Board hears plan for Little Sioux Riverbank stabilization, approves CDBG application

The Woodbury County Board opened a public hearing and reviewed a proposed riverbank stabilization project at Little Sioux Park following erosion caused by the 2024 flood. Corinne Erickson of Simcoe said the concept combines longitudinal peaked stone toe protection, bendway weirs, live pole plantings and bank shaping to protect the bank, reduce scour and allow vegetation to reestablish.

"The proposed activities will be funded entirely through CDBG disaster recovery funding," Erickson said, adding the application will be submitted on or before 09/16/2026 and requested federal funds total $526,200. She told the board the project would benefit low- and moderate-income residents and estimated 43.1 percent of Woodbury County residents meet that threshold.

The board took no public testimony during the hearing, closed the hearing by motion and then approved a resolution authorizing the county to submit the Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery application by a 5-0 vote. The presentation described the site as north of the boat ramp access at Little Sioux Park and noted no residential displacement is anticipated.