Due to the complexity and scope of the electrical work, the contract completion date was extended to the end of September.

“We realize that the public appreciates and uses this campground on a regular basis, and we have already fielded many calls on when it might open,” said Keith Fink, the operations manager for Big Bend Dam. “We apologize for any disruption to plans it might cause, but we want to return the campground to the full functionality that the public enjoyed prior to the flood. We will open it as soon as possible, but right now that looks like the end of September.”

Fink said there will still be recreation opportunities available at Big Bend Dam over the summer.

During this time, the Left Tailrace Boat Ramp will be available for use by the public with minimal disruption from paving activities.

The North Shore Campground will also be open to the public and provides paved camp pads with a fire ring at each site and one vault toilet in the campground. There is no fee to camp at North Shore Campground.

Flood-related repair work will be ongoing throughout the summer in the Right Tailrace, Left Tailrace, Spillway Dike, Old Fort Thompson and North Shore Beach recreation areas. The work may occasionally cause area closures and/or congestion.

These repairs are being funded as a result of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act from Congress that was signed by the president Dec. 23.

The Omaha District has established a special execution cell, the Omaha District Systems Restoration Team, to address an estimated $280 million in repairs on 19 levee repair projects as well as $234 million in repairs at mainstems and related flood control structures and projects along the Missouri River. In addition to contracting actions, the team provides the necessary safety and quality oversight on these projects.

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