Press Release
☷USACE collaborates with City of Gooding to reduce flood risk improve safety
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Apr 04,2024
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In Gooding , Idaho , a group of people including Lt . Col . ShaiLin KingSlack from the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers , Walla Walla District , Diane Houser ( mayor of Gooding ) , Trevor Missiledine ( prosecuting attorney of Gooding County ) , and Brenda Aquiso ( city treasurer of Gooding ) got together to sign an agreement . This agreement defines the responsibilities and commitments between the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers and the city for a project to fix the channel walls along the Little Wood River . These walls have been causing flooding in the past and pose a safety risk to residents . They also discussed rehabilitating a deteriorating vehicular bridge that contributes to ice jams and potential flooding . The Walla Walla District of the Army Corps of Engineers teamed up with city officials in Gooding , Idaho , to sign an agreement outlining their shared responsibilities for fixing the deteriorating channel walls along the Little Wood River . The project aims to minimize flood risk and increase safety . The canal was originally built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water and protect the community from flooding , but over time , the lava rock walls have deteriorated , causing obstructions and reducing the capacity to carry water . The project has been authorized by the federal government to address these issues and improve the long - term reliability of the canal . The mayor of Gooding expressed excitement about the project , as it will bring relief from the constant fear of flooding . In addition to flood risk reduction , the project will also enhance safety for residents near Gonzales Park , which is located next to the channel . "Part of the wall fell into the canal by the city park , so we had to put up fences on both sides of the park where the children play to keep them from washing into the canal , " Hauser explained . "It ' s been a long journey to get it done , but now it ' s getting done and it ' s going to be safer for our entire community . " Additionally , the project will improve the aesthetics of the waterway , i . e . Enhance channel features that have been depleted by overgrown shrubs , trees , and collapsed channel walls that reduce transport capacity . "When you come to Gooding , you have these overgrown trees that are coming up through the river wall and it ' s an eyesore , and it ' s a pain to clean up , " explained Holly Lierman , who has lived in Gooding for 19 years . "In the winter , ice jams are a big safety issue . ( Ice ) sticks to rocks , and when ( floes ) land on bridges , they clog . " Part of the project will include pinch points on bridge abutments along waterways . address , widen corridors , improve capacity during high water levels , and reduce public safety risks . Under Public Law 84 - 99 , the United States Army Corps of Engineers provides a It has the authority to supplement local efforts . Government ) Flood risk management projects damaged by flood events .
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