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Williston seeks federal help after Army Corps reclassifies local levee as a 'dam'
Summary
City officials said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will not recommend Williston’s levee for FEMA accreditation and has classified it as a 'dam,' potentially placing 400–500 structures into high-risk flood zones; commissioners approved hiring Nexxus Consulting at $7,500/month to pursue federal authorization and appropriations.
Williston city officials told the Board of City Commissioners on Dec. 9 that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has informed the city it can no longer recommend the Williston levee for FEMA flood-protection accreditation and now classifies the structure as a “dam.” City Administrator Shawn Wenko warned that, without federal action, FEMA remapping could move roughly 400 to 500 structures into high-risk flood zones, triggering mandatory flood insurance, development restrictions and higher costs for public facilities.
The Corps’ change stems from updated flood-risk modeling and accelerated sediment buildup in the Missouri River, officials said. “The levee is considered a dam the way the corp classifies infrastructure,” AE2S consultant Dave Tuan told commissioners, adding that the Corps did not provide timely updates to the city after earlier reconstruction work.
Wenko said the City cannot realistically navigate the Corps and FEMA processes with internal staff alone and recommended a one-year professional services agreement with Nexxus Consulting to work with the congressional delegation, Corps and FEMA leadership, and to pursue language and funding in the next Water Resources Development Act and annual appropriations. Nexxus proposed a flat $7,500 per month plus reimbursable expenses with a 30-day termination clause.
Tracee Sutton of Nexxus described how Congress’ Water Resources Development Act and the Corps’ National Dam Safety Program could be used to prioritize levee rehabilitation. Officials said coordination would also include AE2S and the North Dakota State Department of Water Resources.
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the one-year contract as presented, subject to attorney review. Wenko and consultants emphasized the timeline is time-sensitive because the next federal water-infrastructure authorization bill is expected in 2026 and because funding and regulatory classifications could otherwise delay meaningful repairs for years.
The administration said it will seek federal reimbursement for eligible costs where possible but cautioned that reimbursement is not guaranteed. The commission did not take any immediate construction actions; the vote authorized outside advocacy and coordination to pursue federal authorization and funding.
